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Come to Harrisburg and affect your future. Join NASW-PA as we advocate for the rights, privileges and protection of the social work profession. Last year, 500 social work students and professionals came to Harrisburg for Legislative Advocacy Day. As we work towards a practice act, it is critical we exceed this number in 2012. Join us on Tuesday March 27, 2012, to advocate for Senate Bill 922.
What will Senate Bill 922 do?
- Protect the practice of social work in Pennsylvania so that only a licensed social worker can provide social work services. SB 922 clearly defines "social work services."
- Provides a license for social workers with bachelor's degrees to perform generalist social work services.
- Clearly explains appropriate roles for licensed bachelor's social workers, licensed master's social workers, and licensed clinical social workers.
- Creates the expectation of licensure already in place for most other professions, such as nurses, occupational therapists, doctors, speech therapists.
43 states have practice protection. 34 states have BSW licensure.
More information on Senate Bill 922/Comprehensive Practice Act:
Where is SB 922 in the legislative process?
Senate Bill 922 is awaiting action in the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. NASW-PA is working with several other associations to promote practice protection.
The morning session of Legislative Advocacy Day begins at The Forum, located on 500 Walnut Street in Harrisburg. The forum is located directly adjacent to the Main Capitol. Following this brief session, groups will walk to the Main Capitol. Click here for a map of the Capitol Complex.
Agenda:
- 7:30 - 8:30am: Registration and continental breakfast
- 8:30 - 8:40am: Welcome from Gwen Phillips, LCSW, President of NASW-PA
- 8:40 - 9:25am: Legislative process overview/talking points on social work bills with Jenna Mehnert, MSW, ACSW, Executive Director of NASW-PA
- 9:30am - 12:30pm: Attend committee meetings and legislative visits: a list of committee meetings will be provided when registering. NASW-PA will arrange legislative visits on behalf of schools. Working professionals not affiliated with a college or university may schedule their own appointment or NASW-PA can schedule this additional meeting.
- 11am - 1pm: Attend House and/or Senate session/lunch/legislative visits: The House and Senate go into session at 11am. Social workers may watch House and Senate sessions live from the chamber galleries located on the 4th floor.
- 1 - 2pm: Rally in the Rotunda: Remarks will be given by Jenna Mehnert as well as invited members of the General Assembly. The rally will focus on practice protection, bachelor's level licensure, and elevating the social work profession in Pennsylvania.
Do's and Don'ts for Legislative Advocacy Day:
- Do: Be familiar with the legislative agenda and know what you are advocating for. Even though there are many different issues, stay on task and dicsuss issues involving the social work profession.
- Don't: Get discouraged if there are parts that you are unsure of or don't understand. Contact Justin at (717) 232-4125 or justin@nasw-pa.org with any questions.
- Do: Visit committee meetings and session to observe the legislative process. The day will go quickly so take in as much as possible.
- Don't: Let the day go by without doing much. This is your chance to see how government affects the practice of social work.
- Do: Remain confident, courteous, and professional when visiting legislators or staff.
- Don't: Be afraid or think you shouldn't be there. Legislators are everyday working professionals, only they work on our behalf. Take charge of your scheduled appointment!
- Do: Enjoy everything the day has to offer--have fun!
   
Questions? Call Justin at (717) 232-4125 or email justin@nasw-pa.org
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