UTCSW faculty members Dr. Robert Lucio, Dr. Zibei Chen, and Professor Tami Walker recently took a group of 20 social work graduate and undergraduate students to Washington, DC for the Leadership Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) activities.  This “alternative spring break” allowed students to apply their advocacy skills to the promotion of social justice issues. During their visit to our nation’s capital, CSW students met with members of congress and their aides, NASW’s policy team, the Human Rights Campaign, the Commissioner for the Administration of Children and Families, and several lobbying/advocacy groups. Through this experience the students had a fantastic opportunity to learn about current legislation, the legislative process, lobbying and advocacy activities, and the intersection of social work research, policy, and practice.