National Association of Social Workers

National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. Established in 1955 through the merger of several predecessor groups, it is dedicated to enhancing the professional growth and development of its members, creating and maintaining professional standards, and advancing sound social policies. The association provides a wide array of services including advocacy, continuing education, and professional publications, and is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership.

History

The organization was formed in 1955 by the consolidation of seven smaller associations, including the American Association of Social Workers and the American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers. This unification occurred during a period of significant professionalization within the field, influenced by post-World War II social changes and the expansion of the welfare state under programs like the Social Security Act. Key figures in its early development included social work pioneers such as Bertha Capen Reynolds and Whitney M. Young Jr.. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it was actively involved in major social movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and the push for the establishment of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Organization and structure

The association operates with a national office headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is led by a Chief Executive Officer and an elected Board of Directors. Its organizational framework includes numerous national committees, such as the Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, and specialized practice councils focusing on areas like clinical social work and school social work. Governance is also carried out through a representative assembly, known as the Delegate Assembly, which meets regularly to set broad organizational policy. The structure is designed to integrate the work of its national staff with the activities of its chartered chapters across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Mission and ethical code

The primary mission is to promote, develop, and protect the practice of social work and to advocate for social justice. A cornerstone of its professional authority is the maintenance and enforcement of the NASW Code of Ethics, first adopted in 1960 and revised several times, most recently in 2021. This code establishes core values including social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and competence, providing enforceable standards for professional conduct. The code is widely recognized by state licensing boards and courts, such as the Supreme Court of the United States, as the standard for ethical practice in the field.

Advocacy and political activity

The association maintains a robust advocacy arm, NASW Advocacy, which engages in extensive lobbying and public policy work primarily through its Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) committee. It regularly testifies before congressional committees like the United States House Committee on Ways and Means and collaborates with allied organizations such as the American Public Human Services Association. Key policy priorities have historically included healthcare reform, exemplified by support for the Affordable Care Act, strengthening child welfare systems, protecting voting rights, and promoting legislation like the Social Work Reinvestment Act.

Publications and resources

It is a major publisher of professional literature, most notably through its scholarly journal, Social Work, and its magazine, Social Work Advocates. Other key publications include the Encyclopedia of Social Work and the NASW Press catalog of books and practice manuals. The organization also provides critical professional resources such as the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers, continuing education programs accredited by the Association of Social Work Boards, and practice standards for specialties like hospice care and substance abuse treatment.

Membership and chapters

Membership is open to individuals holding a degree from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, with categories for regular, student, and retired members. Benefits include access to professional liability insurance through programs like American Professional Agency, subscription to publications, and discounts on conferences such as the annual NASW National Conference. The chapter system allows for localized advocacy and professional development, with each chapter, such as NASW California or NASW Texas, operating semi-autonomously under the national charter to address state-specific issues like licensure laws and Medicaid reimbursement rates.