State Representative Visit

State Representative Daphne Campbell, represents Florida’s 118th District, which includes Barry University. Rep. Campbell has been a vocal supporter of Barry University in Tallahassee and has consistently welcome Barry students to her Capitol Building office during the yearly National Association of Social Workers-Florida Chapter’s Lobby Day. In addition, several Barry social work students who have volunteered in Rep. Campbell’s local/district office state that the opportunities to serve many of the community residents has enhanced their academic work.

Representative Campbell came to Barry at the invitation of faculty member Fabio A. Naranjo, to speak to his BSW Community Organization class. Ms. Campbell spoke for one hour about the needs of the 118th district residents, her work on behalf of Barry University, legislation that she has sponsored, her advocacy efforts to improve conditions for those most in need, her legislative plans for 2013 and to request the help of the students to volunteer in her office.

Representative Campbell’s visit to Barry is a good example of the symbiotic relationship between the University, the community at large and its publicly-elected officials. The students derive additional learnings from such visits as they increase their understanding of the legislative and policy-making processes, the role of community-based work in improving local conditions, civic engagement and connecting Barry University’s motto LEARN - REFLECT - SERVE to real-world experiences.

In attendance on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 were 20 students registered for the Community Organization class (SW-425) and later the class was joined by Dr. Phyllis Scott, Dean of the School of Social Work, and Ms. Constance Johnson, Assistant to the Dean.