Advocacy

From agenda inception, to research, policy and position writing, to grassroots campaign development, direct advocacy at the Capitol, and more; our members power and lead all of our work. We invite you to join us.

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No decision about you, without you.

Together, members and staff represent social work in legislative settings, local and national media, and at the forefront of social change. Pursuit of the Chapter advocacy agenda is achieved through advocating directly at the NYS Legislature, government agencies, and other organizations; finding creative sources of funding for professional development opportunities as they relate to the legislative landscape for members; and staffing and assisting the Political Action for Candidate Election committee. At the New York Chapter, we are here to amplify your voice!

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Develop Our Legislative Agenda

Only members are invited to participate and lead on our Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee. The AGR Committee serves as the backbone of the Chapter’s policy and social justice agenda by defining our legislative agenda, creating an actionable strategy, and mobilizing our membership.

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Capitol Action Day

This yearly event mobilizes our members to advocate on our legislative agenda with policymakers in person and online. Our goal is to give members the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their clients year-round—creating a loud thunder of social work voices that cannot be ignored.

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How can you support? Partner with us here.

Donate to the cause! Every dollar counts to uplifting the State's mental health crisis. Click here to find individual donations.

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Advance Social Work Through Election

Only members are eligible to sit on the Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee. PACE endorses campaign candidates on behalf of the Chapter, makes financial contributions to candidates who support NASW’s policy agenda, and enhances the electoral presence of social workers. It is our mission to increase the number of social workers who are elected officials in New York State.

Register now for our 2025 Fall Policy Series! These events will have all the information to equip advocates for Albany. 

Click all three of the images to register.

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Food is a human right.


Read new statement from NASW NY on the recent cuts to SNAP benefits here.

Legislative Priorities for Social Work in New York State

The Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee at NASW NY determines our legislative priorities each year. Learn more about the AGR Committee and how you can get involved.

These goals are critical to supporting the social work workforce and the health and wellbeing of communities throughout New York.

New York has long led progressive labor movements—and now must lead again by prioritizing the social work profession. Our legislative focus includes:

1. Increasing base pay for social workers who provide essential services across the State.

2. Reducing student loan debt to attract and retain the next generation of social workers.

Budget Advocacy for FY 2026-27 has begun! 

Act NOW! Social Workers- Express to Governor Kathy Hochul that Social Work Loan Relief should be included in her 2026 State of the State.

3. Improving mental health services in schools by ensuring equitable social worker-to-student ratios.

4. Promoting equity in the profession by establishing a Master of Social Work Paid Field Work Pilot Program (S7894).

5. Safeguarding the profession through regulation of Artificial Intelligence in therapy and psychotherapy services (S8484). 

6. Daniel's Law (S3670/A4617)

7.  NY For All Act (S2235/A3506)

8. Oppose the SUPPORT Act (S6999/A780)

9. Oppose the Empire State of Mind Bill (A2719B)


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2026 Advocacy Toolkit coming soon. For now, access the 2025 Toolkit!

Look no further for ways to engage in the Chapter’s advocacy efforts and make your voice heard for issues that affect the social work profession and the communities we serve. Sift through the toolkit to find information about New York State and New York City government, how to contact your representatives, our 2025 Legislative Priorities, and much more!

Coalition Information

Legislative priorities determined by the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee focus directly on social work practice and workforce. The Chapter works in partnerships and coalitions that advocate for social justice issues that impact the clients and communities we serve, and the systems social workers encounter through their work.

Social Workers for Justice

NASW-NY Chapters continue to partner with Social Workers for Justice, Latino Social Work Coalition, and mental health organizations such as NAMI-NYC to repeal the ASWB exam for entry-level social workers.

Read the 2025 Testimony in NYC HallRead the NYC Council Resolution 362-ARead the 2025 Memo of Support for the Social Work Workforce Act

A Better Balance

NASW NY continues to work with A Better Balance to advocate for equitable paid medical leave. New Yorkers deserve a system that ensures time off for personal illness or injury without risking their livelihoods.

Physicians for a National Health Program – NY Metro

The New York Health Act (NYHA) is the only bill in the New York State legislature that would guarantee comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for every New Yorker — with no co-pays, deductibles, or network restrictions. Everyone would have access to the care they need, when they need it.

Legal Aid Society

The #Right2RemainSilent campaign supports legislation (S2800/A5891) that guarantees youth the right to consult with legal counsel before being interrogated by police. This bill protects the rights of young people under age 18 and ensures any Miranda waiver is fully informed.

Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice

Organizing to end mass incarceration and advance health equity. 

Read the 2025 Memo of SupportLearn more about the campaign

Social Workers and Allies Against Solitary Confinement 

A national task force of social workers and allies dedicated to ending the torturous practice of solitary confinement that is carried out in our nation’s jails and prisons, disproportionately affecting people of color, the LGBTQ population, and people suffering from mental illness. 
Read the 2025 Memo of SupportLearn more about the campaign

New York Healthy Workplace Advocates 

 Working to pass legislation to make workplace bullying illegal in the workplace since 2006. 

Read the 2025 Memo of SupportLearn more about the campaign

The Treatment Not Jail Coalition

Supports the Treatment Court Expansion Act. 

Read the 2025 Testimony Learn more about the campaign Bill Fact Sheet

Artificial Intelligence Protection

Bill to Impose Liability for Damages Caused by a Chatbot Impersonating Certain Licensed Professionals.

Read the 2025 Memo of Support Read the bill S7263/A6545

PARSE Coalition

Promoting recovery-supportive workplaces. 

Read the 2025 Letter to the Governor Read the NYS Recovery Ready Workplace Act 

NASW NY Sign-Ons

  • Youth Justice and Opportunities Act (S4330/A5293): Expands alternatives to incarceration for youth. Read more
  • Pass the SNAP for Students Act. Read more.
  • Student Borrower Protection Center Coalition Letter. Read more.
  • Protect IDEA Funding in FY25: Ensures rights of students with disabilities. Read letter
  • Support for robust FY 2025 federal investments in youth workforce and education access.
  • Support for federal bill S4990 to end child marriage.
  • Student Loan Relief via NPRM: Read letter
  • College, Not Cuts campaign: Read letter
  • Opposing harmful loan plan changes (IDR/PSLF): Read letter to Department of Ed
  • Mask Ban Opposition: Read letter
  • Jury of Our Peers Act (A1432-C/S206-B): Read memo
  • Telehealth Access Extended: Thanks to the advocacy of over 6,700 social workers, Medicare telehealth flexibilities have been extended through September 30, 2025. Learn more

Past Coalition Partners

  • NY Renews: Coalition of 350+ organizations behind NY’s climate law. Learn more
  • Legal Defense Fund – NYSVRA: Protecting voters under NY’s Voting Rights Act. Learn more
  • JMacForFamilies: Dismantling harmful child welfare practices. Visit site | Watch their presentation

Stay up to date with NASW NY Policy! The Policy Corner is member exclusive, serving as Your Source of News Affecting the Social Work Profession.

Become a member today!

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Take Action for Social Work Advocacy

Act Now campaigns empower social workers to influence policy by connecting directly with legislators through email, phone, or in-person meetings. These advocacy tools spotlight issues that affect our profession, clients, and communities at every level of government.

Each campaign features pre-written letters, reviewed by fellow social workers, making it easy to take quick, meaningful action. Personalize your message with your experience or research to make it even more impactful.

Browse our current Act Now campaigns and lend your voice. It only takes three minutes to stand up for social justice and strengthen our collective impact.