2011 Social Work Day on the Hill. March 30, 2011 War Memorial Auditorium & Capitol Hill - Nashville, TN

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1 2011 Social Work Day on the Hill March 30, 2011 War Memorial Auditorium & Capitol Hill - Nashville, TN

2 Dear Social Work Day on the Hill Attendee: The Tennessee Chapter of NASW welcomes you to Social Workers Change Futures, the 2011 Social Work Day on the Hill. This day is designed to educate you about the public policy making process in Tennessee, and we hope it will also be a day when you celebrate your current, or future, career as a social worker. The day is also a special opportunity to let Tennessee legislators know about the important work social workers do across the state and to share information on issues of concern to our profession. This is a day where attendees also get to make a difference by being involved in the public policy process. Attendees at prior events advocated: to ensure only persons with social work degrees could use the title social worker, to pass multi-level social worker licensure, and to restore important funding for mental health services. Their efforts were successful as we passed Social Worker Title Protection in 2005, Multi-level Social Worker Licensure in 2008 and restored millions of dollars for mental health services in 2009 and Social workers and social work students can again make a difference in 2011 by working together. A special handout is on your table to share with legislators to help them understand more about the important ways social workers make a difference across Tennessee and that asks for their support on key issues being considered by the 107th Tennessee General Assembly. Please join with us in working together on these shared agenda issues. We hope you have a great time today and that you use Social Work Day on the Hill as a stepping stone to continued involvement in working for your clients and your professional through the public policy process. Best regards, Robin Lennon-Dearing, PhD, MSW, BSW Kyndyll Lackey, LAPSW Karen L. Franklin, LAPSW NASW-TN President NASW-TN SWDOH Committee Chair NASW-TN Executive Director We extend a special thank you to those individuals and groups that made this event possible: 2011 Social Work Day on the Hill Committee Members Kyndyll Lackey Kelli Bratton Lauren Hopper Elizabeth Massey Shanna Shilling Helene Halvorson Kim Spoon Other Conference Volunteers Policy Presentation Judges Helene Halvorson, Legislative Committee Chair Pam Brown, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth Bo Walker, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Lisa Primm, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Paula Foster, LCSW Kaci Clinard Jennifer Jones Katie McKillop Errika Hill Bruce Dalton Susan Jones Nicholas Bunton Cynthia Snyder Joyce Hillman Sandra Bivens Julie Goodman Stewart Clifton Anne Ross Emma Shouse NASW - TN Staff Karen Franklin Melissa West Cindy Trail Executive Director Program Manager Administrative Coordinator

3 NASW TN Chapter Would Like to Thank Our Sponsors Policy Presentation Sponsor Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc. Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth University of Memphis UT College of Social Work Exhibitors Western Kentucky University University of Alabama Union University NASW-TN Supporters TennHelp Austin Peay State University Belmont University East TN State University Freed-Hardeman University Lincoln Memorial University Lipscomb University Middle TN State University UT Martin Tennessee State University UT College of Social Work Union University University of Memphis NASW-TN Chapter encourages you to stop by and visit with our Sponsors and Exhibitors.

4 Table of Contents About the Conference.....Page 5 About our Presenters..Page 6 Tennessee Legislative Skills Materials..Page NASW-TN Chapter Legislative Priorities....Page 11 Student Policy Poster Contest.....Page NASW-TN Award Winners....Page 18 Map of Downtown Nashville. Page 21 Legislative Plaza Map. Page 22 Members of the Tennessee General Assembly.. Page 23 Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Ads....Page 29 Thank You For Participating. Page 37 Questions or need assistance during the day? Check with a conference volunteer at the registration table or at the NASW-TN exhibit in Legislative Plaza. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 4

5 Conference Agenda 2011 Social Work Day on the Hill Agenda March 30, :30 a.m. On Site Registration Begins 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast with Legislators 8:00 a.m. Welcome to Legislators Kyndyll Lackey, LAPSW, Chairperson Social Work Day on the Hill Planning Committee Chair 8:50 a.m. Welcome to Everyone Kyndyll Lackey, LAPSW 9:00 a.m. Social Workers Change Futures Sita Diehl, LAPSW Director of State Policy and Advocacy, NAMI 9:30 a.m. Concurrent Activities Visit Capitol and Legislative Plaza Meet with Your Legislators Attend Legislative Committee Meetings 10:30 a.m. Policy Poster Presentations Noon Pick up box lunches 12:30 p.m. Recognition of and comments from Dr. Raquel Hatter, MSW Commissioner, TN Department of Human Services Kathryn Kate O Day, MSW Commissioner, TN Department of Children s Services 1:00 p.m. Presentation of NASW-TN 2011 Awards Robin Lennon-Dearing, PhD, MSW, BSW NASW-TN Chapter President Karen Franklin, LAPSW NASW-TN Executive Director 1:40 p.m. Gather for Group Photo 2:00 p.m. Concurrent Activities Meet with Your Legislators Legislative and Capitol Tour by Stewart Clifton, JD, NASW-TN Legislative Liaison Visit Legislative Committee Meetings Social Work: Day on the Hill Page 5

