Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - NASW growing together - handshake
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
NASW is the largest social work organization and represents a diverse group of professional social workers and students around the country and globally. We strive to serve diverse communities large and small with integrity, competence, respect for human relationships, respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and a commitment to promoting social justice. We can only meet these goals by caring about our best resources: our staff, members and volunteers.
NASW’s commitment to diversity is rooted in our belief that creating a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is ethical. It is the right thing to do. It is also crucial to our organization’s continued success. Most important, it is what all members of our workforce deserve.
NASW is committed to becoming a true leader in attracting and retaining diverse talent, creating an environment based on policies and practices that are just and to fostering a true sense of inclusion and belonging. Our goal is to be the example for other associations.
NASW Anti-Racism Statement
The mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people with particular attention to those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. To honor this mission and realize our core professional values we must understand and commit to doing our part in abolishing racist and oppressive systems. NASW’s Anti-racism statement approved by the NASW Board of Directors at its January 2022 meeting.
Read NASW's Anti-Racism Statement
NASW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Charter
In 2020, NASW established a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee of 20-25 employees, including senior leaders and national and chapter staff, who act on behalf of the organization to launch and support the diversity equity and inclusion process.
Read the DEI Committee Charter
Resources
Podcast Episodes
Supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in 2022
Every Month is Pride Month
Stop Asian Hate
Why We Need More Black Male Social Workers
Justice and Joy: Self-Care in 2020
Black Lives Matter: The Role of Social Work in Dismantling Structural Racism in the USA
Facing Racism, Moving Forward
Where We Stand on Racism
Supporting LGBTQ Youth
Videos
NASW Honors Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
NASW Celebrates Black History Month
NASW and the NASW Foundation honor Native American Heritage Month in November
NASW Town Hall on Racial Equity, Economic Equity and #COVID19
News Releases
NASW Calls for an End to Hate, Racism and Gun Violence Against Asian Americans
NASW outraged by hate crimes against people who are Asian
On anniversary of George Floyd’s death, NASW calls for meaningful police reform
NASW calls for President Trump to be removed from office
NASW strongly condemns pro-Trump riots at U.S. Capitol
National Social Work Organizations Oppose Elimination of Texas LGBTQ and Disability Protections