Legislative Lobby Days

USC School of Social Work

Sunday, April 11, 2010 : 8:00am to 4:30pm; Monday, April 12, 2010 : 8:00am to 4:30pm

The Radisson Hotel & State Capitol
Sacramento, CA


Legislative Lobby Days is a two-day event that educates students and professionals about important legislation affecting clients and the social work profession. This a great opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and get a "hands-on" lobbying experience of talking with state legislators about important policy issues.

Sunday, April 11:   Learn the basics of lobbying and prepare for legislative appointments.
Monday, April 12:   Attend the social action rally and legislative appointments at the State Capitol. Attendees must attend Sunday to participate in Monday's appointments.

Reasons to Attend

  • Discover the legislative process and how to lobby legislators.
  • Learn about important legislation that affects social workers and the clients they serve.
  • Find out how all social workers, students, clinicians, organizers, and managers can have an impact on state policy.
  • Meet legislators, their staff and other important political contacts in Sacramento. Network with other social workers and "Stand Up For Others" on important social issues!
  • Earn up to 8 CEUs - 3 for Sunday only; 6 if you attend both Sunday and Monday; 8 for being a Team Leader.
What is a Legislative Appointment?
A legislative appointment is a meeting in a legislator's office where you, as a National Association of Social Workers advocate, can educate and lobby legislators on key issues affecting social work professionals and our clients. You will be representing NASW on specific issues of great importance to the California Chapter. During the registration process, you can request an appointment with a legislator where you will have the opportunity to educate and advocate on the issues you learn about during Sunday's presentation. Participants will not have to go to a legislative appointment alone! You will be teamed up with other participants and a Team Leader, who will assist you in preparing for your legislative appointment on Sunday and at the actual appointment on Monday. On Sunday afternoon, there will be interactive and small group sessions with your team to prepare you for your legislative appointment on Monday.

Legislative Appointment Rules
NASW makes every effort to schedule legislative appointments with the attendee's local Assembly member or Senator; however, they are extremely busy and their availability is dependent upon many factors. Please read the following
considerations:
  • The hour of your legislative appointment will be given to you on Sunday, April 11.
  • Appointments will be scheduled any time from 8:30am - 4:00pm on Monday, April 12.
  • NASW cannot guarantee the time of day or with whom your appointment will be scheduled on Monday, except that all appointments will be concluded by 4:30pm. Please keep this in mind as you make your travel arrangements.
  • You will be lobbying NASW-CA approved policy topics during your appointment. Remember you are representing NASW, not your employer or school.
  • Please go to the appointment for which you are assigned. No changes or substitutions will be made at the event.
  • On Monday, please wear business or professional Attire for visits to the Capitol.

Legislative Lobby Days topics are chosen by the NASW-CA Legislative Committee and are typically the priority policy issues for NASW-CA during that legislative year. Priorities are based on several factors including, but not limited to, need, trend, budget, diversity and viability. Legislative topics are developed in the fall for introduction in January/February of each year. Lobby Days topics will be finalized shortly after the deadline to introduce legislation for the 2010 Legislative Session. Background materials will be available no later than a week before the event.

USC School of Social Work Attendees
Student Org will charter a bus that leaves UPC on April 10 and also provide a registration discount code for anyone interested in attending the event. Students, watch your email for more details! Bus and room packages will be available at affordable rates. Those in attendance are invited to a special dinner on April 11 hosted by Student Org.