Committees play a vital role in NASW Virginia and are composed of member volunteers who dedicate their time, experience, and talents to the association. Join your fellow social workers in advancing both the profession and your NASW chapter! 

 

 

Advocacy 

 

Policy and Social Justice Committee 

The Policy and Social Justice Committee meets by conference or video call throughout the year and in preparation for Virginia General Assembly. Working with Executive Director Debra Riggs, CAE, committee members review issue-related research and trends, member advocacy survey data, NASW policy priorities, and other evidence-based information before recommending actions for the chapter to take on legislation and policy development. 

 

The committee also helps guide the NASWVA legislative agenda, providing key input to staff from the social work profession. 

 

In addition, committee members amplify the chapter’s calls for action by spreading the word to other social workers to support or oppose important policies. They also may review and provide comments to staff on proposed or possible legislation, regulations, or policies.  

 

NASWVA Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE)

NASWVA-PACE is strictly structured according to laws and policies. The committee recommends candidate endorsements and helps elect state candidates to public office who support the goals and objectives of Virginia social workers and their clients. Volunteers promote NASW legislative policies through their support of pro-human service candidates statewide. In addition, committee members advance political education, full participation in democratic and electoral systems, and lawful political actions among Virginia social work professionals. 

 

Just as this committee endorses Virginia candidates, NASW has a PACE Committee that makes endorsements of candidates at the federal level. Learn more about NASWVA PACE.

 

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Professional Development

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Conference Review Committee

NASWVA conferences are vital to helping social workers earn required CEs, stay informed on current behavioral health research and relevant trends, develop new skills, and connect with other social workers both in their specialty and outside of their setting. 

 

A Calls for Session Proposals is made each June, and committee members and staff review submissions in the fall to establish a comprehensive conference agenda best that serves the chapter’s diverse membership and addresses licensing and upskilling needs.