Membership

No Decision About You, Without You. Shape the Future of Social Work with NASW-NY

At the New York Chapter, our members lead. But, what does that really mean?

Empowering Social Work Leadership in New York

With over 130 members actively participating in our New York Chapter leadership, your social work peers are at the forefront, actively guiding our Association. They serve as:

Board and Committee members
Regional and community leaders
Activists and allies in our social and racial justice initiatives
Individuals leading short and long-term special projects

These dedicated members leverage their diverse skills to conduct research, write impactful policy positions, provide invaluable perspectives, organize vital events, facilitate crucial discussions, share their rich experience, and vigorously advocate on behalf of their colleagues and clients.

Membership FAQ

▸ Q: What does NASW do?

A: Founded in 1955, and based in Washington, DC, NASW is the largest professional social work organization in the United States. NASW promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also advocates to improve public policies that strengthen society.

▸ Q: What is the membership year?

A: Your membership year is 12 months from the date that you join, or renew, and pay your dues in full.

▸ Q: Does NASW offer payment options?

A: NASW does not currently offer installment options for new members. Renewing members may pay dues in two or three installments, in advance of their renewal date. This option is not available online. Installment payments may be sent by mail to PO Box 79949, Baltimore, MD 21279-0949, or by calling NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

▸ Q: How soon do I get membership benefits after I join?

A: Your membership benefits are active the date your dues are paid in full as a new member, or when you renew and pay your dues in full as a continuing member.

▸ Q: Can I cancel my membership and request a refund?

A: Refunds for cancellation of membership must be requested in writing within 30 days of membership activation. A $25 processing fee will be applied to refunds of membership dues. NASW Member Services can assist with all refund requests.

▸ Q: How do I reinstate my membership?

A: Former members can reinstate membership at any time. To reinstate your membership online, visit www.socialworkers.org/reinstate, and enter the email address on file with NASW when you were last a member. To reinstate by phone or for assistance, please call NASW Member Services at 800-742-4089 Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Members may not be able to reinstate at a reduced rate (if applicable).

▸ Q: Are my dues tax deductible?

A: Membership dues payments and other payments to NASW are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. They may be tax deductible, however,

Advance Your Career

We have support systems and enrichment opportunities for all phases of macro, mezzo, and clinical practice. Develop and expand your skills through free and affordable in-person and online continuing education, access to time sensitive resources, and a network of peers to learn with and grow with.

Make Your Voice Heard

NASW advocates with our members at state and federal levels on issues identified by social workers. Together, we represent social work in legislative settings, local and national media, and at the forefront of social change. At the New York Chapter, we don't speak for you. We are here to amplify your voice.

Find Your Community

Meet your social work peers, potential employers, and comrades in the fight for social justice. Connect with other social workers throughout the span of your career, in person and online, to contribute to and benefit from community care, advance personal and professional goals, and advocate for the future of our profession.

Save Time & Money

Free CE Series: Earn 12 Continuing Education (CE) credits annually, providing 36 free CEs for license renewal over 3 years.
Discounted Programs: Receive at least 50% off all Chapter programs and events; most are entirely free for members.
Professional Liability Insurance: Access member discounts on professional liability insurance and risk management workshops.
Exclusive Discounts: Save on personal and professional purchases including identity theft protection, entertainment, car rentals, hotels, and vacations.
Student Loan Support: Partnered with Savi to help members save an average of $2,064 annually on student loans. We also advocate for federal debt cancellation and increased funding for NYS Social Worker Loan Forgiveness Programs.

Enhance Your Practice

Social Work Credentials: Apply for NASW Specialty Certifications to gain enhanced professional recognition and visibility.
Career Center: Access interview, resume, and job search resources for every stage of your career.
Specialty Practice Sections (SPS): Engage in customized professional development, including practice-specific webinars, newsletters, and CE credits.
Best Practices & Updates: Stay informed with toolkits, briefs, journal articles, and alerts on topics like aging, behavioral health, child welfare, clinical social work, ethnicity & race, health, LGBT, school social work, billing codes, HIPAA, Medicaid, COVID-19, and tele-health.

Advocate for Social Work

Develop Legislative Agenda: Participate and lead on the Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee to define the Chapter’s policy and social justice agenda.
Advance Social Work Through Elections: Serve on the Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee to endorse candidates, make financial contributions, and increase social workers' electoral presence.
Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD): An annual event focused on educating and uniting New York social work schools for collective advocacy action.
Capitol Action Day: A yearly event mobilizing members for in-person and online advocacy with policymakers, empowering year-round advocacy.
Take Action Campaigns: Members power and lead all work, with "Act Now" campaigns allowing immediate contact with legislators via email or phone.

Access Free Resources

Free Ethical Advice: Individual ethics consultations from the Office of Ethics and Professional Review.
Free Legal Resources: Financial legal assistance and educational programs from the NASW Legal Defense Fund (LDF).
Community-Driven Resources: Access and contribute to resource pages on COVID-19, anti-racism, and veterans mental health.
NY HelpDesk: Your go-to for questions on CE, licensing, advocacy, networking, leadership, membership benefits, and more.

Build Your Network & Peer Support

Special Interest Groups: Member-led networks for professional development, events, and inclusive representation.
Private Practice Connect: Members-only forum to share information and resources on maintaining a successful private practice.
One Team Listserv: Free online resource for clinical providers and students to engage with peers and Veterans on military family mental health.
Mentorship Opportunities: Tools, connections, and events to facilitate meaningful mentorships with other social workers.

Champion Anti-Racism

Revolutionize Social Work: A movement led by BIPOC social workers (10,000+ engaged) for transformational anti-racist change, empowering BIPOC leadership and white ally-ship.
Racial Justice Forum: Free facilitated small group discussions for self-reflection, sharing lived experiences, and modeling conversations to promote systemic change.
Cultural Humility CEs: One free anti-racist CE program per month for members (1-3 CE credits); three per year are free for all social workers.
Revolutionize Healing: A space for BIPOC social workers to connect, process daily racism, and cultivate power through self-care, peer support, and affinity groups.

Support Veterans' Mental Health (VMHTI)

Grant-Funded Activities: All VMHTI activities are supported by a grant from the New York State Legislature to build capacity in community mental health.
Free CE Workshops & Conferences: Comprehensive free CE programs to train professionals in assessing and treating mental health issues specific to veterans and their families.
Veteran Voices Panels: Increase cultural humility by hearing veterans' experiences (including LGBTQIA+, female, BIPOC, 9/11, moral injury, family unit perspectives).
One Team Book Club: Expand literacy and knowledge by discussing books related to understanding servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Tools & Techniques: Get answers for challenging situations, including sample HIPAA forms and billing code information.
Legal Issue of the Month: Access an archive of 100 free legal articles answering common questions on emerging social work legal issues.
Latest Research (Social Work Journal): Free online access to *Social Work*, NASW's official peer-reviewed journal.
Bi-Weekly Member Update: Receive comprehensive updates on Chapter activities, legal issues, legislative alerts, and expert articles.
Monthly Membership Meeting: Engage directly with Chapter staff and leadership, learn about initiatives, and provide feedback.