National Association of Social Workers

National Association of Social Workers. The National Association of Social Workers is a professional organization of social workers in the United States, with over 120,000 members, including Jane Addams, Frances Perkins, and Whitney Young. It was formed in 1955 through the merger of seven organizations, including the American Association of Social Workers, the National Association of School Social Workers, and the American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers, with the goal of promoting the profession of social work and advocating for the welfare of Margaret Sanger, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a strong presence in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with notable members including Barbara Mikulski, Nancy Pelosi, and Bernie Sanders.

● History

The history of the National Association of Social Workers dates back to the early 20th century, when social work was emerging as a profession, with pioneers like Mary Richmond, Abbott Lawrence Lowell, and John Dewey. The organization was formed in 1955 through the merger of seven organizations, including the American Association of Social Workers, founded by Jane Addams and Mary E. Richmond, and the National Association of School Social Workers, founded by Visiting Nurse Service of New York. The merger was facilitated by leaders such as Harry Hopkins, Frances Perkins, and Whitney Young, who played a crucial role in shaping the organization's mission and goals, including advocating for the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The organization has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential professional organizations in the United States, with notable members including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Thurgood Marshall, and Shirley Chisholm.

● Organization

The National Association of Social Workers is a membership-based organization, with a governance structure that includes a Board of Directors, composed of leaders such as Mit Joyner, Darrell Wheeler, and Joan Levy Zlotnik. The organization is divided into several departments, including the Department of Social Justice and Human Rights, the Department of Practice and Professional Development, and the Department of Membership and Chapter Services, which work together to promote the profession of social work and advocate for the welfare of Margaret Sanger, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The organization also has a number of Chapters and Sections, including the National Association of Black Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers Foundation, and the Association of Social Work Boards, which provide a framework for members to connect with each other and engage in professional development, including attending conferences like the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education.

● Membership

Membership in the National Association of Social Workers is open to social workers and students who are pursuing a degree in social work, including those at Columbia University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Michigan. Members receive a range of benefits, including access to professional development opportunities, such as the National Association of Social Workers Conference, and subscription to the organization's publications, including Social Work and Health & Social Work, which feature articles by notable authors like Jeanne Saunders, Dorothy Height, and Bayard Rustin. Members also have the opportunity to participate in the organization's advocacy efforts, including lobbying for policies such as the Affordable Care Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act, and engaging in community organizing, including working with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union.

● Code_of_Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers has a Code of Ethics that outlines the ethical principles and standards that guide the practice of social work, including the principles of social justice, human dignity, and cultural competence. The Code of Ethics is based on the work of pioneers like Jane Addams, Mary Richmond, and Abbott Lawrence Lowell, and is regularly updated to reflect changes in the profession and society, including the impact of technology and globalization on social work practice. The Code of Ethics provides a framework for social workers to make ethical decisions and to promote the well-being of their clients, including those served by organizations like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Catholic Charities USA.

● Policy_and_Advocacy

The National Association of Social Workers is a strong advocate for policies that promote the welfare of vulnerable populations, including children, families, and communities, and works to influence policy at the local, state, and federal levels, including advocating for the Social Security Act of 1935 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The organization has a number of policy priorities, including health care, education, and economic justice, and works to promote policies that address issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, including working with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union. The organization also provides resources and support to social workers who are engaged in advocacy efforts, including training and technical assistance, and partners with other organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the National Education Association, to advance its policy goals.

● Chapters_and_Sections

The National Association of Social Workers has a number of Chapters and Sections that provide a framework for members to connect with each other and engage in professional development, including attending conferences like the Annual Program Meeting of the Council on Social Work Education. The organization has over 50 Chapters across the United States, including the New York City Chapter, the Los Angeles Chapter, and the Chicago Chapter, which provide a range of services and benefits to members, including professional development opportunities, networking events, and advocacy support. The organization also has a number of Sections, including the Section on Aging, the Section on Children and Families, and the Section on Health, which provide a forum for members to share knowledge and best practices, and to advance the profession of social work, including working with organizations like the American Geriatrics Society and the Society for Social Work and Research.