Announcements

Headed to the DNC Convention in Chicago? Please join NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C & NASW chapter executives for a Social Work panel & reception August 20th at 5:00 pm CST. 

NASW is working with Publishing Concepts Inc., to update member records and create a commemorative album of member stories to celebrate our 70th anniversary October 2025. Watch for a postcard or email with a phone number you can call to participate. Your record updates and stories are very helpful to NASW in representing you! 

Our partner will invite you to buy the album and merch, but there is no cost to be in the book. NASW receives all your stories whether or not you order an album. Thanks for contributing!

Check out the latest Tips & Tools for Social Workers which describes several virtual, national-level professional development programs that are relevant to social work with older adults and are offered by external organizations with which NASW collaborates. The resource also includes information about programming by the NASW California Chapter’s Council on Aging, which is accessible to social workers regardless of geographical location or NASW membership. Each program described is free of charge and does not include continuing education credits.

NASW offers President Joe Biden our deepest thanks for his commitment to educating more social workers, investing millions in creating a multi-state social worker licensure compact, and his unwavering dedication to the American people. 

NASW will celebrate a milestone anniversary with a commemorative album recognizing members and the association's history. We are working with our long-time partner, Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI), to create the album for NASW's 70th anniversary in October 2025. PCI will be contacting members beginning in July to invite you to

• Update your member information, which will help us provide relevant resources based on your social work practice interests and help us represent you better as we advocate on your behalf at the national, state, and local levels.
• Share your social work history and impactful moments in your professional career for the commemorative album.

There is no cost to be in the album, or to update your member information through PCI. If you choose to purchase the album, you can buy your copy when you update your information with PCI. When NASW last published a commemorative album in 2020, thousands of members included their social work histories, impactful moments, and experiences.

Learn more!

NASW Press offers continuing education credits on a wide array of books via the NASW Social Work Online CE Institute. Titles range from burnout, self-care, and meditation to ethical standards in social work, digital practice, economic well-being, social entrepreneurship, and mentoring women for leadership, to name a few. Visit the NASW Press website to learn more about the full list of books offered and how to participate.

The Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) invites NASW members who meet the requirements to join the 2024 Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM™) cohort for just $50 (a total savings of $100). The CSWM™ credential is a mark of excellence for social work managers with the highest levels of competence and dedication to the profession. By earning the CSWM™ credential, you demonstrate your commitment to advancing your leadership skills and knowledge and your ability to effectively manage the complex challenges facing social work/human service organizations today. As part of this nationally recognized credential, you will take part in cutting-edge CE opportunities hosted by NSWM. Apply by August 1, 2024.

It's not too late to register! Join the premier conference for professionals within the healthcare ecosystem, featuring NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, Ph.D, MBA, LCSW-C. NASW members receive a 20% discount by using code: NASWBHC20

What: 2024 Black Health Connect Conference
When: July 11-14
Where: Washington, DC

If you would like to propose a change to the NASW Bylaws, please submit your amendment for consideration by the NASW Board of Directors by September 1, 2024. Proposed amendments may be submitted by individual members in good standing, NASW chapter executive directors and chapter boards, NASW Board members, and NASW committees and task forces.

 Proposed amendments related to Delegate Assembly (DA) and NASW national/chapter dues allocation will follow the Delegate Assembly process and should also be submitted by September 1, 2024 .All other bylaws amendments are within the authority of the NASW Board of Directors.

 Visit the NASW Bylaws page for more information, and to submit a proposal click here .

NASW and other mental health organizations condemn a SCOTUS ruling that upholds criminalization of people who are unhoused. There are more effective and cheaper ways to address homelessness in America. 

Fentanyl has been permeating the illicit drug market causing an increase in dependency and high rates of overdose. The latest Practice Perspectives shares information on what fentanyl is, its impact on communities, and the role of social workers.

Social workers: Tell us about your work with clients on COVID-19. Your anonymous feedback will help NASW shape training and education for social workers in vaccine confidence, access, and uptake, especially among vulnerable populations. 

Learn more about Connect to End COVID-19 and take the eight-minute survey today!

We are taking the Conference to new heights. Join us in Chicago for the NASW 2025 Conference! Register now for presale tickets at 2024 prices before July 5 and be part of a revolutionary experience. 

