Social Work Lobby Day 2026

> >

Make an impact for social work in Louisiana—join us at the Capitol
We are excited to invite social work students and professionals from across Louisiana to Social Work Lobby Day 2026! This free event is a valuable opportunity to engage in advocacy, learn about the legislative process, and see firsthand how policy decisions are made. Download the Lobby Day flyer here!

The 2026 theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”, highlights the vital role social workers play in advancing social justice, protecting vulnerable communities, and driving systemic change. Participants will gain hands-on lobbying experience by meeting with state legislators, sharing their expertise, and advocating for policies that strengthen our profession and the communities we serve.

This event also offers up to 3 General CEUs. Register now to build your advocacy skills, connect with colleagues, and make your voice heard at the state Capitol. We look forward to seeing you there!

Why Attend?
Understanding the political process and advocating on behalf of our clients and our profession is a core part of the NASW Code of Ethics. Policy affects our practice, our profession, and the lives of the people we serve, and by engaging in advocacy, social workers can directly shape policy through their practice-based expertise. Social Work Lobby Day provides an opportunity for social workers and students to use their collective influence to make Louisiana a better place, especially for those facing poverty; discrimination on racial, gender, or sexual orientation lines; mental and physical illness; abuse, trauma, and neglect; and other challenges.

Learn about the Louisiana legislative process: Gain insights and skills to navigate and contribute to social work advocacy.
Network with fellow students and professionals: Build connections and collaborate with peers to amplify your impact.
Practice advocacy and drive policy change: Participate in hands-on lobbying and learn how to become an effective agent of social change.
Opportunities for Continuing Education: Professional attendees can earn CEs while participating in advocacy and skill-building sessions.

Agenda

Advocacy Workshops (9:00 am-12:15 pm) Claiborne Conference Center - Louisiana Purchase Room

9:00 am - 9:15 am: Welcome from NASW-LA Executive Director, Will Francis, LMSW
9:15 am - 10:15 am: The Work that Builds Community: A Value-Based Examination of the Social Work Profession presented by Justin LaBorde (1 CEU)
10:15 am - 11:15 am: Anti-Racism: A Call to Action presented by Sharon Marie Chester, LCSW (1 CEU)
11:15 am - 12:15 pm: Answering the Call: 988 and Suicide Prevention in Louisiana presented by Erin Sims, LPC-S (1 CEU)

Lunch (12:15 pm-1:15 pm) Lt Governor’s Apartment

12:15 pm - 12:30 pm: Walk to Lt Governor’s Apartment
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: Lunch

Capitol Advocacy (1:30 pm - 3:30 pm) Capitol Building

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Advocacy at the Capitol
TBD: Social Work Day at the Capitol Proclamation (Senate & House Chamber)

Resources to Prepare You for Social Work Lobby Day

S ocial Work Lobby Day Toolkit: The Social Work Lobby Day Toolkit includes key information, resources, and guidance to help you navigate the day and feel prepared for advocacy at the Capitol.
NASW-LA Advocacy Center: Access tools, guides, and information to support your advocacy efforts at the state and local level. Get the latest updates on NASW-LA advocacy and what's happening at the Capitol!
Louisiana Bill Tracker: Track legislation in real time to see how bills progress and which ones affect social work.
Sign up for legislative action alerts: Receive updates and notifications so you can take timely action on key social work policy issues in Louisiana.

LOCATIONS

The Claiborne Conference Center is located near the Capitol at
1201 North 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
Enter the Claiborne Building through south door facing visitor parking area.

The Lt. Governor’s Apartment is located at
702 River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Intersection of State Capitol Drive and River Road

The State Capitol is located at
900 North 3rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
NOTE: at all public entrances to the capitol, there are metal detectors and x-ray machines. be prepared to wait for security clearance.

PARKING

Public parking near the Louisiana State Capitol can be limited during Legislative Session due to ongoing construction.
*The Claiborne parking garage is designated for Employee Only Parking

Recommended Parking for Claiborne Building, Lt. Governor’s Apartment, and State Capitol.

Capitol Visitor Lot: From I-110 N take the North Street exit; from I-110 S, take Laurel Street exit. Proceed to 3rd St. and turn right. Just past the State Capitol is a blinking caution light. Turn left into the visitor parking lot. You may park in any open spaces.
River Road Levee Parking Lot: Located in front of The Capitol Park Welcome Center, directly across River Road, is a paved, open-air lot on the levee. Parking is free.
Please exercise care when crossing River Road and use available crosswalks.

Join an NASW-LA Advocacy Committee!

NASW-LA PACE Committee
The NASW Louisiana Chapter’s Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) is the political action arm of our Chapter. PACE is a nonpartisan committee dedicated to endorsing and financially supporting candidates from all parties who align with the core values and principles of the social work profession. Our mission is to promote political education, encourage participation in the electoral process, and advocate for policies that advance the needs of our profession and the individuals we serve. Learn more.

Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee develops an action plan for the Chapter to meet goals and objectives in the area of public policy. Reviews legislation and analyzes for relevance to NASW policy; prioritizes bills for advocacy efforts. Communicates Chapter positions to Louisiana legislators; provides testimony on key pieces of legislation during legislative sessions. Organizes annual Lobby Day during legislative sessions. Learn more.

All NASW Louisiana members in good standing are eligible to apply, no previous experience required!

Thank you to our Sponsor: Grambling State University!

Want to Support Social Work Lobby Day?

Lobby Day is free for students and social workers, but we rely on sponsorships to secure a space for training and preparation, and to provide lunch for a full day of advocacy. Louisiana schools of social work play a crucial role in making this event possible—consider sponsoring to help prepare the next generation of social work advocates! Learn how you can support Lobby Day here.