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SPS Discussion Groups

people sitting around desks talking

NASW Specialty Practice Sections Discussion groups provide a year-round platform where a separate section will hold a panel discussion about their practice area and a topic affecting their field of practice. We also hold a discussion group for Section student members. All members are able to participate and engage through Q&A and comments. Discussion groups give you another opportunity to listen, learn, and network with likeminded individuals! These groups are for information purposes only. No continuing education credits will be offered.

SPS Discussion Groups are an exclusive member benefit. Sign up for an SPS membership today and gain access to the SPS discussion group registration links. Space is limited, so sign up today!

  • Meet Your SPS Committee Leaders
  • Discuss Important Issues Related to Social Work Practice
  • Join the Conversation
  • Chat with Other Social Workers in Practice
  • Hear Fresh and Different Perspectives
  • Participate in Problem-Solving Sharing
  • Exchange Useful Information

“A good discussion increases the dimensions of everyone who takes part.”
— Randolph Bourne

In 2020, during the pinnacle of the pandemic, NASW held discussion groups for social workers in practice entitled, NASW Pandemic Perspectives. The four talks allowed social workers to honestly speak about the influence of Covid-19 on their lives professionally and personally. The social workers were given a safe space to express themselves, hear about their peers’ experiences and gather valuable information they could use while they remained resilient during the epidemic. Each of the four discussion groups given was well received.

With these new discussion groups, we will model what came before but also expound on the experience. You will get to meet some of the SPS leadership and will also connect with practice experts to expand your knowledge base, brainstorm and just have meaningful conversations.

So, Let’s Talk

Let’s talk about what inspires you and makes you cheer. Let’s talk about challenging and complex issues that do not have easy solutions. Let’s talk about best practices—what really works or used to work and now should be sunset. Let’s talk about the direction of the profession and more.

Discussion Group Meetings

Panel Discussion on How to Have Positive Discourse During Challenging Times

Tuesday, December 16 (3 – 4 pm ET)
Sponsored by the NASW Social and Economic Justice & Peace Committee and open to all NASW members.

2025 is coming to an end, and at times, it has been a challenging year. Diversity is a negative term, hurtful speech is rampant, finger pointing is daily, and many negative "isms" are alive and well. Despite these challenging times, the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us in 105 (b) & (c) "that social workers must take action against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege," and "holding institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility." Given these responsibilities, how can we lead positive discourse with our agencies, leaders, peers, and clients? Please join the Social & Economic Justice & Peace committee for an hour-long live webinar discussion on how to lead positive discourse.

Register in advance LIVE meeting only>>

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded as made available.


Panel Discussion on Crossroads in Social Work Practice   

Thursday, January 15, 2026 (12 – 1 pm ET)
Sponsored by the Administration/Supervision Committee.

Social work is at a crossroads, where technological advances, shifting workforce dynamics, and evolving roles in non-traditional settings require the profession to adapt to keep pace. New challenges are emerging ranging from ethical practices using artificial intelligence to new approaches in leadership, supervision and administrative functions.  How does this new frontier align with social work values of empowerment, equity, and systemic impact?

Register in advance for the LIVE meeting only: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1CnVR_ETRw6_zhVbZHfljw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The recording will be at https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Specialty-Practice-Sections/SPS-Discussion-Groups

For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded and made available.

Panel Discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Private Practice

Friday, February 20, 2026 (2 – 3 pm ET)
Sponsored by the Private Practice Committee.

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how professionals deliver care, social workers in private practice stand at the intersection of technology and human connection. This panel brings together social workers in private practice to explore how AI can enhance or hinder care. This panel will discuss the pros and cons, benefits, and challenges of using AI as a tool. We hope that attendees will leave with practical insights and best practices for using AI effectively.

Open to all Specialty Practice Section Members. For Information Purposes Only. No CEs will be issued.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-W8XpjswTZ-g82K71px9Bg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded and made available.

Panel Discussion Replays

Replay:  Panel Discussion on Artificial Intelligence and Child Welfare: Possible Use and Misuse

Original date:  November 7, 2025 (60 minutes)
Sponsored by the NASW Child Welfare Section Committee
Open to all Specialty Practice Section Members
View the Full Recording

Resources:

  • One of my favorite organizations for AI policy updates is the Center for Humane Technology: https://www.humanetech.com/
  • Frederic Reamer, USC CAIS Seminar, October 16, 2024-Artificial Intelligence in the Behavioral Health Professions: Emerging Ethical and Risk Management Challenges
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhEAHNn5X0I
  • All Tech Is Human - https://alltechishuman.org/
  • Listen.Up.People: AI & Wisdom Work.USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
  • We have been the most intelligent species by far for tens of thousands of years. Now we created something that could compete with us in the very near future. John Oberg, DSW ’22 and CEO of Precina Health, and Josiah Bryan, chief technology officer for Precina Health, use AI to improve health and well-being, yet are deeply concerned about the role of AI in the workplace and how it may impact our daily lives.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HawNEizlJmQ&t=7s

Replay: Panel Discussion on the Ethics of Involuntarily Commitment

Original date:  July 23, 2025 (60 minutes)
Sponsored by the NASW Social Work and Courts Section Committee.
Open to All Specialty Practice Section Members 
View the Full Recording>>