News

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This web section shares the latest news, trends, and events relevant to Metro DC Chapter social workers, including press releases, policy and issue statements, professional and licensing updates, training announcements, advocacy action alerts, research updates, and other information.

The Metro DC Chapter is one of 55 chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest association of professional social workers in the United States. Our nearly 1,000 members serve all populations, including children, adolescents, families, older adults, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, and others. They also serve clients in every DC ward and work setting, as well as in the DC metropolitan area such as Northern Virginia and nearby Maryland.

If you are a member of the media seeking an interview, comment, or answer to questions, please contact Executive Director Debra Riggs, CAE, at driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org.


Social Workers Are Ready to “Mobilize Against Hatred” in Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Preparation for Disruption by New Trump Administration


During our National Day of Service January 20 in which the country honors and continues the service work modeled by civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we also witness the inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump. 

The incoming president has made many statements and promises that are counter to the values and practices of our social work community, but as NASW has stated in its call for unity, collaboration, and resilience, “Despite our many differences with President-Elect Trump during his previous term, we know that we must work with the new administration to address social justice reforms. These include affordable health care and racial and gender equality, as well as helping more Americans achieve economic stability. 

“We believe that regardless of political affiliation, our primary focus must remain on meeting the needs of individuals and communities. NASW’s mission is to ensure social workers can effectively serve their clients, and we will continue to advocate for access to essential resources and services.”

As the Metro DC Chapter of NASW, we will continue to advocate locally and loudly for policies that live by the leadership model of Dr. King and our Code of Ethics to uphold social justice principles, support people who are marginalized, and strengthen the social safety net for the many constituencies served by social workers.

I echo NASW National’s urging for members “to remain active in shaping policies that affect social work practice and improve the well-being of our entire society,” and I invite you again to join the Metro DC Policy and Social Justice Committee, where the tactics and targets of our advocacy are generally conducted.

You’ll also find specific resources to help during the next four years in NASW’s ”Mobilizing Against Hate” Resource and Action Center and NASW Ethnicity and Race website section. 

In the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”

Let us all take a moment to pay tribute to the “dream,” sacrifices, and impacts this single leader for civil rights had on each of us, our families, and our communities—then let’s get doing. Together, regardless of the political landscape, we can create the positive change he envisioned.

-- Debra Riggs, Executive Director, NASW Metro DC