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.
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