Policy Issues

Promoting the Profession, Enhancing Social Well-Being

The services that social workers provide are vital to supporting the well-being of people throughout the United States. Social workers have become even more essential as economic inequality and health disparities increase, as the population ages, and as the middle class struggles to maintain stability.

Federal policymakers play critical roles in promoting policies that help individuals, families, and communities to fulfill their potential and to lead healthy, productive lives. NASW has developed a policy agenda, which asserts the association’s advocacy priorities for the legislative cycle. 

NASW’s policy agenda is consistent with the NASW policies in Social Work Speaks, which is developed by members of the association at Delegate Assembly.

Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to present its Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119^th Congress, outlining a forward-looking strategy that elevates the social work profession and ensures its integral role in addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation.

Read the Blueprint >>

Other Key Policy Issues

Although a great part of the association’s energy is spent on the following issues, NASW’s work on Capitol Hill is not limited to these areas, but is driven by the agenda that members of Congress set for themselves.

• Interstate Licensure Compact
• Medicare Reimbursement
• Increasing Voter Participation/Protecting Voting Rights

Responding to the Policies of the Trump Administration

The National Association of Social Workers is alarmed by Trump Administration executive orders that could hamper health care and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and hurt people who are immigrants or seeking gender affirming care.

Please read this press release to get regular updates on Trump Administration actions and what social workers can do to respond. And take time to look at sign on letters to see how NASW is working with coalitions to resist adverse Administration actions.