How do you actually write a bill and get lawmakers to take it seriously? In this episode, we’re talking with Dan and Monique from Payment for Placements (P4P) in New York, two social workers who helped draft and introduce a pilot bill to pay MSW interns in New York State. They walk us through the entire process, from gathering a team to drafting the bill language, finding the right sponsors, and pitching their vision to legislators who can actually move it forward.

Takeaways From This Episode:

• Why unpaid internships are a structural equity issue and how this bill addresses it
• What made their pitch resonate with legislators
• Details of the bill’s structure, funding timeline, and why they focused on MSW students
• Rolling out the bill: sponsors, co-sponsors, off-session activity, and continued advocacy
• The balance between idealism and feasibility when writing legislation
• Tips for social workers who want to get into advocacy or policy

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.
• Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money.

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Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.