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Who We Are

What makes NASW unique?

  • NASW works tirelessly on behalf of social workers. We are focused on the well-being and growth of our members, and the advancement of the social work profession.
  • We are a non-profit membership and advocacy organization.
  • Our Chapters advocate for the profession and support social workers in each state.
  • NASW is the only social work membership organization advocating on behalf of all fields of social work practice in every state.
  • We also proudly advocate for the clients and communities our members serve.
  • NASW has been led by volunteer member leaders for nearly 70 years.
  • Our Association remains one of the largest membership organizations in the United States with more than 100,000 active members.



What does NASW do?

  • NASW Chapters are solely responsible for leading the passage of the Social Work Licensure Compact in 22 states and introducing it in many others.
  • NASW Chapters also helped pass legislation protecting social workers from frivolous lawsuits, preventing restrictive covenants on social workers, ensuring social work safety in the workplace, and securing scholarships and loan forgiveness for social workers in states.
  • We host committees, commissions and shared interest groups to bring together social workers throughout the field to support their specific areas of focus and expertise.
  • NASW also advocates with federal decision makers for higher reimbursement rates for clinical social workers, student loan forgiveness, title protection, mental health parity including regulatory rule changes, and much more.
  • NASW is a crucial voice and trusted partner in national and state coalitions for social, economic and racial justice.



Who does NASW serve?

NASW represents the interests of our nation’s 700,000 dedicated social workers.Our critical advocacy work requires resources, and we are fortunate to have the support of thousands of social work professionals in every state. 


This is our organization

NASW will always own our mistakes as we continue to improve services for members. Feedback is how we learn and grow. Members should send ideas, concerns and comments to membership@socialworkers.org or join the MyNASW conversation.

Please call NASW Member Services at 1-800-742-4089 (Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. ET) with questions about our events and awards, educational programs, career services and policy positions.