6 About our Presenters: Sita Diehl, LAPSW - Director of State Policy and Advocacy, NAMI Sita Diehl, MA, LAPSW is the Director of State Policy and Advocacy for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She served as Executive Director of NAMI Tennessee from 2004 to A supporter of empowerment among adults, children and families affected by mental illness in Canada, Oregon and Wisconsin and Tennessee, Ms. Diehl is best known as the editor of the BRIDGES curriculum, a peer-run program for people living with mental illness. She is a co-author of Back from Wherever I've Been, a collection of recovery stories from people in the BRIDGES program. Ms. Diehl came to Tennessee in 1989 with a Masters degree in community psychology from Antioch University and earned her MSSW at the University of Tennessee. She has developed and implemented a range of mental health curricula for individuals living with mental illness, families, mental health care providers and criminal justice personnel. Her research background includes a two state comparison of the effect of public managed behavioral health care on women and children, a federal multi-site study of consumer-operated services and a longitudinal study of mental health services in Tennessee county jails. Dr. Raquel Hatter, MSW Commissioner, TN Department of Human Services Dr. Hatter has dedicated more than 20 years of her life to serving adults, children, and families. Dr. Hatter s work has focused on vulnerable and economically disadvantaged individuals. Throughout her career she has served in many roles including frontline practitioner, therapist, outreach worker, program director, VP/Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer. She has done this work across systems including Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Mental Health, and Human Services. She has done extensive work in supporting positive and effective public-private partnerships on behalf of adults, children, and families at a state and national level. Some of this work has included chairing statewide committees focused on these efforts, partnering with state government to revise licensing and contractual rules, and partnering with state government to revise mental health rules concerning youth with mental illness. Dr. Hatter holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Community Psychology from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Education in Child, Youth, and Family Studies from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Hatter is the wife of Andre Hatter, an Accountant, and she is the mother of two young adults, Delano and Tiara. Kathryn Kate O Day, MSW Commissioner, TN Department of Children s Services Kate O Day, MSW has dedicated her entire professional life to children. She began her career as a youth counselor with the Broward County Sheriff s Office in Florida. Before becoming President and CEO of Child & Family Tennessee, she was Vice President of Program Development and Evaluation for Children s Home Society of Florida and Director of Program Services for Covenant House of Florida. At Child & Family Tennessee, Ms. O Day created a business-like management team and organizational model to ensure fiscal and programmatic accountability, which has helped the organization meet goals. Ms. O Day is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville, a co-chair of the Community Coalition for Domestic Violence in Knoxville, founding Chair of the Juvenile Court Assistance Board in Knox County, a former panel chair for the Foster Care Review Board in Knox County and a member of the Executive Women s Association. Ms. O Day has a Master of Social Work degree from Florida International University. Personally, Ms. O Day is married to Steve Cuneo and has three grown children. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 6

7 Thank You for Taking Time to Make a Difference Tips for Your Legislative Visits Today Over 350 social work students, faculty and practitioners are gathered here today and we have the ability to make a difference. The following information provides a few brief tips on how to effectively use your time in meeting with legislators from your area. Please also review the information in the pages that follow for additional background information as you prepare to meet with legislators. We hope you have already scheduled your legislative visits. If you haven t and you have a large group we encourage you to consider visiting the offices of legislators in groups of Please check at the registration desk during program breaks if you need help identifying legislators from your area. Key reasons for your legislative visits include; 1. Providing an opportunity for you to practice policy skills 2. Educating legislators about what social workers do and about your University s social work program 3. Sharing with legislators about key issues of concern to social workers and by working together making a difference on these issues 4. Starting and/or continuing to build relationships with key decision-makers in Tennessee. Many legislators will only have a brief time to meet with you. To maximize your time with the legislator select a group spokesperson and be prepared to: Thank the legislator for meeting with you and for their commitment to public service. Introduce yourself and have others in your group introduce themselves. Mention that you are here for Social Work Day on the Hill and the University that you attend. You may also want to mention how many persons are present from your school. Give a copy of the prepared handout to the legislator and be prepared to discuss the points illustrated in the handout including what social workers do and the types of organizations where they work. From a personal perspective consider having a member of your group prepared to share why he or she decided to become a social worker. Mention that over 350 social work students, faculty and professionals from across the state are on the hill today. Remind them of the points emphasized on the handout under We Ask Your Help. As time permits, dialogue with the legislator about these issues. If your University has a policy poster presentation you may also want to mention that during your visit. Thank the legislator for meeting with you and follow-up your oral thanks with a written note. After your visit, please complete and return the Legislative Visit follow-up form to the registration desk or to the NASW Exhibit in the Legislative Plaza. If no one is at either of these locations please Karen Franklin at kfranklin@naswtn.com with information about your visit. This information helps NASW-TN as we continue to work on the issues addressed today. Social Work Day on the Hill attendees will also receive alerts when key follow-up is needed on the issues addressed today. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 7

