Iowa Social Policy & Advocacy

Now, more than ever, NASW IA needs YOU to help with state level advocacy


Stay up to date with NASW IA's work at the capitol by signing up for Action Alerts and reading our Newsletter


2025 Legislative Toolkit


Advocacy

Advocacy is defined by many as arguing or pleading for a cause, whether a person, group, or policy. Advocacy is key to the role social workers play within their jobs and their communities. The Iowa Chapter develops legislative priorities on an annual basis reflecting the needs of those we serve society as a whole. NASW encourages members to become involved in advocacy efforts on many different levels. Social workers are ethically obligated to conduct advocacy on behalf of yourself, your clients and society. 


Ways Advocate at the State Level

Personalized Letters to Government Officials

If you are short on time, you can always write to your state senators and representatives.  While it varies from legislator to legislator, email is a pretty effective way to reach most of them.  NASW also recommends a letter by USPS for state legislators. It’s different – so it gets their attention.

Find contact information for your State lawmakers: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find

The ACLU has a nice tip sheet on writing letters elected officials: https://www.aclu.org/writing-your-elected-representatives 


Phone Calls

Phone calls are not as effective for Iowa state legislators, because their voicemail can get full. If they know you and have your phone number in their cell phone, it can work.  You can call the Iowa Legislative switchboards, which are open from 8 am until 5 pm on days that the legislature is in session. (Noon to 5 pm on Mondays)

Iowa State Senate switchboard
515-281-3371

Iowa State House switchboard
515-281-3221

You can leave a voicemail once transferred to their extension, which then send an email to their legislative email account.


Letters to the Editor

Another way to make your stance known is to write a letter to the editor. The beauty of a letter to the editor is that it can educate the public as well as your elected official.

Here’s a nice resource from our friends at the Union of Concerned Scientists on how to write a good letter to the editor: Guide to writing a letter to the editor


The National Education Association (NEA) has sample letters in their toolkit: Sample letters to the editor  


Here’s a link on how to submit a Letter to the Des Moines Register: How to Write a Letter to the Des Moines Register


Ways to Reach out to the Governor’s Office

Web form to send your thoughts to the Governor: https://governor.iowa.gov/constituent-services/register-an-opinion

by phone: 515-281-5211 

by Twitter: @KimReynoldsIA 


For a handwritten letter use this address:
1007 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319 


Public Forums 

If you can’t come to the Capitol, you can advocate at home at townhall meetings and coffees. For information on when and where townhall meetings are scheduled, go to: https://www.iowaddcouncil.org/public-forums


Federal Advocacy

Another benefit of membership is advocacy and lobbying at the federal level.  The NASW national office in Washington, DC takes the lead on federal issues.  If you are concerned about federal issues, be sure to check out the NASW federal advocacy page

If you don't know who your member of congress is, click on the link below: 

Find my member of Congress


Helpful Links:

NASW-IA Chapter 2019 Social Work Labor Force Study

Iowa General Assembly
Find My State Legislator
Register to Vote
Iowa PACE 


Please feel free to call the NASW office should you have any questions 515-277-1117