April 2026 Chapter Update | | |
As we step into a new month, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for each of you and the vital role you play in our communities. Social work is not just a profession, it is a commitment to showing up, again and again, in moments that require compassion, courage, and deep care. Whether you are advocating for systemic change, supporting individuals and families, or holding space in times of uncertainty, your work matters more than words can fully capture.
As a member-driven organization, NASW-Washington is shaped by your voice, your leadership, and your engagement. I encourage you to consider getting more involved in the chapter this season. Our upcoming board elections are an important opportunity to help guide the future of our work together, and I invite those who are interested to explore what it means to serve.
We also want to hear directly from you. If you haven’t already, please take a few moments to complete our Chapter Experience Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us better support you and ensure that your membership reflects your needs, priorities, and aspirations.
Thank you for the work you do each day and for being part of this community. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
With appreciation,
Danielle Flores
Executive Director
NASW Washington Chapter
| | |
Call for Nominations:
Respond by May 2, 2026!
Our members help the Chapter's work in so many ways! The NASW-WA Chapter seeks members to serve on our Chapter Board for the following positions:
- Chapter President
- Chapter 1st Vice President
- Chapter Secretary
- Eastern WA Regional Representative
- Western WA Regional Representative
- MSW Student Representative
- BSW Student Representative
We're also looking for NASW-WA members to serve on the following committees:
- Membership Engagement Committee
- Chapter Ethics Committee
- Legislative Action Committee
- Political Action for Candidate Election Committee
If you are interested in serving the Chapter as a volunteer leader in a board position or as part of one of our committees, please respond by May 2, 2026!,
Board Position Descriptions: Board Nomination and Committee Request
Committee Descriptions: Board Nomination and Committee Request
To Apply: NASW-WA Chapter Board and Committee Nomination Form 2026 – Fill out form
| |
|
Let Your Voice Be Heard - Deadline Approaching!
As we enter this new chapter for our state, we want to hear all about your overall experience with NASW-Washington.
Please take a few minutes to provide us with your valuable input, the feedback you share will directly influence the Chapter's programming priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
The survey will remain open until April 12th.
NASW Washington Experience Survey – Fill out form
| |
Legislative Updates
State Updates
The NASW-WA Legislative Action Committee (LAC) continues to plan for the 2026 Legislative Session and beyond. Legislative issues that the LAC is looking at include AI legislation, changes to how social workers are regulated (our own social work board), licensure exam removal for LASWs, and exam alternative pathways for LICSWs.
In place of this year’s Policy Conference, we plan to host an end-of-session town hall in late April or early May, which will provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and engagement.
Our Chapter maintains our Voter Voice page. We're including additional opportunities for advocacy, including participation in civic demonstrations and marches. If you have any additions you'd like to see on our Voter Voice page, send us a message!
| |
NASW Gravely Concerned by Supreme Court Decision on Conversion Therapy Ban
The National Association of Social Workers is deeply concerned by the recent March 31st U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which sides with a counselor challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. While this decision is disappointing, NASW remains resolute in its opposition to conversion therapy and its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
This decision directly contradicts the NASW Code of Ethics, which prioritizes client well-being, cultural competence, and the fight against oppression and discrimination. Conversion therapy is not an ethical or evidence-based practice—it is harmful and damaging.
NASW has been a leader in denouncing the practice of conversion therapy, which causes documented harm - particularly to young people. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide.
The Supreme Court’s decision does not change NASW’s unwavering stance on conversion therapy. NASW’s official policy, outlined in Social Work Speaks, affirms that sexual identity, gender identity, and gender expression are fundamental and irrefutable aspects of personal identity. Conversion therapy undermines these core aspects and should have no place in social work.
NASW also acknowledges the public health crisis of youth suicide and self-harm. Social workers must act to combat harmful, ineffective practices like conversion therapy. NASW believes conversion therapy should not be part of social work education or practice and must be eliminated from the profession altogether.
| | | | |
Social Work Student Series
It’s important that you feel ready to jumpstart your social work career while in school and after graduation. NASW helps you gain real-world knowledge of the profession, and the communities social workers serve that goes beyond a textbook and degree.
NASW invites all social work students and recent graduates to our free student-focused events to prepare for your early career, enhance your skills, and connect you with colleagues from across the country.
Register here.
| | | | |
Hour with Private Practice (HOPP)
Meets Monthly Online | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET | Free | Advance Registration Required
Get important clinical social work updates affecting the delivery of mental health services in a private solo or group practice. An Hour With Private Practice (HOPP): Questions & Answers meets on the third Friday of each month. Access recordings of past sessions at your convenience.
Next Session: April 17, 2026
| | |
Child Abuse Prevention Month: Online Safety and Exploitation Prevention Resources
April is Child Abuse Prevention month and NASW developed a Tips and Tools to prevent online harms to children and youth. By addressing cyberbullying, online exploitation, and internet safety social workers provide critical support, resources, and advocacy to ensure children are safe from abuse in all environments. Read more.
NASW is developing a task force for the revision of the NASW Standards for the Practice of Social Work with Adolescents . NASW reviews and revises these standards to incorporate and update best practices. We encourage social workers who have a minimum of 5 years of work with adolescents and their families to submit their resume for consideration. Experience can include clinical practice and/or case management in adolescent healthcare, mental and behavioral health settings, child welfare agencies, adoption services, community-based child abuse prevention, juvenile justice services, and school social work. A competitive candidate should have excellent writing skills and is expected to participate in meetings and prepare documentation. Read more.
| | |
Spread the Word - SKC Clinic Volunteer Registration Now Open
Please help spread the word about this impactful opportunity so we can fill all 5,000+ shifts during Clinic week, as well as the eyeglasses dispensing event in late May. Here are some quick links to remember:
Volunteer Registration: Find flyers, social media graphics, assignment descriptions, and more here.
| | THANK YOU AGAIN TO OUR WONDERFUL CONFERENCE SPONSORS! | |
Let's Talk About What Your Private Practice Goals Are For The Year!
We're a membership-based platform for mental health care providers in private practice. If you had the business of your dreams, what would your day be like? Would you spend less time chasing claims? Or focus on clients that match your unique skillset? What if you had... more time for yourself?
We believe that when providers get the support they need, mental health improves for everyone. We'd love to be part of your support system. If you'd like to learn more about Alma before getting in touch, check out our website here.
Thanks,
The Alma Team
| | |
Advance Your Social Work Career—Fully Online, Fully You. 💼✨
Walla Walla University’s online Clinical MSW and online DSW programs are admitting students for Fall 2026, and this is your moment to step into meaningful leadership and advanced clinical practice.
Whether you’re ready to deepen your clinical expertise or move into transformative scholarship and leadership, our programs are designed for busy professionals who want flexibility without sacrificing quality.
✔ Online, clinically focused curriculum
✔ Expert faculty who mentor and support
✔ Designed for working professionals
✔ Waived application fees for NASW members
Your next level in social work starts here with the Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology.
👉 Discover the programs: wallawalla.edu/socialwork
#SocialWork #MSW #DSW #ClinicalSocialWork #OnlineLearning #WallaWallaUniversity #SocialWorkLeadership #CareerAdvancement #NASW
| | |
Chapter Classifieds
NASW-WA offers a space on our website for text-only classified ads. Click here for details.
| | | | |
