Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
NASW is the largest social work organization and represents a diverse group of professional social workers and students around the country and globally. We strive to serve diverse communities large and small with integrity, competence, respect for human relationships, respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and a commitment to promoting social justice. We can only meet these goals by caring about our best resources: our staff, members and volunteers.
NASW’s commitment to diversity is rooted in our belief that creating a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is ethical. It is the right thing to do. It is also crucial to our organization’s continued success. Most important, it is what all members of our workforce deserve.
NASW is committed to becoming a true leader in attracting and retaining diverse talent, creating an environment based on policies and practices that are just and to fostering a true sense of inclusion and belonging. Our goal is to be the example for other associations.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters - NASW DEI Statement
NASW supports diversity, equity and inclusion programs for social workers and for our nation.
Read our DEI Statement to learn why such programs are vital to our nation.
NASW Anti-Racism Statement
The mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people with particular attention to those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. To honor this mission and realize our core professional values we must understand and commit to doing our part in abolishing racist and oppressive systems. NASW’s Anti-racism statement approved by the NASW Board of Directors at its January 2022 meeting.
Read NASW's Anti-Racism Statement
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & the Profession of Social Work
The Social Work profession has historically prided itself on helping community members reach their full potential, by addressing the inequities of poverty and social upheaval while helping individuals connect to resources. Social work education reinforced this narrative but glided over the complex and controversial aspects of the profession. Like many disciplines, social work is not without its own problematic narrative when it comes to issues of oppression and racism.
Read the message from our Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion Department
NASW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Charter
In 2020, NASW established a diversity, equity, and inclusion
committee of 20-25 employees, including senior leaders and national and
chapter staff, who act on behalf of the organization to launch and
support the diversity equity and inclusion process.
Read the DEI Committee Charter