June 2023 Chapter Update
Thank you for your membership with NASW. Take a look at our upcoming chapter events in June 2023. Read more about Chapter Board election results, Legislative Updates, and more.

Jeremy Arp, MSW, ACSW
Executive Director, NASW-WA
(he/him)
NASW-WA Chapter Election Results

Chapter Elections concluded on May 19th. The Chapter is pleased to announce that the following NASW-WA members join the Chapter Board of Directors on July 1, 2023:
2nd Vice President: Patricia Barnes Cannon
Eastern WA Regional Representative: Lindsey McIntyre
Western WA Regional Representative: Jen Self
MSW Student Representative: Allison Weide
BSW Student Representative: Imahni Hawkins
Congratulations to our new Board members. Thank you to the NASW-WA Nominations and Leadership Identification Committee for this year's efforts to slate the election, to the candidates for their willingness to lead, and to our membership for voting! We look forward to the work ahead.

COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Looking for ways to engage with YOUR professional association? NASW-WA seeks members to participate in standing and ad-hoc committees to help implement our strategic plan. We encourage you to volunteer for Committee or Board service. Apply here today!
Legislative Updates

State Updates

Department of Health Listening Sessions

2SHB 1724 passed the Washington State Legislature in 2023. Section 5 of the bill requires DOH to identify changes to statutes and rules that would remove unnecessary barriers to entering or remaining in the behavioral health workforce. The workforce is defined in the bill as advanced social workers, independent clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, substance use disorder professionals, and psychologists.

The Department of Health (DOH) is hosting four virtual Listening Sessions in June to learn about barriers to getting credentialed as a behavioral health professional in Washington State. Click here to find out more.

National Updates


The intersection of mental wellness and the climate crisis is apparent. The bi-partisan Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2023 (S. 1452/H.R. 3073) has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House to address the mental health effects of the climate crisis.

S. 1452/H.R. 3073 would fund and provide technical assistance to support the formation and operation of broad and diverse coalitions across the nation that build mental wellness and resilience for adversities and implement local climate solutions. Social workers and other health and behavioral health professionals will be critical to these efforts. Click here to take action!

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Congratulations BSW, MSW, DSW and PhD in Social Work graduates! Welcome to your new social work career! Remember that NASW is here to help you throughout your entire career.

If you know a student or recent graduate who is not a member, encourage them to join NASW today: https://www.socialworkers.org/Membership! 
NASW Wishes You Happy Pride Month!

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) are members of every community, and provide incredibly important contributions to society every day. NASW further recognizes that LGBTQIA2S+ people have always been part of our social work workforce and continue to make meaningful contributions to our profession.

Click here to find resources to enhance social workers’ capacity to support LGBTQIA2S+ people across the lifespan. Social workers have a responsibility to promote policies, laws, and programs that affirm, support, and value LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, families, and communities. 

NASW Observes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Month

According to recent statistics from the National Center for PTSD, approximately 5% of adults in the United States experience PTSD in any given year. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) acknowledges the important role social workers play in treating individuals and families impacted by PTSD.  

The following document contains helpful resources and can be found by visiting Tips and Tools for Social Workers at   https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Tips-and-Tools-for-Social-Workers/NASW-Observes-Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder-Month. 
NASW Foundation's Professional Social Worker Pin Program

It is that time of year to recognize graduating students at commencement with a silver-plated or gold-plated NASW Professional Social Worker Pin from the NASW Foundation!

Pins are just $10 apiece for silver-plated pins and $25 for gold-plated pins for schools of social work bulk orders (five or more pins). The pin instills pride in the profession, distinguishes social work from other programs on campus, and builds loyalty to your school.
 
To place a bulk order for a school of social work, complete this form and return it to Faye Henderson: fhenderson.nasw@socialworkers.org. 
Call for Presenters

Are you interested in presenting a workshop for NASW-WA? We have an open call for presenters (live, virtual, or recorded).

FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS
Chapter Classifieds

NASW-WA offers a space on our website for text-only classified ads. Go to: https://www.nasw-wa.org/classifieds.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
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