8 Legislative Skills Briefing Prepared by Stewart Clifton and Anne Ross Clifton Government Relations To communicate regarding this information please contact Stewart Clifton: How to act like you were raised right when at the legislature: 10 basic DO NOTS to remember 1. Do not forget that you are representing an important organization, cause, point of view, etc. and act accordingly. 2. Do not ignore secretaries, interns or others who aren t legislators but who work there. Greet them, introduce yourself when it seems appropriate, etc. Not only is this good manners, it is also necessary as these folks are often gatekeepers. 3. Do not approach a legislator and start talking or even listening if the legislator is talking with another lobbyist or legislator. It is customary to try to get in their line of vision so that they can talk to you if they wish after they finish the conversation. Contrary to what you might think, confidential discussions are often held in lobbies and hallways. 4. Do not allow your cell phone to go off in a committee meeting, House/Senate session or legislator s office. 5. Don t read newspapers, mysteries, or anything that does not look a lot like legislatively-related material in committee meetings or House/Senate sessions. 6. Do not fall asleep in committee meetings or House and Senate sessions. 7. Do not overly react such as by laughing, cursing, clutching your heart or otherwise letting folks know you think what you just heard was hogwash. 8. Don t wear jeans, flip-flops or other really casual attire unless you represent jeans, flip flops or casual attire makers or have been at the legislature for 25 years and just don t care anymore. Men and women do not exactly have to wear suits and all the time but you should look professionally dressed. You might take your cue from others who look like they know what s going on. 9. Do not forget to say thank you. 10. Do not forget to treat others as you would have them treat you. Tips for in-person visits with elected officials 1. Make appointment if possible. It s acceptable to drop by and ask staffer if this is a possible time to visit. Flexibility is important. Legislators have many demands on their time, sometimes without notice. 2. Meet with staffer if legislator is unavailable. Sometimes meeting with a key staffer is almost as good as meeting with a legislator. Don t turn that down if offered. 3. Be courteous but don t apologize. You have a right to try to influence your elected officials, to meet with them and to express your views. 4. Remember you are building a relationship. Unless you really are a close friend, introduce yourself every time you meet, wear a nametag and when possible wear a group identification indicator. 5. If you already know the elected official or at least have met them, make sure you tell them and remind them of how you know them. 6. Tell them if you or someone in your group is a constituent. 7. For groups, appoint a key spokesperson who will facilitate the meeting and keep it going: Include: Who you are (each person present should be introduced) What your organization is What you need from your legislator A reference to the concise fact sheet you have prepared and will leave with them 8. Provide short, clear information --not jargon or technical terms! Best points only, written and oral. 9. Don t overstay, threaten, burn bridges, attack the legislator for his/her record on your issue(s), or disparage government or politics. 10. Ask for a vote for your position and try to get an answer. But remember it s legitimate for elected officials to reserve judgment on a bill. 11. Thank the legislator for meeting with you and follow oral thanks with a written note. 12. Follow up as needed. After the visit, follow up with any information that you promised during the visit. When you leave the meeting, your work is often just beginning. Arrange for any unanswered questions to be addressed and for others to contact. 13. Keep in touch during legislative session contact your legislator on issues of interest to your organization, and remind him/her of your visit. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 8

9 Ten tips for occasional lobbyists 1. Develop a relationship before you need the vote. (Legislators vote often based more on relationships than on specific beliefs or data.) How to have a relationship: Be a part of a group and identify yourself as a group member/representative and act accordingly. Lone ranger lobbyists seldom succeed! Creatively think of ways to build the personal and group relationship over time. Such as: Send a snail-mail or communication when an official does something worth noting positively, such as casting a vote you agree with or receiving an honor. Introduce or re-introduce yourself when you see the elected official, whether at a political function or a trip to the gas station. Link yourself to your group. Make an appointment to introduce yourself, your organization and/or your issue. Make sure your group invites legislators to appropriate meetings to give reports on what they and the legislature did, etc. Organize small or medium size coffees or meetings made up of group members who are constituents of legislators for legislators to meet with. Remember to focus on those legislators who represent you. A constituent is not just a well-meaning citizen with opinions - anyone can have an opinion. Constituents hire and fire. 2. Do your homework on both the legislator and the legislation. Homework is best done before the test Respect the elected official and the office. There is obviously a way to disagree without threatening or giving the impression that the legislator is a dope or self-interested. Respect does not mean like or agree with. 4. Provide short, clear information, without jargon. Not technical articles that go on for pages. I m talking one page or the oral equivalent. 5. Be honest. Provide accurate information. Keep your word. 6. Check your ego at the door. 7. Burn no bridges and never threaten. The bridge you burn now may be the one you later have to cross. You can be firm and reasonably passionate about your position but never be hostile. 8. Know that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies. 9. Set priorities and be focused. 10. Know the formal and informal rules. Most of the informal ones you learned in kindergarten, and they boil down to Act Like You Were Raised Right. Committees Rule! Persons learning about the legislative process are often surprised to learn how crucial committees are. A main reason is that no bill can progress to the next committee or to the floor (the entire Senate or House) until approved by each committee to which it is assigned. A bill must get a majority of committee members votes or it is dead or at least stalled. Committee votes control; they don t just advise! The Speaker, based upon a bill s subject matter, assigns each bill to a standing committee. Sometimes a caption bill is not assigned but held by the speaker for later assignment. In the House, the Speaker similarly assign bills to subcommittees when she deems it appropriate. The Senate normally doesn t use subcommittees, although occasionally one may pop up. Fiscal impact bills go to a substantive standing committee (like Health or Environment) and then to Finance Committee. When the main topic is taxes or fiscal policy, they just go to Finance. In the House, the Calendar & Rules committee must approve and schedule for floor action each bill after it emerges from other required committees with a positive action. This committee occasionally holds or kills bills it doesn t like on the merits. At each of these committees and subcommittees, the bill sponsor appears to speak for and explain the implications of the bill. Most of the actual discussion and amendment of bills takes places in these committees, not on the House and Senate floor. At the request of a committee member a non-legislator may be asked to address the committee on the bill. These committee meetings are open for the public to attend, but are not exactly public hearings in that non-legislators and even legislators not on the committee do not have the right to speak. Citizens and/or lobbyists are not given the opportunity to speak unless the sponsor or a committee member requests. Normally, this can be worked out beforehand with the committee chair. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 9