NASW urges Israel and Hamas to work with negotiators to reach a peace agreement. The association condemns the increased, related hate incidents against social workers in the U.S. Social workers should work together to reach understanding and help heal divisions caused by this conflict. 

Meet the NASW Press Team at the NASW National Conference: Booth 301! Come visit with us. Share your ideas. Get involved. Check out our Exam Copy Program for faculty or learn about reading Press books for CEUs. Pitch a book. Become an author! Follow this link to learn more about NASW Press authors who will present at the June 19-22 NASW National Conference. 

Each June, NASW joins advocates around the globe in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Read our latest Tips and Tools for Social Workers which outlines elder abuse–focused activities throughout and beyond the month of June, describes NASW’s recent activities to address elder abuse, and provides a robust resource list you can use throughout the year.

Signed June 3, the president’s order temporarily suspends the processing of most asylum claims at the southern U.S. border when the 7 day average of unauthorized crossings exceeds 2,500 people. This policy’s singular objective of closing the U.S. border to people seeking asylum from violence and oppression is in direct opposition of  advocates for communities impacted by the order. It is fully legal for refugees to seek asylum once they enter America, yet the Biden administration’s executive order appears to disregard  that fact. 

Meet the Connect to End COVID-19 team at Exhibit Booth 401 at the 2024 NASW National Conference, June 19-22, Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Learn about NASW’s three-year campaign to help social workers and their clients to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccines. Hear about complimentary self-study webinars with free CEUs and how to register. Find out about MI-SBIRT trainings and communications administered by NASW’s Chapters. 

NASW is part of an Opioid Response Network (ORN) Addiction Workforce Interest Group. This group will be meeting to address factors contributing to the current workforce shortage. You can help us by responding to this 7-question inquiry to give us a snapshot of the current situation. We encourage you to pass the link on to your colleagues and any other staff working in any aspect of the addiction field. Please respond by June 30, 2024.

Connect to End COVID-19 complimentary national webinar and CEUs, COVID-19 Year 5: Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic, is available for self-study. Featuring acclaimed epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm, founding Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and advisor to the Biden Administration on COVID-19 response.

NASW Press invites you to decide before you buy! Faculty affiliated with a U.S. university or college can place an order for books they are considering adopting for the classroom. You have 90 days to make a decision. 

Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship helps support the education of MSW students who are taking action to help vulnerable populations. Potential candidates will have worked in mental health fields helping to solve the most critical, emerging social and health problems with creative solutions.

The Association of Social Work Boards, in collaboration with the Social Work Workforce Coalition, is conducting a Social Work Census across the United States and Canada. The census will be the most comprehensive profession-wide study to date and will generate a more accurate picture of who today’s social workers are and what they are doing in their practice. Findings will help support the development of a more inclusive and equitable social work workforce and will be used in designing future competence assessments for social work licensure. The deadline to complete the Social Work Census is June 30.

Individuals who complete it will be eligible to earn two hours of continuing education credit and will be invited to select a list of charitable causes to receive a $1.00 donation from ASWB.

Get the same great education that the 2024 NASW Conference offers live, but virtually! The Virtual Program will live-stream keynote presentations, plenary sessions and select breakout sessions so you can view the 2024 National Conference from your computer or mobile device anywhere. Earn up to 16.5 CEs by attending the whole virtual program!

Facebook Live Event: Update on the Interstate Licensing Compact. 

Join us Thursday, May 16 at 7:00 pm for an update on licensure portability. Discover the latest advancements in this initiative aimed at streamlining multistate practice among member states and breaking down barriers to license portability. Open to everyone!

Get a reminder on our Facebook Page or on our YouTube Channel! 

The 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule details services that social workers can provide to address health-related needs for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. This resource describes Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, Community Health Integration (CHI) Services, and Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) Services. It clarifies the role of social workers in delivering these services to support patients with medical and social needs.

No CE Credit: FREE
CE Credit: $25 NASW Members/ $35 Non-NASW Members

Join our esteemed panel, Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff to explore key ethical questions emerging from our complex socio-political times. Using the NASW Code of Ethics and other resources, we will revisit social workers’ ethical responsibilities in the face of professional, personal, and political values that at times do not align.

Friday, May 17
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

“An equal world depends on recognizing and respecting diverse identities,” the United Nations Population Fund states on its website. “With that in mind, the theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia this year is “Together always: United in diversity.’” NASW Recognizes this global day of action to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ rights violations. 

