LEAD Social Work Legislative, Education and Advocacy Day

This presentation was created by members of the LEAD committee to help prepare for LEAD

LEAD (Legislative Education and Advocacy Day) isan annual event planned by a dedicated group of professionals working through the NASW-Indiana Chapter.

The first LEAD was Feb. 2, 2000 with 200 participants.

In 2009 LEAD had over 600 participants from around the state.

Promoting social justice by facilitatingparticipation in the legislative process.

Creating community and legislative environments where social work values are accepted and implemented.

Educating participants about the importance of influencing state policy by participating in the electoral process and advocating for statewide actions.

Registration, Light refreshments at IUPUI State house tours will be available morning and

afternoon General Session Boxed Lunch, Appointment with your

legislator, Attend legislative session or Committee hearings

To make LEAD a valuable learning experience, you are participate in as many of the option agenda items as possible

It is also important to schedule meetings with legislators prior to LEAD

Morning general session

Where we are in the legislative session

Importance of social work involvement in legislative and political processes

Social Work professionals, Advocates, and Legislators will discuss issues of social justice

and social policy issues.

Opening Session

Lunch at the Statehouse

Travel to State House

In North Atrium of State House general session and speeches from legislators & advocates

Individual meetings and discussions with legislators

Opportunities to watch legislative process “in action” depending on legislative schedule

• Find out who represents you at the General Assembly – your Representative and Senator.

• Make contact (email or phone) to schedule time to talk on February 10th.

• Review legislation being considered by the General Assembly. Legislation is available online at www.in.gov/legislative/

• Find out about your legislator’s position on issues of concern to you.

Contact legislators to set up appointments following the LEAD General Session.

Prepare talking points on specific legislation to discuss with legislator.

Write a letter or email to legislator on bill prior to your meeting.

Being in the State House and seeing the process in person made class discussion real

Meeting legislators and learning they are accessible and interested in constituent views

Seeing all the other students and faculty there and recognizing the power of numbers

Hearing from NASW leadership and identifying with the profession

Feelings of empowerment and increased confidence in own policy practice skills

Direct observation of the complex policy process, making policy class come alive

Making the connection between policy and practice

“We can make a difference.” Recognition of the need and the ability to be involved in policy development

How to do research and policy analysis How to meet with a legislator & build a

relationship How to write an action letter or email How to collaborate and network with others How and when to influence the legislative process How to navigate the system – get information

• Byers, K. (2000). “Lobby Day 2000: Organizing and mobilization strategies that work.” Paper presented at Politics, Policy, and Social Change: An Institute for Social Work Educators and Practitioners, Atlanta, GA, June 17-20.

• Byers, K., Hymans, D., Wagner, M. (2001). “400 voices at the State House: Empowering students in policy practice.” Paper presented at the 2001 Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education, Dallas, TX, March 8-11.

• Cummins, L. & Byers, K. (2000). “Teaching policy practice skills: An integrated model.” Presentation at the IASWE Annual Program Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, October 6.

• Dickinson, J. & Byers, K. (2001). “Educating Students to Influence State Policy: What is the Status in BSW Programs.” Presentation at The Policy Conference: Bringing It All Together, Charleston, SC, June 16-19.

• Keller, T. (2001). Student debates in policy courses: Promoting policy practice skills and knowledge through active learning. Journal of Social Work Education, 37, p343+ (electronic version)

• Rocha, C. (2000). Evaluating experiential teaching methods in a policy practice course: The case for service learning to increase political participation. Journal of Social Work Education, 36, p.53+ (electronic version)

Keller, T. (2001). Student debates in policy courses: Promoting policy practice skills and knowledge through active learning. Journal of Social Work Education, 37, p343+ (electronic version)

Rocha, C. (2000). Evaluating experiential teaching methods in a policy practice course: The case for service learning to increase political participation. Journal of Social Work Education, 36, p.53+ (electronic version)