Northwestern Social Work Students, Faculty attend LEAD at Oklahoma Capitol

May 1, 2024

(Left) Assistant Professor of Social Work Codi Harding, Rebecca Faubion, Alyssa Arambula, Bishop Buck, Department of Social Work Chair Dr. Kylene Rehder, Ashley Garner, Yasmin Vargas and Makenzie Hoskins attend Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Department of Social Work students and faculty attended the 2024 Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day hosted by the National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) at the Oklahoma State Capitol in April.

Social Work students and faculty joined social work students and practitioners from across the state last month at the Oklahoma Capitol for the 2024 National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) Legislative Education and Advocacy (LEAD) Day.

Social work students and faculty from East Central University, Oral Roberts 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, included talks with Rep. Jeff Boatman, Joel Harder, Rebekah Williams, Steven Pharris and concluded with a visit from Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Social work students and faculty visit with Gov. Kevin Stitt during the LEAD Day event at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

“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 a platform for students to advance human rights and social, racial, economic and environmental justice.

For more information about Northwestern’s social work program, visit 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:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480