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Chapters Honor Social Workers, Host Advocacy Events During Social Work Month

Chapters

During Social Work Month this year, many NASW chapters led and participated in a wide range of activities, including legislative advocacy events, mixers, webinars, and social worker appreciation celebrations for members. Here are highlights of some of the chapter events that took place.

NASW-Ohio

The NASW Ohio Chapter Advocacy Day brought together 615 social workers and social work students from across the state for a day of legislative engagement in Columbus. Hosted at the Vern Riffe Center during Social Work Month, the event connected participants directly with 68 Ohio state legislators through structured meetings.

NASW-Florida

NASW Florida and Georgia chapters Executive Director Christina Cazanave-McCarthy, MSW, noted on social media at the start of Social Work Month that she is deeply honored to represent this incredible profession at the state level. “But more importantly, I want to shine a light on the thousands of social workers and students who work tirelessly daily to bring relief, joy, comfort, and strength to individuals, families, and communities,” she wrote. In the photo, the Florida chapter’s Palm Beach Unit celebrated Social Work Month and honored their award recipients. Pictured, from left, are Clarinda Shabazz, Palm Beach Unit Chapter Committee on Nomination and Leadership Identification chair; Dr. Sarah Ingram-Herring, Palm Beach Unit Social Work Educator of the Year; and Andres Torrens, Palm Beach Unit chair.

NASW-Utah

Utah’s Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson honored social workers and students during Social Work Day on the Hill. “We had over 350 social workers and social work students in attendance and conducted an Advocacy 101 training as well as hearing from several legislators. It was a great event,” said Leanne Rupp, MSW, LCSW, executive director of NASW’s Colorado and Utah chapters. Henderson, a keynote speaker, highlighted the vital role social workers play in hospitals, schools and public clinics. Photo courtesy of the Office of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

NASW-Maryland

The NASW Maryland Chapter hosted a Virtual Social Work Conference in March. Some of the workshop themes included “Let’s Talk: Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Equitable Care for Transitioning Foster Youth,” and “Addressing Substance Use through Social Work Practice: Challenges & Opportunities.” The chapter’s Social Workers Unraveling Racism (SWUR) committee, hosted a session called “Social Workers, Truth, and the Work That Remains.” It honored the endurance and commitment of social workers engaged in racial justice work.

NASW-Michigan

On March 17, hundreds of Michigan social workers and social work students gathered in Lansing for the annual NASW-Michigan Capitol Action Day. Throughout the day, advocates learned about the legislative process before putting their advocacy skills into action during more than 50 meetings with state lawmakers. In addition to highlighting the vital role social workers play across Michigan, participants urged legislators to advance reforms addressing insurance clawbacks and alternative pathways to social work licensure. The chapter thanked Michigan State Sen. Stephanie Chang, MSW, for introducing the Michigan proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month.

NASW-New Jersey

The NASW New Jersey Chapter hosted its 2026 Social Work Month event on March 26.  The theme was “Putting the ‘Social’ back into Social Work!”  The event was co-sponsored by the chapter and the Rutgers School of Social Work Alumni Council. The gathering allowed social workers to reconnect, celebrate and expand their professional network. It also offered an opportunity to build community with fellow alumni and social workers.

cover of Fall 2026 issue

Social Work Advocates Flipbook

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