Northwestern Students, Faculty Attend Social Work Advocacy Day at State Capitol

March 28, 2023

Northwestern Oklahoma State University social work students and faculty were able to meet with State Rep. Carl Newton during the National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD). (Left to right) Sierra Swanson, department chair Dr. Kylene Rehder, Bishop Buck, Rep. Carl Newton, Harlie Altland, Jenna Maier, Melanie Yager and assistant professor Codi Harding.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Department of Social Work students and faculty joined social work students and practitioners from across the state this month at the Oklahoma Capitol for the 2023 National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD).

Social work students and faculty from Oral Roberts University, East Central University, and the Anne & Henry Zarrow School of Social Work from The University of Oklahoma were also in attendance to learn about current legislation impacting the profession of social work and the populations they serve.

The day started with a welcome message from NASW-OK Board President Stacey Blaylock and concluded with meetings with legislators.

Pictured (left to right) are department chair Dr. Kylene Rehder, Melanie Yager, Bishop Buck, assistant professor Codi Harding, Jenna Maier, Harlie Altland and Sierra Swanson.

“Legislative Education and Advocacy Day provides an opportunity for participation in public policy issues and social justice advocacy, both key components of social work education and practice,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the department of social work, said.

Rehder said participating in LEAD provides an opportunity for social work students to engage in macro-level social work and learn effective ways to advocate for populations; as well as allowing students to understand how to access public policy and interact with their legislators.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work program, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu.

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480