Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - NASW growing together - handshake

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

NASW is the largest social work organization and represents a diverse group of professional social workers and students around the country and globally. We strive to serve diverse communities large and small with integrity, competence, respect for human relationships, respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and a commitment to promoting social justice. We can only meet these goals by caring about our best resources: our staff, members and volunteers.

NASW’s commitment to diversity is rooted in our belief that creating a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is ethical. It is the right thing to do. It is also crucial to our organization’s continued success. Most important, it is what all members of our workforce deserve.

NASW is committed to becoming a true leader in attracting and retaining diverse talent, creating an environment based on policies and practices that are just and to fostering a true sense of inclusion and belonging. Our goal is to be the example for other associations.


Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Matters - NASW DEI Statement

NASW supports diversity, equity and inclusion programs for social workers and for our nation.

Read our DEI Statement to learn why such programs are vital to our nation.


NASW Anti-Racism Statement

The mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people with particular attention to those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. To honor this mission and realize our core professional values we must understand and commit to doing our part in abolishing racist and oppressive systems. NASW’s Anti-racism statement approved by the NASW Board of Directors at its January 2022 meeting.

Read NASW's Anti-Racism Statement


Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & the Profession of Social Work

The Social Work profession has historically prided itself on helping community members reach their full potential, by addressing the inequities of poverty and social upheaval while helping individuals connect to resources. Social work education reinforced this narrative but glided over the complex and controversial aspects of the profession. Like many disciplines, social work is not without its own problematic narrative when it comes to issues of oppression and racism.

Read the message from our Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion Department


NASW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Charter

In 2020, NASW established a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee of 20-25 employees, including senior leaders and national and chapter staff, who act on behalf of the organization to launch and support the diversity equity and inclusion process.

Read the DEI Committee Charter


Resources

Undoing Racism Through Social Work, Vol. 2

NASW convened racial justice scholars and activists to build a collaborative vision for anti-racist social work. Learn about priorities for social work education, training, practice, workforce, research and policy in this report.

Download "Undoing Racism Through Social Work, Vol. 2"

racial justice report cover


Undoing Racism Through Social Work: NASW Report to the Profession on Racial Justice Priorities and Action

NASW acknowledges that our profession has not always lived up to its mission of pursuing social justice for all. We apologize for supporting policies and activities that harm people of color and we will strengthen our efforts to end racism in the social work profession and in society.

Download "Undoing Racism Through Social Work"



NASW Code of Ethics

The NASW Code of Ethics defines the values and principles that guide social workers’ conduct in all practice areas.

Read the NASW Code of Ethics


Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training Should Serve as Foundation for Meaningful Action

Anti-racism and other facets of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) must be a focal point for everyone within social work if the profession is to achieve the goal of providing equitable services from equitable workplaces.

Read the DEI article in Social Work Advocates magazine