10 Implications of this committee system for citizen lobbyists and volunteers Groups seeking to pass or defeat legislation may feel overwhelmed by the task of convincing the whole legislature of their position. While it is not easy to pass a bill, especially one that means something and is therefore likely to have opposition, it is not impossible. Remember these concrete steps & opportunities. find an interested sponsor willing to work for the bill provide the sponsor with good information and fact sheets be at committee meetings to speak as a resource if asked (and arrange to be asked beforehand if you and the sponsor think it advisable) focus advocacy on the committee, not the whole House or whole Senate until the bill gets past committee (s), then broaden the targets Important Tennessee Government Facts You Probably Would Not Remember Even if You Had Been Paying Attention in Civics Class You do not have to be an expert on the legislative process to be a part of that process. And you won t be an expert after reading these reflections. But these facts and observations may help you become an effective part of the legislative process. This process could benefit greatly from the active participation of citizens and groups working for the common good. 1. Tennessee s state legislature is known as the General Assembly. 2. The General Assembly can add, repeal or modify (amend) our existing laws. Together with the executive and judicial branches, the legislative branch is our state government. 3. Currently we have elected members of 2 parties in the General Assembly, although the legislative web site lists three parties, including Carter County Republican. 4. The General Assembly consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. 5. The Senate has 33 members who serve 4-year terms. The terms are staggered with half of the seats being up for election every two years. In 2010 odd numbered seats were up for election. The Senate elects the Lieutenant Governor. The Lieutenant Governor, also correctly known as Speaker of the Senate, appoints committees and committee officers. 6. Each Senator must be a qualified voter of the district for one year immediately before election, a citizen of US, at least 30 years of age, and a citizen of Tennessee for at least 3 years. 7. The House has 99 members who serve 2-year terms. Each House member s seat is on the ballot every two years. Each Representative must be a citizen of the United States, at least 21 years of age, a citizen of Tennessee for at least three years, and a resident in the county one represents for at least one year immediately preceding the election. 8. The House elects its own Speaker. The Speaker appoints committees and committee officers. 9. The legislature meets annually from mid-january to late May or June (normally), depending on circumstances of politics and agendas. 10. Legislators are part time and are given limited staff. Pay is $19,000 annually plus expenses. 11. Senate and House districts are population-based. Redistricting occurs after each federal census. 12. Legislators have two primary roles, leading and representing. One can argue that these roles are often in conflict. For our purposes, if public opinion in the district agrees with your position then you obviously must remind Rep. Smith that he is first and foremost a representative of the people. If public opinion is against your position, then you must remind Sen. Smith that she was elected to be a leader and must vote her convictions. 13. Here are the steps in passing a bill: INTRODUCTION NUMBERED BY CHIEF CLERK PASSED ON FIRST CONSIDERATION PASSED ON SECOND CONSIDERATION REFERRED TO COMMITTEE REFERRED TO CALENDAR PLACED ON CALENDAR, PASSED ON THIRD CONSIDERATION BILL IS ENGROSSED COMPANION BILLS BILL IS ENROLLED SIGNED BY SPEAKERS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR (unless Governor vetoes or allows it to become law without signature) SENT TO SECRETARY OF STATE AND ASSIGNED PUBLIC CHAPTER NUMBER INCORPORATED INTO THE CODE 14. But what it all boils down to is: Committees Rule! Bills die if that don t pass in committee and almost always pass the House and Senate if they do pass in committee. 15. The Governor's term is four years. Tennessee governors are limited to no more than two consecutive terms. 16. The General Assembly has sole power to pass bills, but the Governor must receive every bill before it can become law. The Governor has the right to approve a bill by signing it into law; veto the bill with objections in writing; or fail to return a bill with objections during the ten-day period after it is presented -- then the bill will become law without the Governor s signature. 17. This year the House and Senate were simultaneously controlled by Republicans for the first time since Social Work Day on the Hill Page 10

