NASW-MD Virtual Student Advocacy Day 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (ET) Zoom (Virtual Event)

Join NASW–MD for Virtual Advocacy Day, a dynamic half-day training designed to prepare social work students for effective legislative advocacy during the 2026 Student Advocacy Days. This interactive session will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to engage with policymakers, understand current legislative priorities, and advocate for issues impacting social workers and the communities they serve. Participants will learn how to get involved with NASW–MD, request and conduct legislative meetings, make an effective advocacy “ask,” and understand the bills being advanced this session. The program also includes hands-on skill-building, bill analysis, and breakout workshops focused on timely policy and practice issues, including Black youth mental health and aging in place. The day concludes with practical guidance on what to expect during Annapolis hearings and legislative meetings, ensuring students are fully prepared for in-person advocacy.

Who should attend: Social work students at all levels interested in policy, advocacy, and legislative engagement.

What you’ll gain:

- Advocacy and legislative skills

- Understanding of 2026 priority bills

- Opportunities to explore key social issues

- Preparation for advocacy meetings and hearings

We look forward to your participation as we prepare the next generation of social work advocates!

Register Now!

Participants will be guided through a play-filled meditation experience where they have the opportunity to invite their inner children to put on their explorer hats and splash in puddles while igniting the essence of adventure and play back into their lives and hearts. The meditation will bridge with an emphasis of loving kindness: self-affirmation and building friendship. Participants will then have the opportunity to Learn Core Mindfulness Skills: Observe, Describe, Participate, Non-Judgmental Stance, One-Mindful, and Effectiveness through an immersive play experience, their desk/space will temporarily become their playground as each skill is invited. The Second half of our meeting will be a Social-Work Show and Tell: participants will have the opportunity to highlight an item that has been either an: inspiration, cozy comfort, sacred tool, point of passion, and a powerful quote. During the Share Circle: Participants will further practice core-mindfulness skills as they take turns having contrasting roles between the sharer and the receiver of information.