NASW-TX Social Work Advocacy Day
NASW-TX is thrilled to announce the return of Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD) 2025, taking place on Friday, April 11th, at the Texas State Capitol in Austin! This year’s theme, "Serving All Texans: Unity Through Social Action," reflects our mission to unite social workers in driving positive, transformative change through collective action, ensuring that all Texans have access to the support and resources they need. Join us for a day of empowerment, education, and advocacy to make a meaningful impact together.
Make sure to register for the SWAD Prep Event Webinar on April 4th!
Make sure to register for the SWAD Prep Event Webinar on April 4th!
SWAD 2025 Registration
Registration for SWAD is Now Closed
We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming response to this year’s Social Work Advocacy Day. Unfortunately, due to capacity limits at our morning venue, registration is now closed, and we are unable to accept additional registrants. To help us maintain access to the venues for future events, we kindly ask that you refrain from attending the morning or afternoon workshops without a confirmed registration.
If you were not able to register, you are welcome to join the Capitol Rally from 12:30–1:30 PM, as this portion of the day is open to all. Additionally, you are welcome to conduct legislative office visits at the Capitol.
Thank you to everyone who signed up, we’re excited to welcome you to the Capitol for an incredible day of advocacy, connection, and impact! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]
Morning Agenda: Thompson Conference Center LBJ Auditorium
8:00 AM
Check-in and Networking Breakfast
Students and administrators will check in with NASW-TX staff and volunteers.
Breakfast will be served, get ready to network!
Breakfast will be served, get ready to network!
9:00 AM
Welcome from NASW Texas
Welcome from NASW-TX Executive Director, Will Francis.
School Spirit Contest and Andrew Marks Student Advocacy Award.
School Spirit Contest and Andrew Marks Student Advocacy Award.
9:40 AM
NASW-TX Advocacy: Impact & Why Your Membership Matters
Government Relations Director, Bryan Mares, discusses some of the previous legislative policy wins of the organization and how members have helped influence our policy agenda. Bryan will also share how a bill is passed and the NASW-TX top priority bills of the session.
10:00 AM
Advocacy vs. Activism: A Conversation with Leading Advocates (1 CEU)
Join us for a panel with various policy advocates covering issues ranging from criminal justice, immigration, environmental justice, and civil liberties. Our panel will give their take on the current political and legislative landscape in addition to sharing how they navigate their policy advocacy efforts in the climate we are in. Attendees will learn how to use strategic messaging, mobilizing communities, and understanding the dynamics of advocacy and grassroots activism. Read more about our panelists here.
11:00 AM
Break for Lunch
Advocates enjoy lunch on their own.
Afternoon Agenda: Texas State Capitol
12:30 PM
SWAD Rally & Resource Fair (OPEN FOR ALL!)
Social Work Advocacy Day rally at the South Capitol steps - Share your voice!
1:45 PM
Capitol Staff Roundtable (1 CEU)
Moderated panel of Capitol staff members in the Capitol Auditorium. Read more about our panelists here.
3:00 PM
The State of Mental Health Advocacy in Texas: Challenges, Progress, and Future Directions (1 CEU)
This panel will explore the current landscape of mental health advocacy in Texas, examining key legislative efforts, policy challenges, and opportunities for reform. Panelists will discuss the progress made in expanding access to mental health services, addressing workforce shortages, and securing funding for critical programs. The conversation will also highlight the role of advocacy in shaping state policies, the impact of recent legislative sessions, and strategies for advancing mental health initiatives in the upcoming 89th Legislature. Read more about our panelists here.
Countdown to SWAD
Thank you to our Sponsors!
NASW-TX Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD) 2025
National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter
810 W. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2010
(512) 474-1454
[email protected]
www.naswtx.org
810 W. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2010
(512) 474-1454
[email protected]
www.naswtx.org