Legislative Days 2011: Legislative Lobby Days 2011 Day #3: Lobbying at the CA State Capitol

Today over 700 social workers and social work students lobbied three very important bills; AB 12, AB 131+130, and AB 671 and rallied outside the California State Legislature loud enough for the legislature to hear us inside the building.

Nine UCLA students served as “team leaders” and lead teams of social work students from around the state into the officers of state Assembly Members and State Senators to speak with them and their staffers about the bills NASW supports this year. Over 40 UCLA social work students were members on various teams lead by fellow social work students, passionately expressed their support for the bills and provided personal stories to convey the importance of these bills to our clients and ourselves.

A videographer followed one group of MSW students group, lead by NASW President Mary Kay Oliveri, into the office of Ted Lieu (CA State Senator) where students met with Senator Lieu’s Chief of Staff. Another student, Laura Gregg was able to be apart of the group lobbying in Governor Jerry Brown’s office. One lucky UCLA student, Gia, was a part of the group that was introduced on the assembly floor of the State Legislature—the group was applauded for all they do as social workers.

After the legislative appointments, social work students and professionals gathered on the North steps of the Capitol for a public action rally. NASW Chapter President and UCLA Field Faculty member, Mary Kay Oliveri, opened the rally with an inspirational speech. From there, student representatives from various schools took the mic and led the enthusiastic crowd in chants. Assembly Member Sandre Swanson, author of AB 12, in addition to a few other assembly members, addressed the crowd and thanked us for our support and dedication. At the end of the rally a videographer from UCLA conducted brief interviews with several first and second year students to ask about their experience at Legislative Lobby Days.

Spirits were soaring high at the end of the day! Every student in attendance today gushed about their amazing experiences lobbying in the Capitol for what they believe in most: social justice, human rights, and the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Below are some words from the UCLA student participants in this lobbying effort:

“Lobby Days was a very valuable experience for me as a student, social worker and advocate. Lobbying for AB 12 gave me a chance to speak on behalf of my clients whose lives have been impacted as a result of sexual violence and exploitation. It was a powerful experience to be the voice for the pain, trauma and disempowerment that my clients and many other women and children have been through.”—Tannaz Alagheband, 1^st year MSW Candidate

“Lobby Days 2011 exceeded my expectations. Not only was it an opportunity to put macro skills into practice and network with other social work students and professionals, it provided an opportunity to deepen the connection between our own classmates. It was an inspirational experience to rally alongside social workers to create change.”—Hazel Larimer, 1^st year MSW Candidate

“As a micro student, Lobby Days helped my social work education come full circle. I learned that advocacy is integral to our profession and our responsibility as social workers.”—Brittany Rudinica, 1^st year MSW Candidate