How to Influence Policy: Social Workers Edition

Series Overview

A training series designed to help social workers understand Michigan’s policy landscape and use their voices for change. From advocacy basics to Capitol Action Day prep, each session builds real-world skills that strengthen professional impact and collective power.

Training Sessions

Session 1 — Advocating with Strength: How to Collaborate with NASW

Thursday, January 22 · 2pm ET
Overview: Intro to NASW’s advocacy structure, legislative priorities, and tools for engagement.
Speakers: Jess Riley, Duane Breijak
Moderator: Katelyn Magos
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 2 — Campaign School

Friday, February 6 · 12–6pm
Overview: Practical guidance for social workers considering running for office or supporting campaigns.
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 3 — Understanding Michigan’s Legislature: How Bills Become Law & What to Expect in 2026

Tuesday, February 10 · 12pm
Overview: Deep dive into Michigan’s legislative process, timelines, and key players.
Speakers: Jess Riley, De’Shondria Bedenfield (Capitol Services)
🔗 Click for Registration Information

Session 4 — 2026 Michigan Governor Candidate Behavioral Health Forum

Expected late February - Date TBA
Overview: Hear directly from gubernatorial candidates on behavioral health priorities.
🔗Registration opening soon

Session 5 — Policy Review Lab: Preparing for Capitol Action Day

Thursday, March 5 & March 12 · Time TBA
Overview: Hands-on practice reviewing bills, shaping talking points, and preparing for legislative meetings.
Moderators: Katelyn Magos (5th), Colton Ray (12th)
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 6 — Capitol Action Day: The Social Worker’s Guide to Effective Lobbying

Tuesday, March 17 · Time TBA
Overview: On-the-ground advocacy practice with lawmakers and community leaders.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 7 — Community Power: How to Canvass and Connect with Local Leaders

Thursday, April 16 · Time TBA
Overview: Practical strategies for building community coalitions and mobilizing local engagement.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Session 8 — Engaging During Election Season: How Social Workers Shape Campaigns

Tuesday, April 28 · Time TBA
Overview: Understanding the social worker’s role in campaigns, messaging, and voter engagement.
🔗 Registration opening soon

Resources & Tools

A central hub for everything referenced across the series.

NASW-MI Advocacy Tools

• VoterVoice

• Legislative Priorities

• One-Pagers

• Legislative Social Policy (LSP)

• MPACE

• Campaign School

• Governor Candidate Behavioral Health Forum

• Capitol Action Day

• Lunch Series Legislative Forecast Recording
  

External Policy Resources

• Legislative tracking tools

• Michigan Legislature website
  
  

Templates & Downloads

• Email scripts for legislators

• Advocacy checklists

• Candidate forum prep materials

About the Series Moderator

Katelyn Magos, BSW Student at CMU
NASW-MI Intern

kmagos.naswmi@socialworkers.org