May 2026 Chapter Update

Dear Members of the NASW-Washington Chapter,


As we move further into the spring season, I want to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in this year’s leadership nomination process. The willingness of members to step forward, nominate colleagues, and invest in the future of our chapter reflects the strength and dedication of our professional community. It is encouraging to see so many social workers committed to shaping the direction of our chapter and advancing the values of our profession.


We are also excited by the notable increase in committee involvement across the chapter. More members are engaging in advocacy, professional development, policy conversations, and community-building efforts. This growing participation strengthens our collective voice and creates more opportunities to support social workers throughout Washington State.


We are looking ahead with enthusiasm to the upcoming NASW National Conference this June. The conference offers an important opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the country, share innovations in practice, and continue conversations about the evolving needs of our profession and the communities we serve.


Thank you for the energy, leadership, and compassion you continue to bring to this work. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference, and we look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.


With appreciation,


Danielle Flores

Executive Director

NASW Washington Chapter

Legislative Updates


The NASW-WA Legislative Action Committee (LAC) has begun working to prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session. We continue to prioritize our focus around legislative issues such as AI limitations, changes to how social workers are regulated (our own social work board), licensure exam removal for LASWs, and exam alternative pathways for LICSWs.


At the national level, advocacy efforts remain focused on several urgent priorities impacting both social workers and those we support. These include protecting access to behavioral health care, advancing equitable workforce compensation, addressing barriers to licensure portability, strengthening support for children and families, and advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice. These efforts underscore the vital role social workers continue to play in responding to complex community needs during a rapidly changing social and political landscape.


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!

Join Social Workers

for Justice on Tuesday, May 19th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM ET virtually for a national conversation on the future of social work.


We will break down urgent federal student loan changes, including the elimination of Grad PLUS loans and new borrowing caps for MSW students, and what this means for our profession.


Most importantly, we will discuss H.R. 6677 and how we can take action before July 1st. Hear directly from federal legislators and social work leaders about what is at stake and how we can protect our profession. Speakers to be announced.


You do not want to miss this important conversation.

To register, scan the QR code in the flyer or visit: https://bit.ly/sw4jClockisTicking.

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS

Miss a live Webinar?

Check out the growing list of NASW Washington Webinars

after they have occurred. 

Stay up to date on the newest NASW-WA Continuing Education courses!

Call for Presenters


Are you interested in presenting a workshop for NASW-WA? We have an open call for presenters for our ongoing continuing education series held throughout the year (live, virtual, or recorded).


Click here for more information about what we're looking for!

NASW Social Work Student Series


NASW invites all social work students and recent graduates to our free monthly learning sessions focused on skill-building, advocacy, and professional identity for students and recent graduates. Sessions are recorded and available for viewing shortly after the live event.


Past Events


Next Student Event

To be announced soon…stay tuned!

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.


May 15, 2026

Presentation: Keeping Emerging Practices Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics

Emerging practices such as psychedelic and animal-assisted therapies offer exciting possibilities and raise new ethical challenges.


Presenter: Julie Black, LCSW-C, NASW Senior Ethics and Professional Review Associate


Register in advance.

NASW members only. This session is for information only. No CE credits.

NASW 2026 National Election: Check Your Email for Your Personalized Ballot



Voting in the NASW 2026 national election runs May 1-29, 2026. Take time to learn about the candidates and their platforms. On May 1, Intelliscan, Inc., the contractor managing the voting site, emailed each eligible member a link to their personalized ballot. To be eligible to vote, NASW members must be in good standing (i.e., current membership and no pending sanctions). To vote by mail, members must request a hardcopy ballot through Member Services at membership@socialworkers.org or 800.742.4089.


Voting questions? Email governance@socialworkers.org.

Chapter Classifieds


NASW-WA offers a space on our website for text-only classified ads. Click here for details.

 


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