Northwestern social work students, faculty, alumnae attend ‘LEAD’ event

April 5, 2019

Social work students, alumnae and faculty attending the National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) were (left to right) department chair Dr. Kylene Rehder, Denise Tyrell, Jennifer Ruppel, Jordan Koehn, Keliah Pool, Alicia James, Elizabeth Fox-Shipley, Jessica Goodballet, alumna Sierra Miller, alumna Annie Moss, alumna Dana Kausek, and director of field education Jennifer Pribble.

Many social work students and practitioners from across the state gathered this month at the Oklahoma Capitol for the 2019 National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD).

Social work students, alumnae and faculty from Northwestern Oklahoma State University were among the attendees ready to learn about current legislation impacting the profession of social work and the populations they serve. 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 they will potentially serve; as well as allowing students to understand how to access public policy and interact with their legislators.

“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, associate professor of social work and chair of the department of social work, said.

The day started with a welcome message from NASW-OK Executive Director Steven Pharris, LCSW, JD, followed by a legislative update from NASW-OK board member Deborah Johnson, PhD. Cathy Costello, National Mental Health Advocate, presented, as well as NASW-OK board member James Smith on the basics of advocacy. The day concluded with a visit to the Oklahoma State Capitol building and opportunities to engage with legislators.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work program contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu.

-NW-

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