NASW Wisconsin Chapter Advocacy Day 2025 

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

OR

PAPER REGISTRATION SHEET HERE

 

Advocacy Day Capitol



Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Check in 8:00 - 9:00 am

Wisconsin Masonic Center
301 Wisconsin Ave, Madison, WI
&
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 East Main St., Madison, WI

Invited Keynote Speaker:  Lieutenant Governor  Sara Rodriguez, MSN, MPH, RN 

sara r.

Key Issues

Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact and the Alternative to Licensure Exam Bill: In this training, Marc Herstand, Executive Director of the NASW-WI Chapter, will discuss how the Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact bill will benefit social workers and clients in Wisconsin and how the Alternative to Licensure Exam Bill will provide a pathway into social work for those who are unable to pass the ASWB exam.

Social Work Workforce Issues, Including Loan Forgiveness and Paid Student Internships: In this training, Marc Herstand, Executive Director of the NASW-WI Chapter, will explain how supporting the Qualified Treatment Trainee program, increasing student loan forgiveness, and offering paid student internships can help address Wisconsin's shortage of mental health professionals.

Medicaid Expansion: In this training, William Parke-Sutherland, Senior Policy Analyst for Kids Forward, will explain the benefits of Medicaid expansion in Wisconsin. Currently, Wisconsin remains only one of ten states that do not accept federal funds to expand the income limits for those who qualify for Medicaid.

Raise the Age: In this training, Emily Coddington, Associate Director of the Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies, Inc., will present information regarding the current Wisconsin policy of referring 17-year-olds to adult court and the campaign to end this policy.

Gun Violence Prevention: In this training, Nick Matuszewski, Policy & Strategic Partnerships Manager with the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort Educational Fund, will discuss gun violence prevention legislation including red flag and universal background check laws.

Advocacy 101: In this training, an experienced lobbyist will discuss the basics of advocating in the Wisconsin State Legislature. 

fact sheets

Info Coming Soon! 

Presenters638156124110050845

Info Coming Soon! 

schedule of events

● 8:00—9:00 Check in & Breakfast

● 9:00—10:00 Keynote Address

● 10:00—12:05 Breakout Sessions

● 10:15—10:45 Session 1

● 10:55—11:25 Session 2

● 11:35—12:05 Session 3

● 12:15—1:00 Lunch

● 1:30—3:00 Meet with Legislators at Capitol Building

● 3:00—4:00 Debrief

working lunch goals

Group Leader Responsibilities

  1. Ask the group to introduce themselves
  2. Facilitate discussion on the legislators
    1. Where are the connections?
  3. Establish the speakers for the Senate and Assembly meetings
    1. There are three Assembly districts
  4. Choose 2-3 topics to discuss with the legislators.
    1. Some legislators may want to discuss all of them
  5. Ensure the legislators receive the materials containing their factsheets on the issues

Group Responsibilities

  1. Establish connections and rapport with legislators
    1. Familiar with any organizations they are a part of?
    2. Committees they are on that connect with the issues?
  2. Be prepared to answer questions from your legislators
    1. Legislators like hearing from their constituents. Do not hesitate to speak up!
  3. Be professional
  4. Manage time to ensure a plan is made and the group arrives to the meeting on time

Reminders:

  • Some groups will be meeting with staff rather than the legislator. They are just as important
  • It is critical for the groups arrive to their meeting on time in respect for the legislator’s time
  • If some want an NASW-WI staff member to attend a meeting, please reach out to someone so arrangements can be made
  • If you become lost in the capitol, an NASW-WI staff person with a lime green name tag will be in the rotunda by the information desk to assist