Why I Joined NASW

The NASW membership is 110,000 strong. And with that number comes countless reasons for social workers to join the association — from career advancement resources, to savings, to networking opportunities and more. Here’s what four members told us about their decision to join.

SaraKay Smullens, LCSW, ACSW, BCD, DCSW, CGP, CFLE

Social worker in Philadelphia and NASW author

“I joined NASW the year I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work (now the School of Social Policy and Practice) because my extraordinary professor, Dr. Roland Artigues, highly recommended that we do so. The opportunities offered have been outstanding. I’ve served as a section member, where one of my articles resulted in outreach from NASW Press’s acquisition editor requesting a book proposal. Through NASW, one special involvement leads to others. I also joined my wonderful local Pennsylvania chapter. It is so hard for me to believe that I’ve been a member for over 50 years! I received my MSW in 1965. My devoted Professor Artigues offered enduring advice—a gift that keeps on giving!”

Eliana Agudelo

Student studying for her MSW at Boston University and working as a Family Support Specialist at a Massachusetts nonprofit

“I have been a member since March 2021. In the first year of my MSW, we had a representative from the Massachusetts Chapter of NASW come to our class to talk about NASW. Honestly, the thing that made me sign up was that NASW members who graduate with their MSW get a cord with their graduation regalia. That got me - hook, line, and sinker! The first benefit I used was the resume review during National Social Work Month. I have since done a second resume and LinkedIn review, and I’ve found the feedback to be so helpful and not something I would otherwise be able to access.”

Vimmi Surti

Social worker for a New Jersey domestic violence agency

“I joined NASW in 2019 while I was a student at Rutgers University because I wanted to gain more exposure to the field. The first benefit I used was the student discount to join. Since then, I’ve been able to volunteer as a co-chair for the Middlesex, NJ Unit to bring in speakers to our local events.”

Gina Rosich, PhD

Faculty member at University of St. Josephs in West Hartford, CT

“I’ve been a member on and off since 1998. I joined as a young graduate excited about the field. The first benefits I used were the insurance and some travel and hotel discounts!”

It’s your turn! Find your reason and join NASW today to get started using your benefits.