Northwestern Social Work finishes celebration of Social Work Month at Capitol

April 9, 2025

Social work students and faculty from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Oral Roberts University are pictured with Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (center left) and Rebekah Williams (center right), Ombudsman Systems Advocate.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Social Work helped celebrate Social Work Month this March with the theme “Social Work: Compassion + Action.”

Members finished that celebration by recently attending the 2025 Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

The annual Social Work Month campaign is a time to inform the public, policymakers, and legislators about the profession of social work. LEAD provides an opportunity for social work students and professionals to gather to learn about the legislative process and advocate for key issues by engaging with lawmakers and their staff.

The day was filled with talks from several senators and representatives, a visit with Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and concluded with a dome tour arranged by Rep. Carl Newton. 

“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,” said Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the department of social work.

The social work profession is one of the fastest-growing in the United States, with projections indicating that more than 800,000 people will be employed as social workers by 2033. These professionals are not only key in delivering essential mental health services, but are also advocating for initiatives such as the Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact to enhance mental health care delivery nationwide.

“Social work is a profession that empowers individuals, strengthens families, and transforms communities,” Rehder said. “As we celebrate the profession of social work, we recognize the incredible impact social workers have in improving lives, advocating for social justice, and providing vital support to those in need. Social workers are the bridges that connect people with resources to thrive and foster systemic change.”

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

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