SSWAA State Advocacy Roundtable: Who Owns Advocacy? Building Legislative Chairs & Committees

Description

Many state associations want to strengthen their advocacy efforts but struggle with one basic question: Who actually owns the work? This interactive SSWAA State Advocacy Roundtable will focus on how state associations can build more sustainable advocacy structures through clear leadership roles, legislative chairs, advocacy committees, and shared responsibility. Participants will explore practical strategies for moving advocacy beyond one person, strengthening legislative relationships, increasing member participation, and creating systems that can continue from year to year. During the session, we will discuss: What an effective state advocacy structure can look like The role of a Legislative or Advocacy Chair When and how to build a Legislative Committee How to divide responsibilities across state leadership Common barriers such as limited time, capacity, and member engagement Strategies for building legislative relationships How to move members from awareness to action One practical next step each state can take after the session This will be a discussion-based session with opportunities for state leaders and school social workers to share what is working, where they are struggling, and what support would help strengthen advocacy in their state. Who Should Attend: State association leaders, board members, legislative or advocacy chairs, committee members, and school social workers interested in strengthening state-level advocacy. Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 7:00–8:00 PM Eastern Format: Virtual