Ohio University social work students gain advocacy experience at Statehouse

More than 100 social work students from Ohio University’s five regional campuses and Athens’ main campus attended Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Vern Riffe Center in downtown Columbus.

The annual event, hosted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio Chapter, is held each March during Social Work Month and brings together more than 600 social workers and students from across the state to engage directly with legislators and advocate for issues impacting the profession and the clients they serve.

Advocacy Day provides participants with the opportunity to develop practical advocacy skills while engaging directly in the policymaking process. During the morning legislative advocacy training, students explored policy priorities, relevant legislation and effective communication strategies. 

OHIO student Denise Berndt reflected that the experience made everything she had been learning feel more meaningful, allowing her to move beyond theory and see advocacy in action.

Kristin Sycks described the day as “an invaluable experiential learning opportunity,” adding that it helped her engage directly with the mechanics of state government while leaving her with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of how social workers can influence policy to create lasting change.

Participation in this high-impact learning experience was supported by a $5,000 grant awarded to Amy Wells, assistant professor of social work at Ohio University Lancaster. The funding helped offset travel costs, with 112 students receiving digital gift cards for gas assistance. Wells emphasized that providing access to opportunities like Advocacy Day allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in meaningful ways and better understand their role as advocates.

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“Advocacy is central to what we do as social workers,” Wells said. “This experience gives students the opportunity to step into that role and see firsthand how their voices can influence policy decisions.”

As part of the day’s programming, students worked in groups organized by legislative districts to prepare for meetings with elected officials. These discussions focused on key issues including the passage of a paid internship program, the need for regulation of artificial intelligence in behavioral health practice, and discussion of House Bill 88. 

OHIO student Maddy Morris noted that the experience provided a firsthand look at how advocacy works at the legislative level and gave her the opportunity to share personal experiences related to unpaid internships and their impact on both students and clients.

Macy Wright described the day as an opportunity to collaborate with peers while engaging in thoughtful discussions on policy, calling it an amazing experience that strengthened her understanding of teamwork and planning.

During meetings with legislators and their staff, students engaged in meaningful conversations about policies affecting their communities. 

OHIO student Aubrey Erbach shared that although she does not plan to pursue macro social work, the experience gave her a deep appreciation for that area of practice and allowed her to feel heard while discussing current issues with a legislative aide.

Mariah Mathews described the experience as inspiring, noting that speaking directly with legislative aides motivated her to become more involved in advocacy efforts.

Brittany Jessen emphasized that one of the most meaningful aspects of the day was knowing her voice was heard while connecting with other professionals advocating for policy change.

Students also highlighted the connections between their academic experiences and real-world application. Justin Starkey explained that speaking with legislative aides about regulating artificial intelligence in therapy allowed him to apply his research and academic interests to a real-time policy discussion, reinforcing his confidence in his ability to create change.

Mary Kate McElroy expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that Advocacy Day is empowering and serves as a reminder that collective voices can drive meaningful progress.

Opportunities for networking and professional growth were also a key component of the day.

Anna Petroff reflected on the chance to connect with social workers from different schools and backgrounds, as well as her experience speaking directly with a state representative, which provided insight into the diversity of career paths within the profession. She noted that engaging with organizations and fellow students helped broaden her perspective and made the experience especially impactful.

Lisa Skeens, associate professor of social work at Ohio University, emphasized that experiences like Advocacy Day are essential in preparing students for professional practice by connecting theory, ethics and policy in a real-world setting. 

Warren Galbreath, interim chair of the Social Work Department, added that Advocacy Day was a great opportunity for social work students from across Ohio to demonstrate skills and strategies learned in the classroom. He noted that the experience provided a safe environment for students to engage with the policymaking process and praised NASW and participating universities for making the enriching event possible.

Faculty participation further underscored the value of the event. Nikki Newman, assistant professor of instruction at the Chillicothe campus, shared that Advocacy Day continues to be a fulfilling experience and has improved each year she has attended. She highlighted the continuing education sessions as particularly impactful, noting that this year’s focus on supporting voter turnout provided practical strategies she plans to incorporate into her work with student organizations.

The event was organized by the NASW Ohio Chapter, part of the National Association of Social Workers, the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, representing more than 130,000 members nationwide and approximately 3,800 in Ohio. The organization is dedicated to advocating for the profession while supporting social workers in meeting the needs of their clients through resources, professional development, and policy engagement.

First celebrated in March 1963, Social Work Month continues to build public support for the profession and highlight the essential role social workers play in communities across the country. The 2026 theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” was reflected throughout the day as students actively engaged in conversations aimed at strengthening the profession and improving outcomes for those they serve.

Through their participation in Advocacy Day, Ohio University social work students gained valuable insight into the legislative process and the importance of advocacy in advancing both the profession and the well-being of their clients.