Now more than ever, especially after the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic, libraries are much more than book depositories. They are living, breathing community centers, filled with people who have psychosocial needs – people who could benefit from the support of a Social Worker. 

Older Americans Month (OAM) recognizes the contributions and achievements of older adults and highlight important trends in aging. NASW's latest Tips and Tools for Social Workers explores the OAM theme for 2024 (Powered by Connection), describes selected NASW activities to support social work with older adults, and provides a robust resource list.

The federal government is soliciting three types of proposals to fund programs that prevent and address elder abuse. Social workers play critical roles in elder abuse programming, including programs funded by the federal government. 

Connecting with NASW just got smarter, easier, and faster with NASW's enhanced mobile app. That's because the new app features take you where you want to go in seconds. Quickly access social work news, content, and training and connect with colleagues. No more website urls to remember or look up! Download it today! Watch this to learn more!

Search on "NASW" in your store app:
Download on the App Store
Download on Google Play

May is National Foster Care Month. Many aspects of foster care are challenging for children and their families but as social workers we can help families through this difficulty. Prioritizing kinship care, training foster families, and incorporating lived expertise into service delivery are all important practices to support foster youth this month and beyond. 

National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18) starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women to make their health a priority. This message is especially important given that women’s drinking has increased substantially over the last two decades. Social workers can help women prioritize their health by making conversations about alcohol use part of routine practice.  

NASW celebrates Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by honoring the achievements of individuals of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent throughout the country. Let's recognize the creativity, strength, and trailblazing nature of countless AANHPI leaders who have played a vital role in shaping the narrative of America!

Join our esteemed panel, Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff to explore key ethical questions emerging from our complex socio-political times. This live, virtual discussion will look at social work ethics against the backdrop of challenging developments in the US and global political landscape. 

When: Friday, May 17
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
No CE Credit: FREE
CE Credit: $25 NASW Members/ $35 Non-NASW Members

A new resource,  NASW Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month, has been posted to the Tips and Tools website. During the month of May, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognizes millions of people impacted by mental health conditions in the United States and acknowledges the ongoing dedication of social workers who provide mental health services such as crisis intervention, assessment, treatment, and support.

Calling All NASW Members! Voting for NASW board and NCNLI members is now underway! Polls close May 31. Voting is open to NASW members.

Learn about candidates

Cast your ballot here!

On April 8, 2024, Dale A Masi, PhD released the 5th International Employee Assistance Compendium, a comprehensive guide to the latest developments in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) around the world. She extended a special thanks to NASW Senior Practice Associate Denise Johnson for her contributions as a peer professional. This book is a must-read for social workers looking to stay informed and up to date on the latest developments within the EAP landscape. 

Information from NASW coalition partner, the National Consumer Law Center

Starting May 1, 2024 the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) repayment program will be transitioning servicing from MOHELA to the Department of Education’s StudentAid.gov platform. During this transition from May 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024, all processing of forms and other PSLF information will be paused. 

Using the NASW Code of Ethics as a guide, this discussion will delve into the ethical responsibilities and the dilemmas faced by social workers when serving transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their family members.

Credits: 1.5 Ethics
No CE Credit: FREE
CE Credit: $25 NASW Members / $35 Non-NASW Members

This month, attention is focused on prevention efforts that eliminate abuse and neglect. Check out Social Work Blog for advocacy opportunities, resources and organizations that support the wellbeing of children and families.

Salute your graduate with an NASW Press book gift! Use code APGRAD24 at checkout to get 15% off select books: https://bit.ly/3vkmwwo.

NASW Press has published “80 Clinical Vignettes for Test Taking, Licensing Exam Prep, and Practical Applications” by Liz B. Johnston. These vignettes may be found in exam questions, licensing tests, or social work practice. 

In February 2024, NASW members informed the association of mass overpayment requests from Optum United Behavioral Health. In March 2024, NASW CEO, Dr. Anthony Estreet, responded to Optum by email and requested the opportunity to meet with them about their overpayment recovery efforts and possible measures to take to mitigate. 

Kansas became the 7th state to pass the Interstate Licensing Compact Legislation allowing the compact to now be created. The seven states will form a Compact Commission that will govern the compact and ensure coordination between the participating states. Once the Commission is in place, social workers will be able to pursue licensure through the compact, in the participating states. Additional states will be added to the compact as they enact the required legislation and join the Commission. Besides Kansas, the states that have passed the compact are Missouri, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Kentucky and Virginia. Legislation is pending in about 20 other states. 

