Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD)

The Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2025 is an annual conference hosted by the NASW Rhode Island Chapter, where many students from all three Schools of Social Work in Rhode Island and other professionals 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

LEAD 2025 will be hosted in person at the Rhode Island State House in the State Library on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The theme is Addressing Barries to Entry into Social Work: Policy Solutions. Registration is required in advance! 2.5 CEUs for social workers.

Please plan to eat your lunch in advance!

Agenda

12:00 – 12:15 pm Welcome Remarks
Rebekah Gewirtz, Executive Director NASW and Meredith Sinel, Chaplain, LICSW Introduces Elected State Officials

12:15 – 12:30 pm Proclamation of March as Social Work Month

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address

1:00 – 1:15 pm Break
(Water and Snacks Will Be Provided) Please eat lunch prior to the event.

1:15 – 2:15 pm Panel

2:15 – 2:30 pm Closing Remarks
Leslie Scherny, NASW-RI Intern

2:30 – 3:00 pm Tour the State House
(Including the House and Senate Chambers)

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.

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

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Advocate Sponsor

Advocate Sponsor-2

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