Social Work Student Advocacy Days 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026 (Virtual) & Thursday, February 26, 2026 (In-Person)

NASW Maryland Chapter Virtual Student Advocacy Day 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026

8:45 am to 3:30 pm |Join Now!

Time Event
8:00 am Sigh-in to Live Webinar
9:00 am Welcome: Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW, Executive Director, NASW-MD
Philip A. Pratt, BSW, MSW, ACSW, NASW-MD Board President
Sherran Thomas, MSW, BBA, NASW-MD Membership and Engagement Manager
Invited: Delegates Cullison, Kerr, Woods, and Senators Benson, Lam, Washington, West
Stephanie Williams, UMBC & Kendra Keith, Salisbury University, Student Board Reps
9:10 am Getting Involved through NASW: Karessa Proctor, BSW,MSW
9:30 am Legislative Advocacy Skills: Analyzing Bills and the Legislative Process
Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C University of Maryland School of Social Work
10:30 am Legislative Update of 2026 Bills: Ann Ciekot, NASW-MD Lobbyist
11:00 am United Payments for Placements Workgroup: Jordan Anderson MSW, & students
11:10 am BREAK
11:25 am Workshop OPTIONS (each one is 45 minutes)
A. Black Youth Mental Health: Marline Francois-Madden, PhD, Morgan University
B. Aging in Place, Advocating for Older Adults: Julie Clark, BA, Hood College alum
C. Analyzing the Rise of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies: Dan Green PhD, Salisbury University
D. Criminal Justice System Advocacy: Lori James, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C, Exec. Director, NAPD
E. Resilience in Marginalized Groups: Advocating for Success Ashley N. Prowell, PhD, UMBC
F. Changing Landscape in Housing: Christopher Robinson, EdD, MSW,LMSW, Coppin State Univ
12:10 pm Closing Remarks: Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW, Executive Director, NASW-MD
12:15 pm Each School meets in Small Group & Opportunity to Attend Committee Hearings (virtually)

NOTE: The requirement for full-day credit for field practicum is that students attend (virtually) legislative hearings (1:00pm to 3:30pm)

EVALUTIONS: for verification of your attendance please be sure to complete an evaluation


Social Work Students’ 29th Annual IN-PERSON Advocacy Day

Thursday, February 26, 2026

8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Room 170 of the House Office Building
6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1991

Join other social work students from across Maryland for Social Work Student Field Trip to Maryland’s State Capital, Annapolis. You will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process, receive an update on current state bills concerning various social issues, visit legislators’ offices, attend legislative hearings and network with students across the state.

This educational excursion will also include the identification of important legislative buildings including: James Senate Office Building: Senators' offices, Miller Senate Office Building: Committee offices & hearing rooms, Lowe & Taylor House of Delegates Office Buildings: Delegates' offices & Committee offices & hearing rooms, Legislative Services Building: Dept. of Legislative Services, Joint committee hearing room, Cafeteria, and the State House.

Registration
Time Event
8:00am-9:30am Registration
9:30 – 9:55 am Welcome & Legislator Introductions Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW, Executive Director, NASW-MD
9:55 – 10:15 am Keynote Address: Social Workers Shaping Maryland Policy Delegate Jamila Jaye Woods, MSW (invited)
10:15 – 11:15 am Cross Campus Small Group Activity: Round Table Discussions
11:15 – 11:30 am Group Photo
11:30 – 1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 3:00 pm Attend Legislative Hearings