Committee on Military/Veterans

Authorization and Accountability

The Committee is accountable to the NASW Board of Directors and shall recommend to the Board of Directors such action(s) deemed necessary to further the pursuit of the Committee’s mission to serve as a catalyst for advancing the field of military social work and promoting best practices in military social work, as well as the need for a collaborative, coordinated approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by the military community.

Purpose

The military/veterans committee shall recommend policies and programs that support military personnel, veterans, and their families and will:

• engage in dialogue regarding policies, laws, and government regulations to identify and recommend steps NASW can take to ensure adequate resources, improved services, and equitable access to care.
• work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the military, enhancing support systems for transitioning homeless veterans, and addressing systemic barriers that impact the well-being of military communities.
• Enhance social work roles in military-related behavioral health.
• Support partnerships with the Veterans Administration and other military systems.
• Promote trauma-informed and culturally competent care.

Duties

• Address the diverse needs of military personnel and veterans by focusing on the specific challenges and issues faced by military personnel, veterans, and their families.
• Identify and recommend policies and programs that promote the well-being of military personnel, veterans, and their families.
• Provide resources, training, and continuing education opportunities for social workers who are interested in working with the military population.
• Identify for NASW, partnerships and collaborations with military organizations, veterans' groups, and other relevant stakeholders that could enhance services for military families.
• Provide strategic advice and input on the needs of active military, veterans, and their families.

Committee Composition

There shall be eleven (11) volunteer members of the committee representing social workers in various branches of the military. One (1) NASW staff member shall serve as liaison between the Committee and the Association departments/staff. Consistent with NASW’s bylaws, committee members, including the chair shall be appointed by the NASW President. The committee shall make recommendations to the President, who will make final appointments. Committee members, including the Chair, shall serve three-year staggered terms. If a committee member resigns before the expiration of their term, the NASW President shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy.

Committee Chair Responsibilities

1. Facilitate committee meetings. Identify a member of the committee to chair meetings in their absence. The Committee shall meet virtually at least three (3) times per year.
2. Report Committee activities to the NASW Board of Directors.
3. Notify the NASW President of an existing vacancy or impending Committee vacancy as soon as is practicable.