Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD)

Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) is an annual conference hosted by the NASW Rhode Island Chapter, where students from all three Schools of Social Work in Rhode Island and other professionals are invited to gather in the state house to advocate for legislation that is relevant to the social work profession. Students and other attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of advocacy and all of its components.

Student Registration

Non-student, 2.5 CEUs registration

NASW-RI will be hosting LEAD 2026 in person at the Rhode Island State House in the House Lounge on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Our theme this year is Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Social Work Through a Policy Lens. Registration is required in advance! 2.5 CEUs for social workers.

Please plan to eat your lunch in advance!

Agenda

Additional information to follow

1:00 – 1:15 pm Welcome Remarks

1:15 – 1:30 pm Proclamation of March as Social Work Month

1:30 – 2:00 pm Keynote Address

2:00 – 2:15 pm Break

Please eat lunch prior to the event. (Water and Snacks Will Be Provided)

2:15 – 3:00 pm Panel Discussion Artificial Intelligence: Impacts on Social Work Through a Policy Lens

3:00 – 3:20 pm Lobbying 101

3:20 – 3:30 pm Closing Remarks

3:30 – 4:00 pm Tour the State House
(Including the House and Senate Chambers)

A special thanks to our Chapter's Policy & Advocacy Committee for their dedication and support in planning this year's LEAD event. For more information on our advocacy agenda, visit: https://naswri.socialworkers.org/Advocacy

Getting To The State House

Address
The Rhode Island State House is located at
82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903

Parking
Metered spaces are available on Smith, Francis, and Gaspee streets for up to 4 hours, accepting only coins and the Passport Parking app. Handicapped parking is accessible on the east side of the building. The Providence Place Mall parking garage is $2 for under 5 hours

Entering the building
Enter either from the Smith Street side, facing away from downtown, or through the staff entrance from the small parking lot for those with mobility constraints.

Locating the State Library
Upon arrival, walk through the security metal detector and up the main stairs to the State Library, which is situated on the second floor directly above the main entrance.