NASW Metro DC committees play a vital role in advancing the chapter's mission and strategic priorities. They meet virtually and are composed of member volunteers who dedicate their time, experience, and talents to the association. Join your fellow social workers to expand your professional network, use your leadership skills, share other talents with peers and students, and engage on the frontlines both in the profession and your NASW chapter!
Students and retirees are welcome to join all committees.
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 City Council sessions. 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 NASW Metro DC 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.
NASW Metro DC and Virginia Disabilities Council
This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss the latest information relevant to social workers with disabilities and/or who serve clients with disabilities.
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 Metro DC social workers and their clients. Volunteers promote NASW legislative policies through their support of pro-human service candidates. In addition, committee members advance political education, full participation in democratic and electoral systems, and lawful political actions among DC social work professionals.
Just as this committee endorses DC candidates, NASW has a PACE Committee that makes endorsements of candidates at the federal level. Learn more about NASW Metro DC PACE and email your interest to Executive Director Debra Riggs, driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org.
Professional Development
Conference Review Committee
NASW Metro DC and Virginia joint conferences (in-person, live-virtual, and on-demand) 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.
Committee members help review session submissions, discuss keynote and session ideas, and help prioritize emerging, urgent, and traditional social work topics to ensure all specialties gain value and the latest information from these events. Email Debra Riggs, driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org if you have questions or are interested.
COMPLETE THIS VOLUNTEER FORM TO COMMUNICATE YOUR INTEREST IN DONATING TIME AND EXPERTISE TO THE CHAPTER THROUGH COMMITTEES OR COUNCILS.