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Committee on Military/Veterans

Mission

To serve as a catalyst for advancing the field of military social work and promoting best practices. NASW recognizes the importance of specialized knowledge and expertise 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 will recommend policies and programs that support military personnel, veterans, and their families. It 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 unique 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 staff partnerships and collaborations with military organizations, veterans' groups, and other relevant stakeholders that could enhance services for military families.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of new credentialing programs for military social workers. Provide recommendations for new credentials to the Credentialing Committee.
  • Provide strategic advice and input into the research carried out by NASW staff on the needs of active military, veterans, and their families.

Committee Composition

  1. There shall be eleven (11) volunteer members of the committee. One (1)   NASW staff member or Chapter ED will act as liaison between the Committee and the Association departments/staff.
  2. The NASW Committee on Military & Veterans will consist of eleven (11) members, who will be appointed by the NASW President, consistent with NASW’s bylaws and other policies. The committee will recommend appointments to the NASW President, who will make final committee appointments.
  3. The Committee members shall represent the following groups of stakeholders:
    1. Three (3) of the members shall be active ACSW or DCSW credential holders.
    2. Six (6) of the members may hold other NASW credentials, but that is not a requirement for committee membership. The committee members in (a) and (b) must maintain NASW membership and be in good standing while serving on the committee. Members in both (a) and (b) should represent social workers in various branches of the military.
    3. The remaining two (2) members may be individuals who are not social workers, but who have a role in issues that affect military members and their families.
  4. The committee shall have a Chair whom the NASW President appoints.
  5. Except as hereinafter provided, each committee member, including the Chair, shall serve a three-year term. A member may be reappointed to a second term.
  6. If, for any reason, a committee member cannot serve or resigns before the expiration of the term for which he or she is appointed, another member may be appointed by the NASW President. When appointments are for the remainder of an unexpired term, that individual is eligible to serve two additional full terms of office.
  7. The committee members shall not receive compensation for the performance of their duties; however, they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incidental to the performance of their duties on the committee.

Chair Responsibilities

  1. Serve as chair for all meetings of the NASW Credentialing Committee.
  2. Coordinate appointment and ongoing activities of subcommittees.
  3. Appoint a member of the Committee to chair meetings in his/her absence.
  4. Report Committee activities to the NASW Board of Directors.
  5. Notify the NASW President of an existing vacancy or impending Committee vacancy as soon as is practicable.

Meetings

  1. The Committee shall meet virtually at least three (3) times per year and have one (1) additional in-person meeting biennially.
  2. Notice for meetings shall be provided by the Committee Chair at least 30 calendar days in advance.
  3. The Committee shall keep full minutes of all its meetings, resolutions, and actions.
  4. A simple majority of committee members shall be required to approve the minutes of each meeting or ratify any decision.

Scope of Authority

  1. The Committee is accountable to the NASW Board of Directors and will recommend to the Board of Directors such action(s) deemed necessary to further the pursuit of the Committee’s mission.
  2. The Committee shall carry out the work outlined in this charge in collaboration with NASW staff.