In our latest episode of Social Work Talks Instructor Dr. Thalia Anderen, MSW, RCSW, LCSW, and Social Work Talks Podcast Host Lorrie Appleton, LCSW, dive into the concerning trend of student-initiated confrontations (SIC) in universities. 

Watch on YouTube

Listen on our Website

Breakout sessions for NASW 2024 have been announced! Choose from 50 breakout sessions in the following CE categories: Clinical: 9 CEs, Cross Cultural: 9 CEs, Domestic Violence: 3 CEs, Ethics: 4.5 CEs, Macro Social Work: 12 CEs, Social Work: 31.5 CEs. 

Effective January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act implemented new reporting requirements for corporations, limited liability companies, professional limited liability companies, and other entities that do not qualify for an exemption under the Act. Reporting companies must file a report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury containing details about the company and its beneficial owners by the applicable deadline. These requirements are particularly relevant for social workers who have their own private practice. 

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Many student loan borrowers have an opportunity to receive full student loan cancellation or more credit towards cancellation. The U.S. Department of Education will conduct a one-time adjustment this summer, but you may need to take steps to qualify. The deadline to act is April 30, 2024. Find what you need to know on the NASW Policy Update page. This information is also available as a printable flyer from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Join Savi and NASW for an informational webinar about how you can lower your monthly student loan payment or qualify for forgiveness. 

Date: April 17
Time: 1:00pm ET12PM CT

The NASW 2024 Annual Meeting of Members will convene on Thursday, June 19, at 1:00 pm ET to ratify results of the 2024 NASW National Election. Members in good standing (current membership, no pending sanctions) are eligible to attend. This hybrid meeting will be held in conjunction with the NASW National Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (Hampton Ballroon), 2500 Calvert Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008.  The member meeting is also an opportunity to hear the NASW president and CEO report on the state of the association and meet members of the NASW board of directors.

Please RSVP by June 10, providing your full name and membership ID number via email to governance@socialworkers.org. Details for virtual participation will be provided prior to the meeting date.

Join us for a free fireside chat with acclaimed epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm, author of the upcoming book The Big One: How to Prepare for World-Altering Pandemics to Come. Dr. Osterholm will discuss lessons learned from current and prior pandemics, and the hard truths about what it will take to prevent a catastrophe worse than COVID-19. Importantly, he will discuss the crucial leadership role of social workers in pandemic preparedness and response.

Date: May 8, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm ET
Credits: 1.5 Social Work
Cost: Free

Enhance your knowledge and gain tools for practice by participating in the 7th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium on May 2 from 10am- to 5pm ET. Free social work CEUs for live participation are being offered in partnership with Rush University’s E4Center. On-demand access to the entire program (without CEUs) will also be available.

The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging is seeking information from social workers and other members of the public on the impact of hoarding disorder on communities (particularly older adults and people with disabilities) and service organizations. Submit your comments by April 15, 2024.

 NASW recognizes and celebrates the important contributions of autistic people in every country and community every day.

How often do you talk with clients about their alcohol use? Do you know how much drinking is too much, or what counts as a standard drink? April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an invitation to social workers to make conversations about alcohol use part of routine practice and to make sure they’re armed with the facts. As the nation’s largest group of mental health services providers, social workers are uniquely positioned to help clients make significant positive changes in their health and well-being by taking time to talk with them about their drinking. 

A new resource has been posted to the Social Work Blog website that discusses a major healthcare cybersecurity attack in February 2024, targeting Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. The blog also provides updates on response efforts from Change Healthcare and CMS, with a focus on implications for clinical social workers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequities in maternal health outcomes, especially for Black women. Learn more in a complimentary Connect to End COVID-19 Self-Study Webinar, Extreme Inequities in Maternal Care: The Impact of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequities in maternal health outcomes, especially for Black women. Learn more in a complimentary Connect to End COVID-19 Self-Study Webinar, Extreme Inequities in Maternal Care: The Impact of COVID-19.

Did you know the CDC recommends adults ages 65 years and older get an additional updated 2023-2024 #COVID19 vaccine dose, which can provide increased protection to older adults, who are at highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. According to the CDC, individuals with underlying conditions, advanced age, or higher-risk circumstances may benefit the most. 

