The Arkansas General Assembly The General Assembly convenes on the second Monday in January in odd years. A session lasts for 60 days unless the legislature votes to extend it. The Governor of Arkansas can issue a “call” for a special session during the interims between regular sessions. The General Assembly meets at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock.
The NASW Arkansas Advocacy Committee, with approval by the board of directors, is charged with setting the chapter’s legislative agenda and selecting the date for Lobby Day. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Lobby Day 2021 will be a virtual event. Online registration was made available in February and publicized to the NASW Arkansas membership and accredited schools of social work in Arkansas.
The NASW Arkansas Chapters follows the inclement weather policy of the Little Rock School District (LRSD). If LRSD closes for inclement weather, Lobby Day will be rescheduled to a more suitable time, if possible.
What is Social Work Lobby Day?
Lobby Day is a chance for social workers, students, and professors to advocate for the social work profession at the Arkansas General Assembly.
You will learn the skills you need to lobby state leaders about policy issues that are important to your profession and to your specific clients in our Advocacy 101 training.
You will then put these skills to use by meeting with your local legislators in individual meetings at the Capitol. Lobby Day gives you the opportunity to tour the General Assembly,
attend legislative meetings, and interact with social workers from across the state.
NASW Arkansas Lobby Days are held in ‘odd number years (2013, 2015…) due to the General Assembly’s schedule. During even years, legislators do not have a full session.
We are always happy to speak with students about advocacy throughout the year. If you are interested or have more questions, please contact Holly Barron at hbarron@naswar.org.
Tips on advocating: