The UAPB Senior Seminar in Social Work Class attended the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Arkansas Chapter Lobby Day in Little Rock on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the Arkansas Education Association (AEA). The NASW Arkansas Lobby Day is a chance for social workers, students, and professors to advocate for the profession at the Arkansas General Assembly.
Dr. Tamara Glover, UAPB Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, took the senior seminar class to the event. The UAPB students attended Committee Meetings at the State Capitol, witnessed representatives’ votes on bills, and entered the Student Policy Poster Presentation Competition. Their research poster presentation won first place. This was the first year UAPB entered the competition.
Pictured left to right. First Row: Ms. Felicia Cooper, Shameka Mack, Andrew Lartey, Lauren Bland, LaRiya Bing, Linda Woffard, Dr. Tamara Glover. Second Row (L to R): Dadreuna Clingmon, Taylor O’Donald, Rashanna Williams, Ashaunti Stinson, Leyan Climmons. Third Row(L to R): I’Layah Forney, Terrell Wilkerson, Titian Phillips, Joydan Steward, Evangelia Sandoval-Belmudez. Fourth Row: Dorian McGowan
According to the 2023 NASW Arkansas event site, Legislative Lobby Days is a one-day event that educates students and professionals about important legislation affecting clients and the social work profession. Participation is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and get a “hands-on” lobbying experience of talking with state legislators about important policy issues.
Under the leadership of Dr. Glover, five UAPB students, Lauren Bland, LaRiya Bing, Andrew Lartey, Shameka Mack, and Linda Woffard, from the Senior Seminar class presented their class research on House Bill 1266, “Minors Mental Health Matters.” The students’ presented FOR House Bill 1266, implemented on January 25, 2023, and assisted by Representative Evans & Senator K. Hammer. This Bill gives minors the power to consent to outpatient mental health services without interference from their parents. Potential mental health services include counseling for suicide prevention, chemical addiction or dependency, or sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.
In addition, the UAPB group had the opportunity to listen to various speakers involved in community engagement who took a political stance on social work that is helping to improve Arkansas. Speakers included Christopher L Harvey, Kelly Krout, and Allison Grigsby Sweatman. Colleges represented at the NASW Arkansas Lobby Day also included Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and Southern Arkansas University.
UAPB News 
Wonderful job Dr GLOVER. Exposing these students will have a lasting impact on their lives and education. Kudos to you all. Beautiful picture.