Earlier
this semester, a group of undergraduate and graduate students in Eberly
College’s School of Social Work traveled to the West Virginia State Capitol to
attend Social Work Advocacy Day, hosted by the WV chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
The students participated together alongside professional social workers from across the state. Through a diverse group of speakers from social organizations across West Virginia, the students learned advocacy skills and put them into practice during their discussions with lawmakers.
The students also
gained insights into the legislative process and the ways in which policy
decisions directly impact social workers and the clients they serve through
observing the floor of the House of Delegates during a legislative
session. The trip gave them real-world experience beyond the classroom,
enabling them to witness firsthand how knowledge translates into outreach
efforts, community organizing, advocacy, and social action.
“Our students
were able to see the power of advocacy and build confidence through sharing
their professional thoughts and opinions with their state legislators,” said
Dr. Megan Fabbri, assistant professor of social work. “I hope the experience
showed them that it is possible to make change, especially if we work together."
