The National Association of Social Work, Florida Chapter (NASW-FL) held its annual LEAD event on February 5-6, 2024. The FSU College of Social Work co-hosted the event, helping to provide space and support.

The event started with a training and roll call on Monday, February 5th, at the Dunlap Champions Club at the FSU University Center B. More than 600 social workers and students from across the state of Florida gathered to learn about the legislative priorities for NASW-FL in 2024.

NASW-FL’s Executive Director Dawn Brown, Dean David Springer of the FSU College of Social Work, and NASW’FL’s President, Dr. Sharon Gandarilla-Javier, shared words of inspiration before the training began.

“I think the next couple of days are not going to only be impactful for the profession of social work, and hopefully for each one of you, but for the state of Florida,” he expressed. “For us to remain true to our story, we have to stay true to our values and our character. And our values are our North Star. So, you have a critical role to play, and we have a critical role to play together in cultivating a civil society, promoting social justice, alleviating critical social problems, and enhancing human well-being for everyone.”

He added, “And cultivating a civil society is the story of ordinary people living extraordinary lives. And that’s the work we’re here to do - lift up those stories and support those lives, from individuals to communities, and through policy.”

During the training, students from the FSU Chapter of the Macro Social Work Student Network and CSW Ambassadors shared strategies for meeting and discussing legislative bills with Florida House and Senate representatives and, along with the FSU College of Social Work Student Ambassadors, served as guides in navigating the Florida Capitol.

Everyone reconvened the following day, Tuesday, February 6th, at Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee for a pep rally and breakfast. Representative Daryl Campbell and Dr. Gandarilla-Javier addressed the gathering with encouraging words. Carol Campbell Edwards, an FSU College of Social Work faculty member and NASW-FL past-president and current national board member, also excited participants with a call and response that social workers are called to “lead” before everyone headed to the Florida Capitol for legislative meetings, tours, and sessions.

"Today, as you enter the Florida Capitol," Carol said to the crowd of listening social workers on February 6th," I encourage you to remember our collective power, the ethical standards that define our beloved profession, and the opportunity each of us has to lend our voice to something greater. We are called to lead!