The social work program took a Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) trip to Washington, D.C. during spring break. This trip provided students with invaluable first-hand experience in legislative and advocacy processes. The trip focused on real-world policy impact, empowering the social work students to become effective.
Students met with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), gaining insights into the organization’s national advocacy efforts and social workers’ critical role in shaping policy.
The trip included meeting directly with legislative offices from 10states, including 23 congressional office visits. These meetings allowed students to build relationships with policymakers by establishing connections that can be leveraged for future advocacy efforts.
Additionally, they gained a deeper understanding of the political landscape by learning how to navigate the complexities of government and influence policy decisions.
The trip highlights the importance of social workers engaging in the advocacy process to create change. LEAD trips provide transformative experiences and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective change agents.