The USC School of Social Work brought its largest-ever contingent of students to the annual National Association of Social Workers Lobby Days in Sacramento, Calif., in March. The two-day event convened more than 100 students who met with state legislators and professional lobbyists, experiencing the political process in action and learning how to organize on issues of importance to social workers.

Among the bills before legislators that participants paid special attention to was Assembly Bill 2543, which will help social workers and other human service professionals pay off student loans if they commit to a minimum of three years of service to geriatric patients and clients.

Participants also vigorously supported the call for social worker title protection, which provides consumer protection by ensuring that positions requiring the skill and training of professional social workers are filled with fully qualified professionals.

For some, Lobby Days began on March 8 with training for team leaders, who are responsible for preparing their members for the lobbying appointment, planning their group's lobbying strategy and evaluating the appointment.

For others, Lobby Days began on March 9 with the spirited roll call of all participating schools. The Trojan cardinal and gold was well represented, not just in the audience but in the day's program with MSW student Diosa Diaz, an NASW student representative, presenting NASW's work on the Delores Huerta Project and Assistant Dean Gil Carmona speaking about the importance of participation in NASW.

On March 10, social workers rallied on the steps of the State Capitol. USC students, who were interviewed by local media, led the 900-plus participants from schools all around the state in rousing chants and challenged social workers to continue their work on key issues.

"I knew that I would learn something during Lobby Days – at the very least, I would put into practice what I was learning in policy class. But, I didn't have any idea how empowering Lobby Days really is," Michelle Penez said. "Almost a thousand social workers makes you really feel the power and responsibility of our profession."."

Students showcased their work on policy and legislation, especially in the areas of homelessness and public child welfare. Networking sessions provided opportunities to interact with students from other schools. USC received special public mention for upholding the social work values of justice in its work around issues of peace and conflict.