Join the NASW Generation of Social Workers
Social workers and helping professionals, like you, have been doing heroic work for generations. More than 60 years ago, in 1955, leaders from seven social work organizations united to create the National Association of Social Workers, a respected powerhouse of social work innovation, advocacy, and progress. Throughout the years, members, representing a variety of generations, have enriched the association, contributing to its social work expertise and legacy.
Social Work Month, March 2020, through its "Social Workers: Generations Strong" theme, honors the many generations of social workers championing social justice, social welfare, and individual well-being.
Make sure you are a part of the NASW Generation of Social Workers who are addressing today’s pressing social issues—mental health, addiction, gun violence, sexual and domestic violence, immigration, poverty, homelessness, and more.
Are you ready to take your place among the NASW Generation of Social Workers?
Still Considering NASW Membership?
Here's Why Membership Is Right for You
NASW resources help social workers every day. Below is a sampling of resources members rely on to enhance their job performance and champion change. View more resources and NASW benefits. If you’ve been meaning to join NASW but just haven’t gotten around to it, that’s OK — you can join NASW right now in minutes.
Peer Support and Connectedness
MyNASW Member Community
From solo practice to interdisciplinary teams, from students and new professionals to veteran social workers, NASW’s MyNASW online member community is a fast way to connect with peers in your specialty who are eager to listen and help you out. MyNASW community members bring new points of view to discussions, share useful resources, and add to the knowledge base. MyNASW is also a great resource for new social workers who want to find mentors and for those who want to share their years of experience.
Specialty Practice Sections
NASW’s Specialty Practice Sections (SPS) connects social workers with practice-related resources and FREE CE webinars. Focus your professional development by adding a Section to your NASW membership. SPS members can participate in their corresponding MyNASW subcommunity, at no extra charge:
- Children, Youth, and Schools, which is exclusively for members of the School Social Work; Child Welfare; and Children, Adolescents & Young Adults Specialty Practice Sections.
- Clinical Social Work, Aging, and Health, which is exclusively for members of the Aging; Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; Health; Mental Health; and Private Practice Specialty Practice Sections.
- Social Justice, Administration, and Courts, which is exclusively for members of the Administration/Supervision, Social and Economic Justice & Peace, and Social Work and the Courts Specialty Practice Sections.
Chapter Membership
NASW membership includes membership in your state NASW chapter, at no additional cost. This dual membership gives you that much-needed connection to the profession where you live or work. Meet up with other social workers at chapter-run events.
Research to Practice
NASW membership opens doors to evidence-based research that you can use to advocate for the populations and communities you serve, shape treatment plans, and inform policy.
NASW Journals
Social Work, the premiere journal of the social work profession and the official journal of NASW, is included with NASW membership. Social Work is dedicated to improving practice and advancing knowledge in social work and social welfare. NASW's specialty journals, available at reduced subscription rates for NASW members, provide articles on innovations in practice, interdisciplinary efforts, research, program evaluation, policy, and planning.
Social Work Advocates Magazine
NASW’s award-winning magazine, Social Work Advocates, carries in-depth feature articles about social work trends and issues. NASW membership includes a subscription to our bimonthly digital magazine. Visit the Social Work Advocates archives to catch up on issues you missed prior to joining as an NASW member.
NASW Research Library
A members-only research tool, the NASW Research Library helps social workers find evidence-based research, client education, assessment tools, and more.
Professional Development Discounts
Social workers turn to NASW for continuing education, credentials and certifications, and licensing support. NASW members receive discounted pricing on their professional development needs.
Social Work Online CE Institute
Take free and discounted CE courses as an NASW member at the Social Work Online CE Institute. Search your practice area for relevant courses.
Credentials and Certifications
NASW credentials and certifications show you meet national levels of excellence in your discipline. NASW members save hundreds on credentials and certifications.
CE Tracker – Free 90-Day Trial for New Members
CE Tracker is an online tool that tells you exactly what you need to renew your license and tracks your progress along the way. It even suggests content to obtain the continuing education you need. NASW members receive discounted subscription rates. New NASW members get a free 90-day trial with their membership.
Dedicated Support
Ethics and Legal Consultations
NASW members facing job-related ethical dilemmas and social work-related legal issues can talk privately with NASW ethics and legal staff. These are free services that are highly valued by our members.
Practice Expert at National Level
When you join NASW, you help ensure that there’s a dedicated practice expert at the national level who advocates for you and for the populations and communities you serve and who works to get you practice tools that help you perform your job even better.