March 11, 2011
For Immediate Release

 

By Christina Miller, office assistant

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky.— As part of National Social Work Month, Campbellsville University social work students and professors travelled to Kentucky's capitol for a day to speak with members of the Senate and House of Representatives about issues concerning today's social workers.

The group of approximately 50 students from both the main CU and Somerset campuses met with Rep. John “Bam” Carney (R- Campbellsville), Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R- Lebanon), Sen. David P. Givens (R- Greensburg), Rep. Dwight D. Butler (R- Harned) and Sen. Kenneth Winters (R- Murray), former president of Campbellsville University.

Rep. John “Bam” Carney (R- Campbellsville) met with social work students from Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University photo by Christina Miller)

The theme for the month is “Social Workers Change Futures,” and CU students were able to meet with legislators to be educated about the role of social workers in the government process.

Debbie Carter, assistant professor of social work at CU, said, “I think a day at the capitol is important for students and professors because as social workers we need to know about the political process. The bills that are passed and the budget that is proposed will directly affect our jobs and client resources. It is important to talk with and educate our legislators about the role of social workers, and how important it is to appropriate the necessary funding for the health and welfare of those we serve.”

Carter is a member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW) legislative committee.

Amanda Sheputis, a social work student from CU's Somerset campus, said, “It's good to hear what (legislators) are doing and how it applies to us. I'm getting to know the people here, where I would like to be in a few years. It's good to know (social workers) can be advocates for a cause we care about.”

Dr. Candace Hansford, assistant professor of social work, said, “It is extremely important for social work students and social workers to represent ourselves, our clients, and the social issues that we want altered for the betterment of our clients and the society in general.

“It is vital for us to make our voices heard and let the politicians know that we are serious about our causes. At times, as social workers, we are the only ones that could stand up for the most vulnerable populations. It helps show students how to advocate and the power that we do have as a unified body of professionals.”

Natashia Roy, a sophomore from Jamestown, Ky., said, “It's very important for social workers to recognize how important policy is.”

At the rally in the Capitol Rotunda, Marlene Huff, president of NASW-Kentucky chapter, said, “As a social worker I want to thank you for getting up and fighting that battle, for being the voice of people who think they can't speak to the government.”

Kim Miles, a senior social work student from Raywick, Ky., said, “It was a great experience to be able to share the day with other social work students throughout Kentucky. The rally in the Rotunda allowed us to join together for one common cause.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.