“We joined the LEAD event in Albany to support two issues that are critical to the social work profession in New York State and to introduce our students to the policy practice dimension of social work,” said Dr. Jennifer Zelnick, chair of the Social Welfare Policy Sequence at Touro’s Graduate School of Social Work. “Year after year, I am so inspired by watching our students enter the statehouse and the offices of their representatives—often intimidated at first—find their voices and realize that they really can make a difference in public policy.  Just having this one experience gives them a tool which they can use on behalf of their clients and communities.”

We spoke with five students about their experiences.

Advocating in Albany was an amazing experience. It bridged the gap for me in terms of what I thought having a say meant and seeing what it really is. We were able to see legislation become law. Legislators listened to what we said, and I felt that it mattered.

—Faigy Weinstock

Visiting Albany was life-changing for me. You drive up and you’re surrounded by social workers—of all races and religions—all advocating for the same bills. You feel like you’re a part of a family.

—Miriam Sussman

The trip was really empowering. The visit really gave me a clear sense of social work: why we do what we do. We were advocating for ourselves and the people we work for who couldn’t advocate for themselves.

—Tammin Trail

Visiting Albany with GSSW was a wonderful experience. It was a chance to see how social work can influence public policy. We used our voice to lobby for our profession and our clients. As future social workers, it’s important to see how government affects what we do.

—Qiana Hobdy

Being in Albany was especially important to me since a social work forgiveness loan program would allow social workers to work in low-income areas where they are needed the most.

—Dawn Hunte