Become a Leader with NASW-CA
We are excited to announce that the 2024 NASW-CA election nominations are officially open! All NASW-CA members are encouraged to nominate themselves or a colleague for an open position within our leadership. Nominations are the first step in our elections process where social work professionals and students submit their interest in running for an open role to the Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (CNLI). Throughout the month of December, the CNLI will review current nominations and develop a slate of qualified candidates for the 2024 election cycle. The preliminary slate will be finalized on January 21st, 2024, at the Board of Directors meeting.
In collaboration with NASW-CA, elected leaders will help drive Chapter and Regional activities in service to over 8,200 NASW-CA members and 78,000 social workers in the state of California. Serving as a NASW-CA leader allows a social work professional or student to represent our programming, member resources and benefits, advocacy efforts, strategic goals, and more.
If you or someone you know is interested in guiding the California Chapter, developing their leadership skills, and serving the social work community, please consider running for an open elected position and sharing this opportunity with your colleagues! We look forward to reviewing your nominations and working alongside you to strengthen and advance the NASW-CA Chapter.
Nominees must be NASW members to be slated on the election ballot in 2024. Terms start July 1, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, the positions are for 3-year terms. Nominations are due by December 31, 2023.
Open Elected Positions with NASW-CA
First Vice President
The First Vice President is a member of the Executive Committee and fulfills the duties of the President in the event of absence or inability to discharge the office. This position oversees the Chapter Diversity Plan, including the annual progress report, and Chairs the Program Committee. This is a Board of Directors position.
As First Vice President, you will:
- Fulfill the duties of the President in the event of absence or disability of the President
- Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
- Represent the President as requested
- Serve on Chapter committees as assigned by the President
- Oversee the Program Committee
- Assume the Presidency upon the President’s resignation or inability to discharge the office
Vice President of Finance
The Vice President of Finance a member of the Executive Committee, and is the primary liaison between the Chapter Board and the Executive Director on fiscal policies and procedures within NASW-CA. This is a Board of Directors position.
As Vice President of Finance, you will:
- Act as the primary liaison between the Chapter Board and the Executive Director on the financial matters of the Chapter
- Ensure adherence to the financial policies and practices required by the National Office or approved by the NASW National Board
Member-at-Large Professional Development
The Member-at-Large Professional Development supports the Chapter’s capacity building activities, works closely with the Director of Capacity Building, and helps lead the Professional Development Committee to enhance the social work profession. This is a Board of Directors position.
As a Member-at-Large Professional Development, you will:
- Remain knowledgeable of the Chapter capacity building activities
- Provide consultation to the related staff person, generally the Director of Capacity Building
- Provide an effective communications link between the Board of Directors and relative program staff
- Identify opportunities for growth and provide thought leadership to relative program staff to
inform strategic solutions - Help lead the Professional Development Committee
Regional Directors: Region B, Region F, Region H
Regional Directors are the Chapter’s local liaisons who help drive the Chapter’s advocacy and training efforts, and support social worker needs in their respective regions. Regional Directors oversee Regional-level activities and programs, including liaising with local NASW-CA Units. They have a seat at our Board of Directors table, voting privileges, and are thought leaders to drive state-level change.
As a Regional Director, you will:
- Work with Director of Membership and Communications to ensure effective communication between the Chapter Board of Directors and membership in the Region and communication from the Region and sub-units to the Board of Directors
- Commit to securing maximum possible membership participation in the decision-making and program activities of the Region
- Pursue, wherever feasible, opportunities for joint programming and activities with contiguous Regions
- Be an active proponent of NASW membership and an ambassador for member recruitment and retention
- Serve on the Chapter Board of Directors to represent the Region in the decision-making processes of the Chapter
- Be responsible for the convening of at least two regional events each year that represent the interests as they relate to areas involved
- Develop and approve budgets in collaboration with NASW-CA staff
- Appoint regional and unit leaders as needed to implement successful programming
- Collaborate with Director of Membership and Communications to work to ensure regional activities are consistent with the priorities, policies, and operating procedures of the Chapter Board of Directors and the National Association of Social Workers
Student Directors: North (BSW), South (MSW) – 1-year term
Student Directors are the Chapter’s liaisons to the student body to ensure student voices are reflected in the direction of the Chapter’s advocacy, trainings, and supports. Student Directors have a seat at our Board of Directors table and are our thought leaders to drive state-level change.
