LEAD Social Work Legislative, Education and Advocacy Day This presentation was created by members of the LEAD committee to help prepare for LEAD February 18, 2009

11 th Annual LEAD February 10, 2010 Indianapolis New Format! New Location! New LEAD !

What is LEAD? LEAD (Legislative Education and Advocacy Day) is an 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 2008 LEAD had over 625 participants from around the state.

Indiana LEAD Goals Promoting social justice by facilitating participation 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.

11 th Annual LEAD February 10, 2010 Indianapolis LEAD will take place at the Indiana Statehouse !

 This year, we will implement an option agenda.  What is an option agenda?  It is an agenda that gives the participant a framework of choice;  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, we expect you to participate in as many of the option agenda items as possible  It is also important to schedule meetings with legislators prior to LEAD LEAD Day Schedule

 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. LEAD Day Schedule

Opening Session Lunch at the Statehouse

LEAD Day Schedule  Travel to State House

LEAD Day Schedule  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

Ways to prepare for LEAD Find out who represents you at the General Assembly – your Representative and Senator. Make contact ( or phone) to schedule time to talk on February 10th. Review legislation being considered by the General Assembly. Legislation is available online at Find out about your legislator’s position on issues of concern to you.

Ways to Prepare for LEAD  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 to legislator on bill prior to your meeting.

11 th Annual LEAD February 10, 2010 Indianapolis New Format! New Location! New LEAD!

Feedback From LEAD Participants  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

Feedback From LEAD Participants  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

Specific policy practice skills developed  How to do research and policy analysis  How to meet with a legislator & build a relationship  How to write an action letter or  How to collaborate and network with others  How and when to influence the legislative process  How to navigate the system – get information

11 th Annual LEAD February 10, 2010 Indianapolis

Related Research and Papers 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 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 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 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)

References…  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)

11 th Annual LEAD February 10, 2010 Indianapolis