11 NASW-TN 2011 Legislative Priority Issues NASW, Tennessee Chapter has approved the following advocacy agenda for NASW TN invites you to monitor the Chapter website at to keep informed on ways to be involved in supporting these important issues. For additional information please contact the Chapter Office (877) ACTIVE Priority Issues Preserving Tennessee s Social Infrastructure Low income and elderly Tennesseans, and others who rely on our state s infrastructure of social supports have cause for alarm. So do advocates and organizations who work on their behalf. This infrastructure, made up largely of public/private partnerships and federal/state and local partnerships, was strengthened and refined over the last 3 or 4 decades with bipartisan leadership of governors, legislators and citizens. This infrastructure is truly at risk given current financial, political and public opinion realities. NASW TN will work with others to preserve Tennessee s social infrastructure. Key areas of interest include: Ensuring adequate resources for community based mental health services as funding decreases for inpatient care. Protecting our future by promoting the well being and safety of Tennessee s children. Access to health care services for low income and vulnerable Tennesseans. Educating key decision makers about how social workers change futures Social Workers across Tennessee have dedicated their careers to helping people transform their lives and to improving environments that make such progress possible. We will help key state decision makers understand how social workers are making a difference in communities across Tennessee. We will also monitor and oppose any efforts to weaken the current laws pertaining to social work. Excluding those with Severe & Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) from the death penalty NASW TN will partner with the mental health community in Tennessee to work on issues affecting those with mental illness and disability, including HB2064/SB1692 that will exclude people with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) from the death penalty. Under this bill, life without the possibility of parole would be the maximum punishment for violent offenders with severe and persistent mental illness. Responsible implementation of health care reform We will work with others to educate government officials and the public about fundamental protections necessary to ensure that the Tennessee Health Insurance Exchange will meet the needs of individual consumers and small employers it is designed to serve. Partnership Issues (NASW TN will work with other organizations in monitoring these issues. Our legislative work on these issues may increase if we need to play a strategic role in these areas.) Adoption and Foster Care NASW believes that every child has a right to a permanent, continuous, and nurturing relationship with a parenting person or people who convey to the child an enduring sense of love and care. We believe public social policy on adoption and foster care should be evidencedbased and focus on the best interests of the child. NASW TN will work with others to educate legislators about evidenced based practice in the area of foster care and adoption and oppose legislation that restricts Tennessee s children from living in loving, nurturing relationships with single or unmarried caregivers. Child Care and Early Childhood Education NASW recognizes that all young children deserve excellent early care and education and those high quality early experiences make a difference in children s lifelong academic and social success. The Tennessee Chapter of NASW will continue to work with the Governor and other groups to support continuation of current funding for Pre K classrooms. We also recognize the important role family and environmental factors play in educational development and advocate the involvement of social work professionals in early education programs. Department of Children s Services The Tennessee Chapter is impressed by the strong child focused direction of the Tennessee Department of Children s Services. NASW TN will work with them to improve the professionalism of the child welfare workforce and on initiatives to improve the lives of and protect Tennessee s children. Discrimination NASW supports an inclusive society in which racial, ethic, social, sexual orientation, and gender differences are valued and respected. NASW TN opposes legislation that discriminates on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, political belief, religion, or mental or physical disability. Economy and Unemployment The economic crisis is placing an increasing number of Tennesseans in vulnerable situations. NASW TN supports the continuation of federal and state programs that help Tennesseans though transitions while the economy recovers.

12 Partnership Issues Continued Families First NASW TN has been actively involved in advocacy efforts related to the Families First program since its inception under a federal waiver in NASW TN continues to support Families First services, including Families Services Counseling and Child Care, which address barriers preventing vulnerable families from achieving success. Health Care The Tennessee Chapter of NASW recognizes the importance of health care coverage for all Tennesseans including our most vulnerable. We will advocate with others for fiscally responsible programs that ensures persons receive needed and appropriate medical care. We recognize the importance of: TennCare in providing health care coverage for our state s children and vulnerable Tennesseans, Federally qualified and faith based health centers in providing primary care, and The Coordinated School Health Program in improving student health outcomes and supporting the connection between good health practices, academic achievement, and lifetime wellness. Mental Health Economic factors and changes in TennCare threaten reductions in mental health services that could result in personal tragedy and increased burdens on emergency rooms and local law enforcement. NASW TN will continue to work with the Tennessee Coalition for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) to maintain a mental health safety net for Tennessee residents. People With Disabilities NASW TN will work collaboratively with the Tennessee Disability Coalition and other disability advocates on budget and policy issues that ensure the right of people with disabilities to participate fully and equitably in society, with appropriate supports to meet individual needs. Predatory Lending Practices NASW TN worked with others in 2006 to pass the Tennessee High Cost Home Loan Protection Act. We remain committed to partnering with other advocacy groups to protect low income and vulnerable Tennesseans from predatory lending practices. Refugee and Immigrant Issues Tennessee is a state with a growing immigrant population. This demographic shift has made many within the state uneasy. At a national and Chapter level NASW supports immigration and refugee policies that uphold and support equity and human rights, while protecting national security. As professional social workers we are committed to helping our lawmakers and others understand how immigrants and refugees contribute to our communities so that public policies are designed in an environment of mutual respect. School Social Work Healthy children and stable families are at the core of a strong community, but often families are threatened by the challenges of poverty, substance abuse, violence, mental illness, and homelessness. Not only do these challenges affect a community s success, they could limit a student s ability to learn. School social workers address these and other barriers that interfere with student achievement. NASW TN will continue to educate legislators regarding the important efforts of school social workers and their role in helping students succeed. Seniors NASW TN recognizes the crucial efforts of social workers in serving Tennessee s growing senior population. We support dignified, humane, effective and client based services for seniors that are consistent with social work values. Tax Reform and Reduction of Tax on Food NASW TN is a member of Tennesseans for Fair Taxation. We support their efforts to secure the long term revenue needed to enhance Tennessee s progress and to relieve the tax burden on low income families. TennHelp NASW partnered with the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services and the Department of Children s Services to create a website that assists families and social workers in locating and linking to services in their area. The TennHelp website is a statewide listing of services for families and children searchable by services needed and by location. We will continue to work with public officials to let them know how TennHelp can assist their constituents. Additional Monitoring & Information Dissemination Issues Abortion Related Issues NASW TN will track legislation related to abortion and update members when key actions are being considered. Death Penalty NASW advocates the abolition of the death penalty as this punishment is at variance with social work values. NASW TN is committed to monitoring this issue and keeping our members informed of developments in Tennessee s death penalty system. Management Data The Tennessee Chapter of NASW knows the utilization of good data can improve public policy management decisions. We support the development of strong data systems for evaluating and improving the delivery of services to our most vulnerable populations. Transportation NASW TN will monitor efforts to increase funding for mass transit and other transportation options that increase accessibility for low income and vulnerable populations. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 12

