Social Work students gain experience advocating to legislators for policy change

LEAD Day allows social work students to learn more about the legislative process and understand the importance of advocacy by gaining experience at the statehouse. Social workers are vital to social justice progress, and this event gives social workers a chance to lobby for policy changes that are important to their clients.

“By going to this event, students learn in a way they can’t any other way; they learn it is not hard to talk to legislators,” Byers said. “They can use their social work skills to engage and interact with legislators.”

This year students from the IU School of Social Work gathered at the courthouse to learn more about proposed legislation, explore the Indiana State House, and hear from members of the general assembly at the rally.

Rachel Walters, a 2020 MSW graduate, spoke during the event. In her speech, she stated, “Being involved in political advocacy is a necessary component of being a social worker. In fact, the emanation or origination of social work started with this work. It is in our DNA. So, let us stand in solidarity with each other – working towards a more just world.”