NASW Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2026 - Harrisburg, PA
Tuesday March 24th, 2026
What is Legislative Education and Advocacy Day?
Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) is an annual event hosted by NASW-PA, at which nearly 1,000 social work students and professionals gather to advocate for legislation that is relevant to the social work profession. Attendees visit their legislators throughout the day and tell them why such legislation is important and how it will serve the Commonwealth. NASW-PA will schedule all legislative meetings, so attendees don't need to worry about doing so. Just make sure you know who your state legislators are! You can look them up using this link.
Registration by March 16th is required to attend the event. Register at link
Buses will leave Pitt Campus at 5:00AM and return at approximately 7:30-8:00PM. In the morning, we will all meet at the bus, located at Bigelow Blvd between the Oaklander and Soldiers and Sailors Garage.
Transportation and registration costs are covered by the School of Social Work in partnership with SEC!
Students are only responsible for covering food costs for the day.
This event is open to all students (MSW, BASW, and PhD), staff, and faculty.
**Students may also participate by driving separately but are still
required to register for the event so that you can be registered with NASW
What to Expect:
Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) is for social work students and professionals. We expect student attendees from PA schools of social work as well as professional social workers from all across the Commonwealth. This is a great chance for you to experience legislative advocacy as well as the law-making process.
2026 Bills of Focusing Information:
House Bill 2189 Amendment to The Minimum Wage Act of 1968
- Introduced in February 2026, aims to amend the Minimum Wage Act of 1968. Key provisions include increasing the Pennsylvania minimum wage to $11 per hour starting January 1, 2027, with scheduled, steady annual increases thereafter. It also modifies training wages for employees under 20 and eliminates certain small employer exemptions. As of February 24, 2026, the bill has passed the House Labor & Industry Committee and was re-committed to the House Appropriations Committee.
House Bill 1993 The Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Therapy Act
- Introduced in October 2025, this legislation requires that AI used for "supplementary support" (such as note-taking) in therapy, where sessions are recorded or transcribed, must have explicit, written, and informed consent from the patient. It also prohibits AI providers from representing their systems as therapists or counselors.
House Bill 554 Social Worker Licensure Compact Model
- Introduced in February 2025, Pennsylvania House Bill 554 (2025-2026 session), introduced by Rep. Aerion Abney, authorizes the Commonwealth to join the Social Work Licensure Compact. This interstate agreement allows licensed social workers to practice in member states via a multistate license, reducing barriers for professional mobility, increasing access to mental health services, and streamlining licensure. As of February 2026, the bill has passed committee and is in the House for consideration.
Look Up Your Legislators
If you need help figuring out who your legislators are, you can use this link to look them up! https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator
There will be scheduled appointments during the afternoon open to all students attending. Students are encouraged to make their own appointments and drop into legislators’ offices. Details about appointments will be communicated to those attending.
What is the schedule for the day?
Rough Schedule (Agenda subject to change)
5:00 AM - Depart Pitt
9:00 AM - Drop off at City Island
9:30 AM - March to State Capital
10:00 AM - Rally at State Capital
11:30 PM-4:00 PM - Meetings with legislators, free time at capital
4:00 PM - Depart Harrisburg
7:30PM/8:00PM - Return to Pitt
What is the dress code for the day?
You are welcome to wear jeans and a Pitt shirt. You may also wear professional business casual attire. The rally will be held outside, so please plan accordingly. The event is rain or shine. Please dress comfortably, there will be walking and prolonged standing involved in weather conditions. If you do not have a Pitt SSW shirt and would like one to wear, please contact Dr. Melnick (ada65@pitt.edu).
Is food provided?
Students are responsible for their own food. Students are welcome to pack food to bring with them on the bus. If food is a hardship and barrier for students attending, please reach out to Dr. Melnick privately for assistance (ada65@pitt.edu). Some snacks will be available on the bus.
Does this count for practicum hours?
You need to discuss this with your practicum instructor and receive their approval, but you are welcome to count these as hours.
Can I miss class to attend this event?
Please discuss it with your individual instructors. Instructors are aware that this is a valuable learning opportunity for students and is school sponsored. Instructors teaching on Tuesday have been encouraged to be flexible with students who want to attend.
Where can I park on Pitt campus?
Soldiers and Sailors garage will be open for parking close to 5:00 AM . On March 24, they plan to open a few minutes early to accommodate our trip. The cost for this garage for the entire day is $14. Please reach out if you have any questions about getting to campus.
Can I drive separately?
You are responsible for all costs associated with driving separately. You can follow the group schedule to meet up with the group. FYI: Tolls on the turnpike and parking costs in Harrisburg can be expensive. Please plan ahead if you plan to drive. If you are driving, please see parking information link. Parking is available on City Island Street for $4 per hour. https://parkharrisburg.com/destinations/pennsylvania-state-capitol/
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Dr. Alicia Melnick at ADA65@pitt.edu