About NASW-MN

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, currently boasting a membership of approximately 150,000 in 56 state, territorial and international chapters. NASW-MN is the state chapter of NASW, and currently maintains a membership base of about 2,000 professionally trained social workers.  NASW works nationally, and through chapters in every state of the country, to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

You may learn more about the staff of NASW-MN by clicking here. Normal business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact information

• Phone: (651) 293-1935 or toll-free: 1-888-293-NASW (6279)
• Fax: (651) 293-0952
• E-mail: email@naswmn.org
• Mailing address: National Association of Social Workers, Minnesota Chapter
                                  Iris Park Place, Suite 340 
                                  1885 University Avenue West
                                  St. Paul, Minnesota 55104

History of NASW

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) was established in 1955 through the consolidation of the following seven organizations:

• American Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers (AAPSW)
• American Association of Group Workers (AAGW)
• Association for the Study of Community Organization (ASCO)
• American Association of Medical Social Workers (AAMSW)
• National Association of School Social Workers (NASSW)
• Social Work Research Group (SWRG)

NASW’s primary functions include promoting the professional development of its members, establishing and maintaining professional standards of practice, advancing sound social policies, and providing services that protect its members and enhance their professional status. The Association developed and adopted the NASW Code of Ethics and other generalized and specialized practice standards. Certification and quality assurance are promoted through the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the NASW Register of Clinical Social Workers, and the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW). Among NASW’s political action programs are Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) and Educational Legislative Action Network (ELAN). The Association also sponsors, through its 56 chapters in the U.S. and abroad, professional conferences and continuing education programs, and produces journals—such as the flagship Social Work—books, and major reference works for the profession.
 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Minnesota Chapter of the NASW is to promote the profession of Social Work by establishing and maintaining professional standards and by advancing the authority and credibility of Social Work; to provide services to its members by supplying opportunities for professional development and leadership and by enhancing communication among its members; to advocate for clients by promoting political action and community education. 

Chapter Activities

The Minnesota chapter publishes Newsbytes, a quarterly online newsletter. Newsbytes is filled with useful information for our members, such as social policy updates, news from geographic units, continuing education opportunities, and other chapter program news. Newsbytes formerly included a JOB opportunities bulletin insert; all job postings are currently accessible online or by calling the NASW-MN office.

NASW-MN offers several workshops each year with current topics and dynamic presenters from a variety of practice settings. On the first Monday in April, we make ourselves heard on the policy level with our Annual Social Work Day at the Capitol. And we cap off our program year with the Annual Conference, held the Thursday and Friday during the first full week of June.  This two-day event includes exciting plenary speakers, numerous breakout sessions, exhibitors, and special luncheons! 

Member Involvement

The Minnesota Chapter thrives on the involvement of its members, and there are many ways to become involved. Click here to find out more about our chapter's committees. If you would like to join or are interested in the work of these committees, please contact the chapter office or the committee Chair (listed on their committee page). Members of NASW may also volunteer about two hours of time at our continuing education events, such as full-day workshops and the annual conference, in exchange for reduced registration fees.

You may also want to consider running for our Board of Directors or Nominations Committee - click here for more information.

If you are still not sure how you could be involved, call the office at 651-293-1935, or e-mail us for ideas!