Sixty-one USF social work students traveled to Tallahassee for Legislative Education and Advocacy Days (LEAD), where they presented at a training, listened in on committee meetings, and met with legislators.
USF Master of Social Work students were selected to present at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) training on one of NASW's priority bills, SB 0068 Social Work Compact. The Social Work Compact would allow social workers to more freely provide services to clients outside of their home state, supporting flexibility for traveling licensed social workers.
"This is important because there are some areas that desperately need specialized care in areas, such as substance use, and are unable to receive the care they deserve because there are no local providers," said Academic Services Administrator Lou Hernandez, MSW, RCSWI.
The second day of LEAD, students visited the Florida Capitol where they were able to sit in on committee meetings and arrange their own meetings with legislators. Several students reported that the smaller discussions they were able to coordinate felt truly impactful and like they made a difference.
Almost 600 students from around the state attended LEAD, which is organized and sponsored by the Florida chapter of NASW.