Membership Information
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest and most recognized membership organization of professional social workers in the world. Representing 150,000 members from fifty-six chapters in the United States and abroad, NASW Illinois promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW Illinois also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its work and advocacy for social justice.
Social workers work hard every day to help their clients function better in their environment, but social workers also work hard every day to change the environment so that it works better for their clients. To undertake these responsibilities, social workers need a continuum of resources, information, professional growth, security, and public support to help them do their jobs and to do their jobs well.
Why Join NASW?
Professional Development
With constant changes in government regulations, breakthrough treatments, and innovative resources, professional development for social workers is essential and commonly required for licensure. Staying well-informed about social work issues and trends also makes social workers more competitive in the job market. NASW IL membership helps social workers with their professional development needs, whether they be continuing education programs, online courses, publications, credentialing, information about social work specialty areas, networking, or employment opportunities.
Professional Protection
Your work as a social worker can put you at risk for malpractice lawsuits. NASW Assurance Services insurance programs are overseen by a board that includes social workers who have your needs in mind. NASW Assurance Services gives members access to valuable insurance benefits, offering excellent rates on professional liability (malpractice) insurance for members, partnerships and corporations, students, schools, and agencies. NASW Assurance Services also offers members term life; long-term disability; hospital daily cash benefit; personal accident insurance; and auto, home, and renters insurance. Unfortunately, good, ethical practice alone is not sufficient protection; that is why NASW Illinois offers members liability insurance, malpractice workshops, and legal assistance.
Advancing the Profession
One of the many valuable benefits of NASW Illinois membership is its outreach to the public to advance social work practice and improve the well-being of people and communities. NASW Illinois accomplishes this through local grassroots advocacy, advocacy in Springfield, CapWiz Action Alerts, the NASW Illinois Political Action Committee (NASW Illinois PAC), and a full-time NASW Illinois State Governmental Affairs Consultant advocating on your behalf.
In addition to advocacy at a local level, there is also National’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, NASW Foundation, the National Social Work Public Education Campaign, and NASW’s Center for Workforce Studies.