13 2011 NASW Social Work Day on the Hill Policy Poster Competition A highlight of the legislative conference is policy presentations by students from universities and colleges across the state. Each attending school is invited to bring one policy poster to display and to select one student to present on the policy using a maximum 5 minute PowerPoint presentation. We hope you will join with us in congratulating all the groups that are presenting policy posters at Social Work Day on the Hill. They are already winners from their respective Universities and NASW, Tennessee Chapter applauds their work. The abstracts submitted by each student group are on the following pages and the criteria by which the judges will be assessing the posters and presentations are below. The winning BSW and MSW policy presentation will be announced during the luncheon. POLICY POSTER JUDGES SCORING SHEET 1) Policy presentation is in PowerPoint and poster format. The PowerPoint Presentation is less than 5 minutes in length. (One minute and 30 seconds remaining warnings will be given, Presenters exceeding 5 minutes will be asked to leave the stage.) 2) PowerPoint presentation was received via PRIOR to conference date. 3) PowerPoint presentation was interesting, persuasive, creative, kept the attention of the audience and generally covered required content areas listed below. Comments: 4) Policy presentation poster topic is congruent with current NASW, Tennessee Chapter social policy issues. Comments: 5) Policy abstract is clearly presented in the poster and PowerPoint. 6) Policy abstract was received prior to the deadline for printing the program (i.e. abstract is included in the program). 7) Poster and PowerPoint defines the social policy or issue clearly. 8) Poster and PowerPoint states the policy as it currently is and analyzes the strengths/limitations of current policy. 9) Poster and PowerPoint identifies potential areas for change within current policy. 10) Poster and PowerPoint identifies vulnerable and at-risk populations and specific ways in which these groups are impacted by the current policy. 11) Poster and PowerPoint incorporates into the overall policy analysis the six core values of the social work profession as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. service social justice dignity and worth of the person integrity importance of human relationships competence Comments: / 5 / 5 / 10 /10 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 15 12) Poster and PowerPoint states at least five recommendations to improve current policy; these recommendations should incorporate all levels of social work practice. Comments: / 10 13) Poster and PowerPoint are creative, innovative, persuasive, captures the attention of the reader; uses appropriate graphics, statistics, pictures, charts, to get message across. Comments: / 15 TOTAL SCORE /100 Social Work Day on the Hill Page 13

14 Map of Downtown Nashville Social Work Day on the Hill Page 21

15 Social Work Day on the Hill Page 22

16 Senate District Counties Members of Tennessee Senate Sorted by Senate District NASW TN Branch 1 Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, and Unicoi counties Northeast, Knox Senator's First Name Telephone: Senator's Last Name Party Office Address Area code 615 Steve Southerland R 10 Legislative Plaza Staff Carolyn Newman sen.steve.southerland General Welfare, H&HR Finance, Ways & Means Judiciary Calendar 2 Johnson, Sullivan Northeast Ron Ramsey R 1 Legislative Plaza Pam George lt.gov.ron.ramsey 3 Washington, Carter Northeast Rusty Crowe R 8 Legislative Plaza Wilma Carney sen.rusty.crowe Chair 4 Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Union Northeast, Knox Mike Faulk R 10A Legislative Plaza Deana Guenther sen.mike.faulk Chair 5 Anderson, Loudon, Monroe, and Knox Knox Randy McNally R 307 War Memorial Debbie Martin sen.randy.mcnally X Chair 6 Knox Knox Jamie Woodson R 13 Legislative Plaza Pat Farmer sen.jamie.woodson X 7 Knox Knox Stacey Campbell R 4 Legislative Plaza Bryan Dodson sen.stacey.campbell X X 8 Blount and Sevier Knox Doug Overbey R 306 War Memorial Tina Still sen.doug.overbey X X Vice 9 Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, and Polk Southeast Mike Bell R 302 War Memorial Chase Johnson sen.mike.bell Sec. 10 Hamilton, Marion Southeast Andy Berke D 310 War Memorial Sam Neel sen.andy.berke 11 Hamiton Southeast Bo Watson R 6A Legislative Plaza Glenda Mayes sen.bo.watson Vice Sec. 12 Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Scott Southeast, Knox Ken Yager R 6 Legislative Plaza Zach Bates sen.ken.yager X 13 Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, and Rutherford Middle Bill Ketron R 5 Legislative Plaza Sandra Smith sen.bill.ketron X 14 Franklin, Bledsoe, Coffee, Grundy, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren counties Middle, Southeast Eric Stewart D 310A War Memorial Nadine Korby sen.eric.stewart 15 Cumberland, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, White Middle, Knox Charlotte Burks D 304 War Memorial Jennifer Murphy sen.charlotte.burks 16 Bedford, Moore, Rutherford Middle, Knox Jim Tracy R 2 Legislative Plaza Christina Barber sen.jim.tracy 17 Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith, part of Sumner, Trousdale, Wilson Middle Mae Beavers R 7 Legislative Plaza Patti Saliba sen.mae.beavers Chair 18 Robertson, Sumner Middle Kerry Roberts R 5 Legislative Plaza Chip McConkey sen.kerry.roberts Sec. Continued on next page Social Work Day on the Hill Page 23

