Northwestern social work students attend Legislative Day

Northwestern students and faculty attending Legislative Day include (from left) Dr. Kylene Rehder, Chair of the Department of Social Work; Raquel Conway, Britainee Clark, Jennifer Mitchell, Lorrie Corbin, Jennifer Ruppel, Kayla Murray, Lindsey Terpstra, Sarah Smith, and Dr. Michele Scordato, assistant professor of social work. Not pictured is Kylie Pethoud.

In honor of social work month, more than 100 social workers gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol for the National Association of Social Workers, Oklahoma Chapter (NASW-OK) legislative day.

The Department of Social Work from Northwestern Oklahoma State University was in attendance to learn about legislative issues impacting the social work profession.

Legislative day provides an opportunity for social work students and practitioners to engage in macro-level practice and learn effective ways to advocate on the behalf of others. This day assists social work students in learning to analyze and formulate policies that advance social well-being and develop ways for effective policy action.  

“Legislative day is always an exciting event for students because it provides the opportunity for participation in public policy issues, observation of the legislative process and social justice advocacy,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, Chair of the Department of Social Work, said.

Speakers included Mary Jo Kinzie, NASW-OK executive director; Frannie Pryor, NASW-OK Vice President and Political Action Election Campaign (PACE) speaker; Kate Richey, Oklahoma Policy Institute; and several legislators. Participants had the opportunity to visit the Senate and House chambers and speak with senators and representatives.

Social work students in attendance were Lorrie Corbin, Shattuck senior; Raquel Conway, Woodward sophomore; Jennifer Mitchell, Woodward junior; Sarah Smith, Blackwell senior; Lindsey Terpstra, Garber senior;  Britainee Clark, Woodward senior;  Jennifer Ruppel, Woodward sophomore;  Kayla Murray, Enid senior; and Kylie Pethoud, Alva senior.  

Northwestern social work faculty members in attendance were Rehder and Dr. Michele Scordato, assistant professor of social work.

For more information on Northwestern’s social work program contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu.

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