NASW-AZ September Newsletter

Connecting Arizona Social Workers to the Information and the People Shaping Our Profession

September 2026 Newsletter

Dear NASW Arizona Member,

This fall, NASW Arizona is focused on creating more opportunities for our members to connect directly with the people and organizations shaping social work practices in our state and across the country.

From the upcoming launch of the Social Work Licensure Compact to conversations with Arizona's regulatory leadership to legislative and advocacy updates, we want NASW-AZ members to have access to timely information and opportunities to ask questions and be part of the conversation.

We also want to hear from you about what you need from NASW-AZ. This is YOUR Chapter; help us shape what comes next!

Warmly,

Lauren Gomez, LCSW

Executive Director

NASW Arizona and New Mexico Chapter

Professional Development

FEATURED SEPTEMBER WEBINAR

Coming in 2027 – One License, Many Doors: Preparing for the Interstate Compact Launch

September 28, 2026

11:00 AM Arizona Time

Virtual

NASW Arizona and NASW New Mexico are excited to come together for a special webinar focused on one of the most significant developments affecting social work licensure: the Social Work Licensure Compact.

Join us as we discuss what social workers need to know as we prepare for the Compact's launch in 2027, what interstate licensure mobility could mean for the profession, and how social workers can begin preparing for these changes.

This is an important opportunity for social workers who practice across state lines, provide telehealth services, are considering relocating, or simply want to understand how the Compact may affect the future of social work practice.

Cost: FREE for NASW Members | $10 for Not-Yet Members

Coming Soon: Arizona Regulatory Board Updates & Live Q&A

We are also working to create more direct communication between Arizona social workers and the regulatory leaders who oversee our profession.

NASW Arizona will be hosting an upcoming webinar with Tobi Zavala focused on regulatory and licensing updates affecting Arizona social workers.

In addition to receiving updates, members will have an opportunity to submit their questions in advance so we can make sure the issues and concerns social workers are encountering in the field are part of the conversation.

Our goal is to make these conversations an ongoing opportunity for members, not simply a one-time event.

Date & Registration: Coming Soon

Call for Virtual Presenters: Share What You Know!

Are you passionate about a topic that you think other social workers and behavioral health professionals should know more about? We want to hear from you!

NASW-AZ is currently accepting applications from professionals interested in presenting educational content, including:

Live Webinars – Present virtually and engage with attendees in real time.

Pre-Recorded Self-Study Courses – Record your presentation on your own schedule and help professionals continue learning through our self-study offerings.

We’re looking for engaging, knowledgeable presenters who are excited to share their expertise, experiences, innovative practices, or specialized areas of interest with the social work community.

Topics can span all areas of social work practice, including clinical practice, ethics, supervision, leadership, advocacy, policy, cultural responsiveness, emerging issues, specialized populations, and more.

Questions? Reach out to us at lgomez.naswaz@socialworkers.org or admin.naswaz@socialworkers.org.

Policy & Advocacy

Coming Soon: Legislative & Advocacy Updates with Creosote Partners

Understanding what happens at the Arizona Legislature and how those decisions affect our profession and the people we serve is an important part of being an informed social worker.

This fall, NASW-AZ will also begin offering opportunities to hear directly from Creosote Partners, our lobbying firm, about the legislative and policy landscape in Arizona.

These conversations will help members understand emerging legislation and policy issues, what NASW-AZ is advocating for, and how social workers can make their voices heard.

Webinar Dates: To Be Announced

Meet Our Board

Mike Johnson-Gurrola, NASW Arizona Chapter President

Mike Johnson-Gurrola, LMSW, brings nearly eight years of behavioral health experience across diverse settings, currently working as a hybrid/telehealth counselor for an outpatient SMI (Serious Mental Illness) clinic.

Mike's approach to leadership is rooted in the redistribution of power. He's committed to leveraging his privilege to uplift member voices, especially those historically overlooked.

In his new role as President, Mike aims to align closely with the needs of the members. He envisions programming that unites social workers, strengthens their systems, and creates space for professional growth on a foundation of transparency and mutual accountability.

It is Mike's belief that transformation happens through collaboration. If you have questions or contributions for the chapter, Mike wants to hear from you.

When he's not wearing professional hats, Mike treasures time with his husband, their two dogs, and extended family.

We need your input!

What Do YOU Want From NASW Arizona?

As we build out programming for the coming year, we don't want to assume we know what Arizona social workers need. We want you to tell us.

What trainings would be most valuable? What licensing or regulatory issues are creating challenges? What advocacy priorities matter most to you? Would you like more networking, professional development, clinical resources, legislative engagement, or opportunities to connect with other social workers?

Please take a few minutes to complete our NASW Arizona Member Survey.

Your responses will help guide our priorities, programming, education, advocacy, and member engagement moving forward.

Help Us Build the 2027 NASW Arizona Conference!

We’re already planning the 2027 NASW Arizona Annual Conference for late March or early April, and we want our members to help shape it from the start.

What topics would be most valuable to your practice? Are there speakers you would love to hear from? Would you like more advanced clinical content, ethics, supervision, advocacy and policy, licensing updates, networking opportunities, specialized practice tracks, or something we haven't thought of yet?

We also want to hear your ideas about how we can make the conference more engaging, useful, and beneficial to social workers at every stage of their careers.

Share your ideas, suggestions, and feedback with us through our 2027 Conference Planning Survey

Connect With Us!

Questions about membership, continuing education, or advocacy initiatives? Email us at admin.naswaz@socialworkers.org