The program for our 2024 NASW-WA Policy Conference is below, followed by resources for the event. For pictures from the evet, click here.
Program
For the in-person event at at United Churches of Olympia, doors open at 8:45 AM Pacific Time.
Event Begins at 9:00 AM Pacific Time
AGENDA*
Welcome from the NASW-WA Legislative Action Committee Chair, Nichelle Curtis-McQueen
Welcome from the NASW-WA Chapter President, Dr. Miguel Juarez
A word from our NASW-WA Executive Director, Jeremy Arp
Keynote Speaker: Representative Tina Orwall
Policy Briefs by Legislative Priority Area
- Professional Issues (including the Social Work Compact): Jeremy Arp
- Mental Health/SUD: Joshua Kent
- Social Justice: Nichelle Curtis-McQueen
- Economic Justice: Claudia Sellmaier
Remarks from Dr. Kaitlyn Goubeau from the Center for Justice Social Work
Break
How to Testify/Navigate the Legislature: Christina Mason
Interactive Activity on the Policy Process
NASW-WA Membership and Committees
Closing (TBD)
Dismissal and next steps
Participants will be released for lunch (on your own).
For a list of restaurants near the venue, click here. If you prefer to bring your lunch, we will have seating in the Churches Social Hall available.
Attendees are encouraged to set appointments with their legislators, either in-person or virtually in advance of the event. Click here to find your Legislative District!
See the Washington State Guide to Effective Participation to find out how to set up an appointment with your legislator.
*The agenda is subject to change based on the availability of speakers.
NASW-WA Legislative Priorities and Bill Tracking List
NOTE: Materials will be made available as they are developed and finalized by the Legislative Action Committee.
- 2024 NASW-WA Legislative Priorities
- NASW-WA List of Selected Bills by priority area (for 2023-2024 biennium)
Policy Briefs (coming soon)
Resources
- Understanding the Legislative Process
- Short Bill to Law Process from NASW-WA
- Bill Process Handout
- How to Access the Legislature
- Accessing the Legislature Remotely (video on how to identify your lawmakers, bills, contacting your legislators and legislative staff, and more)
- Washington State Guide to Effective Participation (including how to contact your legislator and set up an appointment to meet with them)
- Tracking a Bill (Bill Tracking Tutorial)
- Update your voter registration!
- TVW: Watch Live Legislative Proceedings and more
- Roster of all legislative members (House and Senate)
- Find my Legislative District
NASW-WA Membership and Events