On Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9, students and staff from Barry University’s School of Social Work traveled to Tallahassee to participate in the National Association of Social Workers (Florida chapter) Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day.

An annual event, LEAD Day provides student and professional social workers an opportunity to advocate for important issues affecting their profession and those they serve.

The event included a two-part training session on effective legislative advocacy methods, breakfast at the Florida Capitol building, a rally on the steps of the Capitol, and individual meetings with Florida legislators.   

Speakers at the rally included state Sens. Darren Soto and Lisbeth Benacquisto; Elizabeth Hoffler, special assistant to the executive director of the National Association of Social Workers; and Barry’s own Dr. Mitchell Rosenwald, president of the National Association of Social Workers, Florida Chapter.

Barry students and staff met individually with Florida state Rep. Rick Stark and Florida Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis prior to the rally.

In addition to Rosenwald, Barry School of Social Work staffers who made the trip included Maria Teahan, graduate program director, and Jennifer Williams, undergraduate program director.

The NASW is the largest organization of professional social workers. The Florida chapter represents 5,800 social workers in the state and is committed to advancing the profession and practice of social work in Florida. Visit the School of Social Work's Facebook page for mor einformation and pictures from their trip.