ADVOCACY
The Minnesota School Social Workers Association (MSSWA) advances legislative priorities that support students, families, and the school social work profession across Minnesota. Our advocacy efforts are grounded in two core goals:
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Support the Well-Being of Children and Families
MSSWA champions policies that promote students’ social, emotional, and educational success. We advocate for school-based mental health supports, reduced barriers to learning, and comprehensive services that help children and families thrive both academically and emotionally.
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Advance the Profession of School Social Work
We work to ensure school social workers are recognized as essential members of educational teams. MSSWA advocates for sustainable staffing models, strong professional standards, and policies that equip school social workers to effectively meet the increasingly complex needs of today’s students.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA & POSITIONS
Social Work Value-Based Positions
We support:
Policies that protect and uphold the human dignity of immigrants, especially those undocumented, and guarantee their right to due process.
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State policy that protects vulnerable populations from immigration enforcement intrusion and safeguards the safety and privacy of students, families, and community members.
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Upholding existing policies that outlaw the discredited and unethical practice of anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy by social workers or any other individual.
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Full inclusion of trans people in sports at all levels, recognizing and honoring everyone’s right to self-determination and gender expression.
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Ensuring families have access to the supports they need to maintain safety.
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A multipronged approach to the public health crisis of gun violence. Social workers respond to the devastating impact firsthand, and at times risk their personal safety. Meaningful action requires stronger gun control, expanded access to mental health care, and addressing other contributing societal factors.
Other Coalition of Licensed Social Workers Priorities
Promote fair and equitable compensation for social work professionals.
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Support Minnesota’s efforts to secure federal approval or alternative funding for increased mental health reimbursement rates approved by the Legislature in 2025.
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Ensure mental health billing parity for clinical trainees across all health insurance companies, including Optum.
Next, under the "Advocacy Resources" Section, please add the following narrative at the top of the section:
MSSWA will send action alerts throughout the Legislative Session. We make it easy for members by providing background, talking points, and explaining why taking action is needed for a specific issue. Members can simply cut and paste the message to email their legislators.
We also encourage members to build relationships and send personalized messages to their legislators using the Advocacy Action Letter template. Remember, your stories matter!
ADVOCACY RESOURCES
Advocacy Letter to Legislators
School social workers play a vital role in supporting students, families, and school communities—but the policies and funding decisions that shape our work are often made far from the classroom. Writing an advocacy letter to your legislator is one of the most effective ways to share your expertise, elevate student needs, and influence decisions that impact school mental health services. Your voice matters, and when school social workers speak up, policymakers listen.
Directions to Call to Action
School social workers are essential advocates for students and school communities. Responding to a call to action is a quick, meaningful way to use your voice—by contacting decision-makers, sharing your expertise, and supporting policies that strengthen student well-being. When we act together, our impact is immediate and powerful.
Day on the Hill
The Minnesota School Social Workers Day at the Hill is an annual professional development opportunity held each March, that brings school social workers to the State Capitol to advocate for students, families, and the profession. Grounded in our ethical commitment to the broader society, participants engage with legislators, share school-based experiences, and highlight the vital role of school social workers in addressing mental health needs and reducing barriers to learning. This event strengthens relationships with policymakers and advances policies that support student well-being and academic success across Minnesota.
