Chapter Statements and Press Releases

NASW-NY has issued an official statement regarding the future of the C.A.R.E.S. (Community, Advocacy, Resources, Education, and Support) initiative following the unauthorized capture and distribution of program materials. The statement outlines the Chapter's concerns, reaffirms its commitment to protecting presenters and intellectual property, and explains the review of current policies and future program safeguards.

NASW-NY has issued an official statement condemning the weakening of the Voting Rights Act and reaffirming the profession's commitment to protecting equitable access to the democratic process. The statement examines the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on historically marginalized communities, outlines the implications for social work practice, and identifies actions social workers can take to advance civic participation and voting rights.

NASW-NY has issued an official statement condemning the weakening of the Voting Rights Act and reaffirming the profession's commitment to protecting equitable access to the democratic process. The statement examines the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on historically marginalized communities, outlines the implications for social work practice, and identifies actions social workers can take to advance civic participation and voting rights across New York.

The Fall/Winter 2025 edition of CURRENTS features updates from NASW-NY leadership, including remarks from Executive Director Dr. Shakira A. Kennedy, the Chapter's Board Presidents, and President-Elect Dr. Patricia Gray. This issue also highlights advocacy and policy updates from the NASW-NY Policy Team and introduces the inaugural Ethics Corner from the Chapter Ethics Committee (CEC).

NASW–New York Chapter: 2025 Year in Review A Year of Unity, Advocacy, and Impact The year 2025 was an extraordinary milestone for the NASW–New York Chapter. The unification of the New York City and New York State Chapters was successfully achieved in June; a historic accomplishment made possible through the leadership and dedication of the national board of directors, the Unification Taskforce, the Chapter’s exceptional staff team, and engaged members from both New York City and across the state. Throughout the year, NASW–NY continued to...

NASW-NY has issued an official statement condemning the weakening of the Voting Rights Act and reaffirming the profession's commitment to protecting equitable access to the democratic process. The statement examines the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on historically marginalized communities, outlines the implications for social work practice, and identifies actions social workers can take to advance civic participation and voting rights.

The New York State Board of Regents approved emergency regulatory amendments in social work that are effective May 6, 2025. These amendments align New York State’s licensure exam requirements with national standards set by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), specifically by permitting English as a Second Language (ESL) testing accommodations. For the full text of the regulatory amendments, visit the Board of Regents website. Summary of Regulatory Changes: ESL candidates may receive up to two extra hours of exam time....

The New York State and New York City Chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-NYS/NYC) are among the largest chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in the country. Founded in 1955, NASW-NYC represents professional social workers across the five boroughs, primarily working in public and nonprofit organizations, as well as private practice and other service-related settings. The 2025 NASW-NYC/NYS Policy Series is a dynamic, multi-part program designed to equip New York social workers with critical pol...

The National Association of Social Workers – New York City (NASW-NYC) and New York State (NASW-NYS) stand firmly in our commitment to upholding and advocating for human rights, dignity, and social justice for all individuals and communities. We remain steadfast in partnering with individuals and organizations that share these values to combat oppression, discrimination, and systemic inequities that threaten human rights. We encourage NY NASW Members and all NY social workers to join us for the upcoming ...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS – NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER NASW-NYS/NYC Executive Director Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW NASW-NYC IMMIGRATION and GLOBAL SOCIAL WORK COMMITTEE Chairs: Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini, PHD; Linda Levin, LMSW I. Introducing Our Committee NASW-NYS, one of the largest chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), is committed to professional growth, upholding standards, and advancing social policies that promote equity. The NASW-NYC Immigration and Global Social Work Committe...