LEAD 2025

The National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter (NASW-PA), is excited to invite your institution to participate in Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2025, taking place in person on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. This impactful annual event brings together nearly 500 social work students and professionals from across the Commonwealth to advocate for legislation that supports the social work profession and its clients.

Please let us know if you and/or your institution will be participating in this year’s event and provide the name and contact information of the point person we can reach out to for coordination. Your timely response will help us ensure a smooth and impactful experience for all participants.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
• Location: Harrisburg, PA (March begins at City Island)
• Schedule (Subject to Change):
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Meet at City Island by the foot bridge to Harrisburg
• 11:00 AM: March to the Capitol
• 11:30 AM: Rally (outdoors, rain or shine – please dress accordingly)
• Legislative meetings with state legislators will follow the rally.

LEAD Registration

• $15 individual registration fee is inclusive of all trainings, the in-person events, and access to all LEAD materials such as the attendee website
• ALL ATTENDEES should register regardless of who is paying their registration fee.

Universities who wish to pay for their students can do so either by invoice for all students registered from your school, or may receive an unlimited number of registrants by signing up as a sponsor (see details of sponsorship below). Please share with your students in advance if the university will be paying their registration fee, and instruct them to select "my university is paying for me" when registering. Contact Alicia Newkam at anewkam.naswpa@socialworkers.org to set up payment.

Why Attend LEAD?

LEAD provides a unique opportunity for students and professionals to engage in legislative advocacy and learn about the law-making process. Participants will:

• Advocate for NASW-PA's legislative priorities, including licensure, practice protection, and health care equity.
• Meet with state legislators to discuss the importance of social work legislation and its impact on the Commonwealth.
• Network with peers and professionals from social work programs and organizations statewide.

NASW-PA will coordinate all legislative meetings for attendees, ensuring a seamless advocacy experience.

Lead Up to LEAD Schedule

LEAD attendees will once again have the opportunity to participate in up to five training sessions prior to LEAD. All trainings will also be recorded and posted to the LEAD Attendee page.

• Monday, March 17, 11:00 am "What to Expect at LEAD & Preparing to Advocate"
• Tuesday, March 18, 11:00 am "The State of Mental Health Funding in Pennsylvania"
• Wednesday, March 19, 11:00 am "HB 66: Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training (SWEET) Program"
• Thursday, March 20, 11:00 am "Social Work Interstate Compact" Confirmed Special Guest: Rep. Aerion Abney
• Friday, March 21, 11:00 am "Why Social Workers Make Good Advocates – Utilizing Micro Skills in Macro Work"

Advocacy Issues for 2025

• Social Work Interstate Compact: HB 554 and a companion bill coming soon in the Senate: Allows Pennsylvania licensed social workers at all levels to join the Interstate Compact, which allows social workers to practice in any state that has joined the Compact. 22 states have joined as of February 2025.
• HB 66 Social Worker Educational Enrollment & Training Program: Creates a new program in Pennsylvania that would provide funding to students during their field placements to ease the economic burden.
• Mental Health Funding: Supporting proposals to increase mental health funding.

Visit our legislative priorities page for more information on these bills.

Other Preparations for LEAD/Classroom Visits

Staff and volunteers may be able to visit classrooms prior to LEAD for a brief training. For scheduling inquiries, please contact Tim Chambers at intern2.naswpa@socialworkers.org.

Sponsorships and Advertisements:

Showcase your university or organization and support this event by becoming a sponsor or advertiser. There are several levels of sponsorship available. Please contact Rachel Rhodes and Lisa Miller for more information at rrhodes.naswpa@socialworkers.organd lmiller.naswpa@socialworkers.org.

LEAD T-Shirts, Etc.

LEAD t-shirts, sweatshirts, and raglan shirts are available for purchase. Note that merchandise is ordered print-on-demand and can't be guaranteed to arrive before LEAD.

We would love for your students and faculty to join us in Harrisburg for this incredible day of learning and advocacy. For more information about LEAD 2025 and NASW-PA’s legislative agenda, please visit our website or contact Johanna Byrd at jbyrd.naswpa@socialworkers.org.

Thank you for your continued support of social work education and advocacy. We look forward to seeing you at LEAD 2025!