17 Members of Tennessee Senate Sorted by Senate District Senate District Counties NASW TN Branch Senator's First Name 19 Davidson Middle Thelma Harper D Telephone: Senator's Last Name Party Office Address Area code War Memorial Staff Khabra Bryant sen.thelma.harper General Welfare, H&HR Finance, Ways & Means Judiciary Calendar 20 Davidson Middle Joe Haynes D G19 War Memorial Jan Markum sen.joe.haynes X 21 Davidson Middle Douglas Henry D 321 War Memorial Nancy Russell sen.douglas.henry X Vice 22 Cheatham, Houston, Montgomery Middle Tim Barnes D 305 War Memorial Megan Callis sen.tim.barnes X 23 Williamson, Davidson Middle Jack Johnson R 11 Legislative Plaza Luke Gustafson sen.jack.johnson 24 Benton, Decatur, Henry, Henderson, Lake, Obion, Perry, Stewart, and Weakley Middle Roy Herron D 309 War Memorial Josephine Binkley sen.roy.herron X 25 Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, and Lewis Middle Jim Summerville R 11 Legislative Plaza Jodie Hardin sen.jim.summerville 26 Chester, Crockett, Fayette, HarDan, Hardin, Haywood, McNairy, and Wayne Mid West, West Dolores Gresham R 308 War Memorial Linda Klingmann sen.dolores.gresham 27 Madison, Gibson, and Carrroll Mid West Lowe Finney D 317 War Memorial Lynette Morris sen.lowe.finney X 28 Shelby West Jim Kyle D 309 War Memorial Marsha Milan sen.jim.kyle X Sec. 29 Shelby West Ophelia Ford D 318 War Memorial Demetrius Clark sen.ophelia.ford X X 30 Shelby West Beverly Marerro D 312 War Memorial Cory Bradfield sen.beverly.marrero X 31 Shelby West Brian Kelsey R 9 Legislative Plaza Dillon Barker sen.brian.kelsey X X 32 Dyer, Lauderdale, Tipton, and Shelby Mid west, West Mark Norris R 9A Legislative Plaza Chuck Grimes sen.mark.norris X Vice 33 Shelby West Reginald Tate D 320 War Memorial Dora Babb sen.reginald.tate Contact Your Legislators Through the NASW-TN Website The Tennessee Chapter of NASW is pleased to partner with NASW nationally in providing access to Capwiz's state-of-the art online advocacy system. We encourage you to access this grassroots advocacy system on the legislative section of our website ( to find updates on federal and state legislation and to locate and easily communicate with your federal and state elected leaders. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 24

18 Members of Tennessee House of Representatives Sorted by House District District Counties in District NASW TN Branch First Name Last Name Office Telephone Area Code 615 Staff Party Children and Family Affairs Finance Ways and Means Judiciary Health and Human Resources Calendar and Rules Note 1 Sullivan Northeast Jon Lundberg 20 Legislative Plaza Amy Darnell R rep.jon.lundberg X 2 Sullivan Northeast Tony Shipley 103 War Memorial Christopher Rogers R rep.tony.shipley 3 Johnson, Sullivan Northeast Scotty Campbell 107 War Memorial Becky Gregory R rep.scotty.campbell X X New legislator 4 Carter Northeast Kent Williams 109 War Memorial Bridget Fendler R rep.kent.williams 5 Unicoi, Greene Northeast David Hawk 219 War Memorial Anna VanEaton R rep.david.hawk X X 6 Washington, Hawkins Northeast Dale Ford 202A War Memorial Michelle Hale R rep.dale.ford 7 Washington Northeast Matthew Hill 25 Legislative Plaza Carol Burroughs R rep.matthew.hill Vice 8 Blount, Sevier Knox Art Swann 214 War Memorial Phyllis Piercy R rep.art.swann Sec. New legislator 9 Hancock, Hawkins Northeast Mike Harrison 206A War Memorial Michelle Smith R rep.mike.harrison Vice X 10 Hamblen Knox Don Miller 113 War Memorial Ann Radford R rep.don.miller New legislator 11 Cocke, Greene Northeast & Knox Jeremy Faison 202 War Memorial Tori Venable R rep.jeremy.faison X New legislator 12 Sevier Knox Richard Montgomery 109 War Memorial Diane Irwin R rep.richard.montgomery X 13 Knox Knox Harry Tindell 35 Legislative Plaza Valerie Haines D rep.harry.tindell X 14 Knox Knox Ryan A. Haynes 106 War Memorial Janice Bryson R rep.ryan.haynes X 15 Knox Knox Joe Armstrong 35 Legislative Plaza Daveisha Moore D rep.joe.armstrong X X 16 Knox Knox Bill Dunn 115 War Memorial Mary Ellen Tate R rep.bill.dunn Chair 17 Jefferson, Knox Knox Frank Niceley 108 War Memorial Kelley Shirley R rep.frank.niceley X 18 Knox Knox Steve Hall 113 War Memorial Alice Bigham R rep.steve.hall X New legislator 19 Knox Knox Harry Brooks 212 War Memorial Tara Bezewada R rep.harry.brooks Chair X X 20 Blount Knox Bob Ramsey 207 War Memorial Angela Brown R rep.bob.ramsey X 21 Loudon, Monroe Knox Jimmy Matlock 219 War Memorial Phyllis Piercy R rep.jimmy.matlock X 22 Meigs, Polk, Bradley Knox Eric Watson 201 War Memorial Marianne Purcell R rep.eric.watson X Chair 23 McMinn, part of Monroe Southeast John Forgety 205 War Memorial Tonya Morelock R rep.john.forgety New legislator 24 Bradley Southeast Kevin Brooks 104 War Memorial Celeste Thomas R rep.kevin.brooks Vice X 25 Cumberland, Bledsoe Southeast & Knox Cameron Sexton 20 Legislative Plaza Mary Watts R rep.cameron.sexton X X New legislator 26 Hamilton Southeast Gerald McCormick 18A Legislative Plaza Rebecca Cantrell R rep.gerald.mccormick X X Visit for additional information on individual legislators and to track actions on legislation. Videos are also available of committee meetings and House and Senate session. Social Work Day on the Hill Page 25

