Social Work Lobby Days

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, the Social Work Program prepares students to be compassionate professionals and courageous advocates for social change. Grounded in the values of service, justice, and human dignity, the program emphasizes not only clinical practice, but also the power of policy and advocacy to transform lives and communities.

Policy in Action: NASW Lobby Days 💼
A cornerstone of this preparation are Legislative Lobby Days hosted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), an annual experience integrated into SW111: Social Welfare Policy coursework and held each April. Lobby Days bring classroom learning to life by giving students hands‑on experience in policy practice and real‑world advocacy.

Students begin with a full day of preparation led by NASW, where they learn how to lobby effectively, communicate with legislators, and advocate ethically and confidently. In SW111, students also engage deeply with current social issues and recent legislation — examining bills from the past two years so they can identify concrete policy priorities aligned with social work values.

Following this preparation, students have the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Sacramento and meet directly with state senators and legislative staff. There, they put theory into action by practicing their advocacy skills, sharing their perspectives, and seeing firsthand how policies are shaped.

Lobby Days are a statewide experience, bringing together undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities across California. For Mount students, it is often a defining moment that reinforces their role as advocates and future leaders in social justice.

Why Your Support Matter 🤝
Participation in NASW Lobby Days has a profound impact, but it also comes with real costs, including travel, registration, and preparation materials. On Mount Day of Giving, your support helps ensure that this transformative experience remains accessible to Social Work students.

Gifts designated for NASW Lobby Days allow the Social Work Program to continue preparing students to:

• Connect policy practice with frontline social work
• Advocate effectively for vulnerable populations
• Engage confidently in civic and legislative processes

By supporting NASW Lobby Days, you are investing in students who will carry Mount values into the halls of government and use their voices to advance justice, equity, and systemic change.