The students and faculty of St. Edward’s University Social Work Program participated in the annual Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD), an event organized by the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-TX).
This event aims to educate and motivate current and aspiring social workers to advocate for important policies and legislation while providing opportunities for networking within the social work community.
This year, the theme of SWAD was “Serving All Texans: Unity through Action,” reflecting the mission of NASW-TX to empower social workers to engage in transformative change and ensure that resources and support are accessible to all Texans.
Kicking off the day at 9 a.m., attendees gathered at the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium at the University of Texas.
The day’s program featured a welcome address from NASW-TX executive director Will Francis, a spirited contest among participating schools, and the presentation of the Andrews Marks Student Advocacy Award.
Government Relations Director Bryan Mares engaged the audience with a presentation on the impact of members’ advocacy efforts on legislative policies and shared insights into the ongoing Texas Legislative Session.
This was followed by an interactive discussion panel, featuring four policy advocates who addressed current social and political issues as well as shared valuable advice for effective advocacy and activism amid today’s political landscape.
After a brief lunch break, participants headed to the South Steps of the State Capitol for the SWAD rally and resource fair.
The atmosphere was vibrant with students and faculty presenting creative signs while listening to speakers ranging from students to seasoned activists and social workers addressing pressing social issues such as immigration policy, reproductive health, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Additionally, these speakers advocated for improvements in pay and quality of work for those in the social work field.
St. Edward’s students and faculty had the opportunity to meet with Representatives Gene Wu and Lulu Flores to pose questions and discuss important upcoming hearings related to the Texas Legislative Session, emphasizing their desire to be actively involved.
Associate Professor of Social Work, Natalie Beck Aguilera, highlighted the importance of SWAD in empowering students to engage with state and local officials.
“I think it’s so important because it helps break down the barriers to accessing the Capitol and our representatives,” Beck said.
She emphasized how the intimidating environment of the Capitol could deter engagement, but participating as a group makes it less daunting, paving the way for future encounters with representatives.
The significance of SWAD extends beyond gaining experience and skills essential for students’ future careers in social work; it also shows them how they can make a positive impact on their community and fellow students on campus.
Senior Maggie Rittmeyer, president of the Social Work Student Association, noted how SWAD serves as an inspiration for social work students like herself.
“It can be very motivating, especially when it just feels like we’re constantly being met with obstacle after obstacle,” Rittmeyer remarked.
She underscored the importance of solidarity, knowing that there are peers actively fighting for their rights and supporting one another in the face of adversity.
The overarching takeaway from SWAD highlights that social work is not confined to micro-level interactions but can create broader change through collective efforts.
Associate Professor Laurie Cook Heffron expressed that SWAD serves to reignite the roots of activism and advocacy within the social work community.
“We’re re-engaging with those roots of activism and advocacy in social work,” Heffron noted.
She emphasized that SWAD structurally fosters collaboration among social work professionals across the state, reminding them of the importance of practicing advocacy skills collectively.
SWAD ultimately reinforces the idea that social workers have the power and capability to bring about significant, positive changes in society.
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