19 Members of Tennessee House of Representatives Sorted by House District Note Calendar and Rules Health and Human Resources Judiciary Finance Ways and Means Children and Family Affairs Staff Party Telephone Area Code 615 First Name Last Name Office NASW TN Branch District Counties in District 27 Hamilton Southeast Richard Floyd G 24 War Memorial Cheryl Goodson R rep.richard.floyd 28 Hamilton Southeast Tommie Brown 32 Legislative Plaza LaDonna Nelms D rep.tommie.brown X 29 Hamilton Southeast JoAnne Favors 35 Legislative Plaza Moreen Scruggs D rep.joanne.favors X 30 Hamilton Southeast Vince Dean 107 War Memorial Joan Achuff R rep.vince.dean 31 North Hamilton, Rhea Southeast Jim Cobb 110A War Memorial Lizzy Thornton R rep.jim.cobb X Julia Hurley 103 War Memorial Lori Barnard R rep.julia.hurley New legislator Southeast & Knox 32 Roane, Loudon 33 Anderson Knox John Ragan G 24 War Memorial Courtney Rynd R rep.john.ragan New legislator 34 Rutherford Middle Richard Womick 207 War Memorial Sherry Smith R rep.richard.womick X New legislator 35 Claiborne, Grainer, Jefferson Knox Dennis Roach 217 War Memorial Ruth Patterson, CPS R rep.dennis.roach X Vice 36 Cambell, Union Knox Dennis Powers 202 War Memorial Faye Cashion R rep.dennis.powers New legislator Southeast Bill Harmon 24 Legislative Plaza Sandy Sain D rep.bill.harmon Sequatchie, Van Buren, Grundy, Marion 37 Kelly Keisling 106 War Memorial Steven Altum R rep.kelly.keisling New legislator Southeast & Middle Clay, Jackson, Pickett, Scott, Anderson, Macon 38 David Alexander 107 War Memorial Kim Reasonover R rep.david.alexander X X New legislator Southeast & Middle 39 Franklin, Moore, Lincoln 40 DeKalb, Smith, Macon Middle Terri Lynn Weaver 105 War Memorial Susan McMahon R rep.terri.lynn.weaver Social Work Day on the Hill Page Fentress, Morgan, Overton Middle & Knox John Mark Windle 23 Legislative Plaza Patricia Collins D rep.john.windle 42 Putnam Middle Ryan Williams 109 War Memorial Jessica Myers R rep.ryan.williams X New legislator 43 White, Putnam, Warren Middle Charles Curtiss 34 Legislative Plaza Pamela LaubCarolyn D rep.charles.curtiss 44 Sumner Middle Mike McDonald 37 Legislative Plaza Kristin Fosbinder D rep.michael.mcdonald 45 Sumner Middle Debra Maggart 114 War Memorial Brittney Jones R rep.debra.maggart X X 46 Cannon, Trousdale, Wilson Middle Mark Pody 203 War Memorial Donna Anderson R rep.mark.pody New legislator 47 Coffee, Warren Middle Judd Matheny 15 Legislative Plaza Jennifer Young R rep.judd.matheny X X X 48 Rutherford Middle Joe Carr 109 War Memorial Jennifer Hines R rep.joe.carr X 49 Rutherford Middle Mike Sparks 203 War Memorial Mary Adair R rep.mike.sparks X New legislator 50 Davidson Middle Gary Moore 32 Legislative Plaza Regina Patton D rep.gary.moore X 51 Davidson Middle Mike Turner 17 Legislative Plaza Carol Roberts D rep.mike.turner X X The Tennessee Chapter of NASW is pleased to partner with NASW nationally in providing access to Capwiz's state-of-the art online advocacy system. We encourage you to access this grassroots advocacy system on the legislative section of our website ( to find updates on federal and state legislation and to locate and easily communicate with your federal and state elected leaders.