The bipartisan Telemental Health Care Access Act (S. 3651/H.R. 3432) was introduced in the US Senate and House. Make your voice heard. Urge your members of Congress to support the Telemental Health Care Access Act (S. 3651/H.R. 3432) to improve access to telemental health care.

NASW emailed a letter to the CEO of Optum Health and the CEO of United Health Group regarding Optum’s recent overpayment requests to clinical social workers who were reimbursed at the psychologist rate.  The CEO of Optum Health has acknowledged receipt and agreed to meet with NASW to discuss the matter. 

As individuals diagnosed with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) age, the “need to know” across a broad spectrum of areas continues to be critically important for identifying clinically relevant research questions and directions impacting their day-to-day function and health outcomes. The 9^th International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD aims to examine relevant global research, programs, and policies. Social workers will be able to connect with professionals; gain insight into emerging research findings; examine practice-based evidence, projects, and programs; engage in dialogue through multidisciplinary sessions; and listen to individuals with FASD and the direct experience of families. This program is approved by NASW (approval # 886927383-5300) for 25 continuing education contact hours.

Date: April-14
Where: Seattle, WA
Register Here!

Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) is having their annual International Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion Summit October 29 through November 1 in Seattle, Washington. If you are a social worker who works directly with law enforcement as an embedded social worker or a social worker who works on a co-response team this opportunity is for you and your team. PTACC is currently looking for panels and presentations from deflection practitioners, trainers, researchers, and partners to support the field of deflection.

For proposal criteria and submission details please view here. Proposals are due by April 19, 2024 at 3PM ET/12PM PT. If your proposal is accepted, you will be offered a discounted registration to the summit. If you have any questions, please email info@ptaccollaborative.org.

Check out the latest Tips & Tools for Social Workers which identifies three issues impacting youth substance use and offers resources for social workers to manage and address challenges.

You’re invited to join “An Hour With Private Practice (HOPP): Questions & Answers” 

Date: Friday, March 15
Time:  12:00 to 1:00 pm ET

Title:  Tips for Working With Suicidal Patients:  Share your Experience

Presenter:  Mirean Coleman, LICSW, CT; NASW Director of Clinical Practice

Register here!

Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.

The theme for Social Work Month 2024 is Empowering Social Workers! During Social Work Month take time to learn more about the many positive contributions of the profession, and use the items in our toolkit to celebrate all the social workers you know.

On November 2, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) (CMS–1784–P). View our latest Tips & Tools for Social Workers which provides key highlights on the final rule which impact social workers in the areas of telehealth behavioral health, social needs, and many others.

Under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, most workers have a right to reasonable accommodations, or temporary changes at work, that are medically-necessary during or after pregnancy. A Better Balance have launched a “Know Your Rights” campaign (also available in Spanish) around this important new law. 

The borrower experience has been broken for too long. Savi is on a mission to change that experience for the better. No borrower should struggle alone, which is why we’ve created this space for our community of borrowers, friends, and family members to access trusted support and guidance around their student loan debt.

This LIVE and interactive virtual webinar and Q&A session with student loan experts will help you:

-Understand your best repayment and forgiveness options

-Discover options for managing your monthly payment

-How Savi tools and resources can assist you in achieving the best outcome possible

Date: Wednesday, April 17
Time: 1:00-2:00pm ET

Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) is having their annual International Deflection and Pre-Arrest Diversion Training Summit October 29 – November 1, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. If you are a social worker who works directly with law enforcement as an embedded social worker or a social worker who works on a co-response team this opportunity is for you and your team. 

Join the NASW International Committee and social workers from around the world for a webinar on conflict resolution and rebuilding strategies and social work wisdom and practices. The aim is to help social workers in Canada and the USA continue playing a critical role in conflict resolution and rebuilding by understanding the root causes of conflict, building relationships and trust, adopting a strengths-based approach, collaborating with other professionals, and advocating for social justice.

Host: The National Association of Social Workers International Committee

Date: February 28
Time: 1:00-2:30pm ET
Credits: 1.5 Social Work

Welcome to the new upgraded MyNASW online community! We've created a more engaging and user-friendly experience for all members, and we can't wait for you to explore the new features.  Take a browse, check out our  FAQ and join the discussion!