Advocacy Day Marks a Meaningful Step in Social Work Students’ Policy Engagement

What began as an early morning departure from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work parking lot turned into a day of meaningful dialogue, connection, and advocacy at the Texas Capitol. More than 50 students from the BSW, MSW programs, both online and in-person traveled to Austin to participate in the NASW-TX Social Work Advocacy Day, an event organized by the National Association of Social Workers that brings students and professionals together to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for legislation impacting communities.

Joining faculty and staff for a full day of engagement, students met with legislators and gained firsthand experience in how policy is shaped and influenced. Organized efforts leading up to the day ensured students arrived prepared to discuss key issues, including social work workforce development, criminal justice reform, food-secure communities, and social work internship stipends. Once at the Capitol, students broke into small groups and stepped into conversations with legislative offices, bringing both their academic preparation and lived experiences into the policy space while helping represent the voices of the populations they serve.

In a meeting with the chief of staff from Representative Terry Wilson’s office, one group of 13 students shared candid perspectives on the challenges of practicum placements and the financial barriers many students face. Their discussion emphasized the importance of stipends, particularly through Senate Bill 153, the Social Work Intern Practicum Stipend program. He listened attentively and offered practical guidance on effective advocacy, encouraging students to use clear, measurable data and to communicate in ways that resonate with legislative audiences. 

Another group met with the legislative director for Representative Pat Curry’s office to discuss the Social Work Licensure Compact. The conversation pointed toward future possibilities, with the director expressing openness to supporting the compact in the next legislative session and even raising the potential for sponsoring related legislation. The exchange highlighted how policy can directly influence the strength and accessibility of the social work workforce.

Advocacy Day ultimately reflected the Garland School’s broader mission: bridging practice with policy and preparing students to engage systems that impact individuals and communities ... a powerful reminder of the role social workers play, not only in serving others, but in shaping the policies that support them.

Students also engaged in a thoughtful discussion on hunger and food insecurity during a visit with staff from Representative Joanne Shofner’s office. Partnering with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, the group explored both immediate and long-term solutions to an issue affecting more than 5.3 million Texans. When asked what single action could help end hunger, students pointed to food waste recovery as a practical step, while also emphasizing policy solutions such as implementing Summer EBT in Texas.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated preparation, professionalism, and a clear commitment to advocacy. Conversations were not only informative but collaborative, with students contributing ideas and solutions while gaining insight into the legislative process.

Advocacy Day ultimately reflected the Garland School’s broader mission: bridging practice with policy and preparing students to engage systems that impact individuals and communities. What began as a day of scheduled meetings became a powerful reminder of the role social workers play, not only in serving others, but in shaping the policies that support them.