SANA Day 2026: Advocacy, Culture, and Community Come Together at the New Mexico Legislature

SANA Day 2026: Advocacy, Culture, and Community Come Together at the New Mexico Legislature

On February 6, 2026, social work students from across New Mexico gathered at the State Capitol in Santa Fe for Student Advocacy & Action (SANA) Day, a unique learning opportunity/experience that offered a close-up look at legislative processes while immersing students in one of the most culturally significant days at the Roundhouse: American Indian Day. 

This year’s SANA Day not only strengthened students’ policy knowledge and advocacy skills but also highlighted the deep connection between social work, community voice, and cultural sovereignty. 

SANA Day events included a pre-event dinner that gave students the chance to network with peers from other universities, fellow social workers, and facility staff. With generous support from program partners, several students received complimentary lodging, enabling broader participation and greater representation from diverse communities in New Mexico. 

Morning Training & Speaker Centering Leadership and Social Justice

At the Santa Fe Higher Education Center, students checked in. They picked up their SANA swag, shared breakfast, and heard from an inspiring panel of policy leaders and social work professionals in New Mexico. communities while highlighting the ongoing importance of culturally grounded advocacy. Following the speaker series, students transitioned to the New Mexico State Capitol. One of the most transformative elements of this year’s SANA Day was its alignment with American Indian Day, an annual celebration honoring New Mexico’s Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos. As students entered the Roundhouse, they were greeted by the sights and sounds of cultural resilience: the presence of Tribal leaders. Tribal members and families fill the roundhouse. The celebration underscored the sovereignty and strength of Indigenous peoples.

The remainder of the day was spent doing the following: 

• Observing committee hearings 
• Watching House and Senate floor sessions 
• Participating in a guided tour of the Roundhouse with Amber Villas 
• Visiting legislative offices 
• Speaking with lawmakers, staffers, and community advocates 
• Exploring advocacy tables and community information booths 

For several students, this was their first time in the legislative environment—an experience made even more impactful by the rich cultural, political, and community-centered activities taking place throughout the Capitol. The coexistence of SANA Day and American Indian Day offered a powerful reminder of how social work values align with sovereignty, justice, and meaningful participation in policy spaces. 

Rachelle Tenorio

Editor