National Association of Social Workers

The National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. It has 153,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, create and maintain standards for the profession and advance sound social policies. NASW also contributes to the well-being of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy. NASW was founded in 1955 through a merger of seven social work organizations: American Association of Social Workers, American Association of Medical Social Workers, American Association of Psychiatric Social Workers, National Association of School Social Workers, American Association of Group Workers, Association for the Study of Community Organization and Social Work Research Group. NASW has 56 chapters in every state in the United States, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and an International Chapter. Washington, D.C., and New York City also host NASW chapters. An elected Delegate Assembly sets organizational policy for NASW, while an elected Board of Directors establishes strategic priorities for the association. Each NASW chapter also has a staff, board of directors, volunteer committees and task forces that help to advance the mission of the association. The NASW National Office employs approximately 135 people and is divided into five divisions: Executive Office, Customer Services, Publications, Professional Development and Advocacy and Management and Administration. The national organization manages an $18 million budget.