Social Work Advocacy Day 2026
We’re excited to announce that SWAD 2026 will be back at the UT LBJ Auditorium and Texas State Capitol on April 17, 2026 for a day of education, advocacy, and connection. This year’s theme, United in Purpose, Unique in Perspective, celebrates the power of social workers coming together to drive change while honoring the diverse experiences and perspectives each of us brings. Whether you’re a student, seasoned professional, or retired, your voice matters in shaping policy, advancing social justice, and strengthening communities across Texas. Join us for engaging sessions, opportunities to earn continuing education credits, visits with state legislators, and a chance to connect with fellow social workers from across the state.
Virtual Prep Event: Don’t miss the SWAD Virtual Prep Event on April 15, 12:00–1:30 PM CT! Learn all about the day’s events, enhance your advocacy skills, and get ready to make the most of this important day. Register here.
Registration
If your university or agency is sending a team, please register as a group! Select one person as the group admin, who will collect all participant names and emails before registering. The admin will pay one invoice for the total group. Each group receives one free registration for the admin. Groups should consist of 5 or more people, and only one group per university or agency is allowed.
If you are registering as an individual, please check with your university or agency first, as your school may already be organizing a group. Individual registration is available for those not included in a group.
If you are registering as an individual, please check with your university or agency first, as your school may already be organizing a group. Individual registration is available for those not included in a group.
Andrew Marks Student Advocacy Award
In memory of Texas State University Professor Andrew Marks, LMSW, this award honors his dedication to social work advocacy and empowering students to engage in the legislative process. The award is given to one BSW and one MSW student during Social Work Advocacy Day. Students self-nominate by submitting a brief (500-word max) description of a non-work-related advocacy effort they’ve undertaken to create change at the local, state, or national level.
Award winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a $150 Visa Gift Card, and FREE registration to the 2026 NASW-TX Conference in Galveston. Submissions are due by March 27, 2026. Submit your nomination here!
Award winners will receive a certificate of recognition, a $150 Visa Gift Card, and FREE registration to the 2026 NASW-TX Conference in Galveston. Submissions are due by March 27, 2026. Submit your nomination here!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Agenda
8:00 am -
9:15 am
9:15 am
Check-in and Networking Breakfast (LBJ Auditorium)
Students and administrators check in with NASW-TX staff and volunteers.
Breakfast will be served; get ready to network!
Breakfast will be served; get ready to network!
9:15 AM -
9:30 am
9:30 am
Welcome from NASW-TX (LBJ Auditorium)
Welcome from NASW-TX Executive Director, Will Francis.
Andrew Marks Student Advocacy Award Winners.
Please note: Due to time constraints, we will not be hosting the school spirit contest this year.
Andrew Marks Student Advocacy Award Winners.
Please note: Due to time constraints, we will not be hosting the school spirit contest this year.
9:30 AM -
10:00 am
10:00 am
NASW-TX Advocacy Presentation (LBJ Auditorium)
NASW-TX Government Relations Director, Bryan Mares
10:00 AM -
11:00 am
11:00 am
Guest Speaker Panel (LBJ Auditorium)
More information coming soon!
11:00 AM -
12:30 pm
12:30 pm
Break for Lunch
Attendees have lunch on their own and make their way to the Texas State Capitol.
Legislative Office Visits
Attendees are encouraged to schedule their legislative office visits between 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT. Learn how to set up your visit here!
12:30 PM -
1:30 pm
1:30 pm
SWAD Rally & Resource Fair (Capitol - South Steps)
Social Work Advocacy Day rally at the South Capitol steps - Share your voice!
1:45 PM -
3:00 pm
3:00 pm
Mock Committee Hearing and Testimony Practice (Capitol - Auditorium)
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience what it is like to register either in favor or opposition to a bill and share their testimony on a panel. Attendees who sign up to provide testimony will be given a strict time limit of two minutes, just as if they would be permitted in most other committee hearings. This experience allows attendees to receive feedback from seasoned policy advocates on the mock committee and observe how a committee operates in bill hearings.
Countdown to SWAD
NASW-TX Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD) 2026
National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter
810 W. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2010
(512) 474-1454
[email protected]
www.naswtx.org
810 W. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701-2010
(512) 474-1454
[email protected]
www.naswtx.org