Save the Date

Capitol Action Day

February 9, 2027

Educate. Organize. Advocate.

What is Capitol Action Day?

Capitol Action Day (CAD) is NASW-NY's annual advocacy event. Our last event was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, CAD is designed to empower social workers to engage directly in the advocacy process at the State Capitol to make an impact for the profession and the communities we serve. At Capitol Action Day, members and beyond will have a chance to talk with legislators about the issues that matter to us and most importantly, to you. Our advocacy resides in the belief that to adequately address the mental health crisis in the State, there must be a focus on the recruitment and retention of social workers.

Capitol Action Day is open to both social work students and professionals. Attendees will visit their legislators throughout the day via legislative appointments or blanket canvassing to advocate for our issues.

We encourage attendees to arrange a meeting with their local legislators in addition to the already planned schedule. Find your NYS Senator and Assemblymember: NYS Senator and Assemblymember lookup .

NASW-NY cannot do this alone. We need your presence in this process! Your advocacy is crucial to ensure successful passage of legislation and budget commitments that will address our concerns and support an expansive and responsive mental health delivery system.

Why your advocacy matters: the Social Work Code of Ethics in action

Our Strength is in Our Unity

"We have an obligation to do better. But it only happens when we work together. It only happens when we understand that in order to get there and get this bill passed we must appreciate who we are and the work we do. Social Workers understand that our strength is in our unity.”
– Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, MSW, AD 72

Participate in Capitol Action Day to gain invaluable experience in legislative advocacy, developing skills crucial for professional growth and leadership.

Connect with representatives

"Sustainable investment in the profession is an investment in community wellbeing. That is the heart of our advocacy—and why this work matters”
– Warren K. Graham, Ph.D, LCSW, ACSW, Master CASAC, former NASW NYS Board President

Directly engage with your elected officials. Your professional insights are vital in shaping policies that impact social workers and the clients you serve.

Advocate for the future

“Hearing community stories keeps me grounded in what people are actually experiencing. And that proximity makes me a stronger writer and strategist for organizations striving to create real impact. Listening, speaking out, and rallying for a better world isn’t optional. It’s part of the work.”
– Megan Marshall, MSW, former Chair of AGR

Be a catalyst for change. Your participation helps drive policy shifts that improve social conditions and promote justice for all New Yorkers.

Research policy

"Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work..."
– Social Work Code of Ethics

Learn about and contribute to evidence-based policy advocacy, leveraging research to inform legislative decisions that enhance social work practice.

2027 legislative priorities

The Advocacy and Government Relations Committee (AGR) is working to develop the Capitol Action Day priority list. Learn more about the NASW-NY Advocacy and Government Relations Committee and how to get involved in this process.

Coming Soon

Sponsorship for Capitol Action Day 2027

Do not miss your chance to be a social work sponsor!

Deadline: January 31, 2027

Purchase Sponsorship

Why you should sponsor

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

We are grateful to our sponsors for supporting Capitol Action Day and social work advocacy across New York State.