Attending NASW-NYS Capital Action Day 2025

As a dedicated social worker, I believe in the power of advocacy to create meaningful change. That's why I was proud to participate in the National Association of Social Workers – New York State (NASW-NYS) Capital Action Day on February 11, 2025, in Albany. This vital event empowers social workers to directly engage with state legislators, advocating for policies that strengthen our profession and better serve our communities.

This year, my focus was on addressing critical issues impacting social workers and the clients we serve, particularly concerning the mental health crisis in New York State. I had the opportunity to speak with legislators about key legislative priorities for NASW-NYS, including:

• Expanding Loan Forgiveness Programs: Advocating for changes to the existing Licensed Social Worker Loan Forgiveness (LSWLF) program to include all social workers (MSW, LMSW, and LCSW), and increase funding to incentivize more individuals to enter and remain in the field. The goal is to ease the financial burden of education, making social work a more accessible and sustainable career path.

• Addressing Social Work Salaries: Pushing for legislation that addresses inequities in social work salaries, ensuring fair compensation that reflects the education, skills, and responsibilities of social workers. Equitable salaries are essential for attracting and retaining qualified professionals, particularly in light of the increasing demand for mental health services.

My participation in Capital Action Day reinforced my commitment to advocating for policies that support social workers and the vital services we provide. I believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more equitable system that ensures access to quality mental health care for all New Yorkers.