We are seeking a BSW candidate in Northern CA and a MSW in Southern CA. Central CA students can apply for either role. The dividing line for North/South is Bakersfield CA, with students located north of Bakersfield eligible to apply for the Student Director North role.
As a Student Director, you will:
- Attend regular meetings of the Board of Directors and participates as a full member of the Board, including but not limited to, representing student interests and perspectives during Board deliberations
- Establish contact with accredited schools of social work and encourages, or helps them to select an NASW student liaison in each school
- Work with Chapter Staff to coordinate association representation at student events
- Maintain contact with student liaisons, and works to identify students to recommend for committee appointments and future leadership positions with the chapter
Assistant Regional Directors: Region C, Region D (South), Region G, Region I
Assistant Regional Directors support the efforts of the Regional Director in overseeing regional-level activities such as trainings, peer networking spaces, awards and recognitions, and collaborative partnerships with allied fields. Assistant Regional Directors assist in completing program and administrative duties in the areas of membership and organizational services, professional development, and advocacy.
As an Assistant Regional Director, you will:
- At the direction of the Regional Director and consistent with policies, priorities, and procedures of the Association and Chapter function help lead the completion of program and administrative activities in the areas of membership and organizational services, professional development, and advocacy
- Serve as the representative of the Region on the Chapter Board of Directors when the Regional Director is unable to do so
- Assume the responsibilities of the Regional Director should that position become or be declared vacant
Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification (CNLI) Member: Region B, Region D, Region E, Region G/H/I – 2-year term
We are seeking a Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification Committee Member for Regions B, D, and G/H/I. Two positions are available for Region G/H/I.
CNLI Members are the decision-making voice to nominate potential leaders to serve in state-level leadership roles. Nominees should have strong ties in their local social work communities and will help to identify social workers to help lead the NASW-CA Chapter through various elected positions.
As a Committee on Nominations & Leadership Identification Member, you will:
- Select at least two candidates for each position in the regular election of Chapter Board members, CNLI members, and Delegates as stated in the Chapter Charter
- Certify a completed ballot to the Chapter Board of Directors
- Review nominations delivered through petitions
- Adopt relative operating procedures and make such recommendations to the Board as to assure the systematic and equitable conduct of the election process
Delegate Assembly (DA): Region A, Region B, Region C, Region D, Region E, Region F, Region G, Region H, Region I; Student Representative (BSW/MSW); Member-At-Large
We are seeking a Delegate Assembly for Regions A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, & I, and a Student Representative (BSW/MSW) from anywhere in the state.
We are also seeking a Delegate Assembly Member-At-Large. Four positions are available.
The Delegate Assembly is the decision-making body that approves edits to public policy statements as issues/published in Social Work Speaks, edits to some of the national bylaws, and makes updates to our Code of Ethics. Delegates take the responsibility of reviewing relevant discussion boards, public comments, and engaging their respective regions in learning about where social workers stand in relation to any proposals. Learn more about the Delegate Assembly here.
As the Delegate Assembly, you will:
- Review materials sent before, during and after the Assembly
- Review materials on the DA website, including items posted for member review and comment
- Timely online voting in all matters before the DA, both before and during the culminating
- meeting, when announced
- Attend scheduled delegation and/or coalition meetings prior to, during and after the Assembly
- Discuss positions on issues with Chapter leaders and members
- For a thorough description of roles and responsibilities, visit here.
Board of Directors members and other elected positions have access to a variety of benefits for their participation in leadership within NASW-CA, including:
- Free CEUs through the Chapter’s online continuing education program, EmpowerEd (BOD only)
- Registration discounts on our annual Legislative Lobby Days, Macro Social Work Symposium, Annual Conference, and Social Workers L.E.A.D.
- Free travel throughout the state for Chapter meetings (conditions permitting)
- Opportunities to network and collaborate with statewide leaders in social work
- Access to free capacity building opportunities within the Chapter
Please contact naswca@socialworkers.org with any questions.
