Have you thought about getting more involved with NASW? Is there an issue that you would like to advocate for? If you answered yes, then we have some good news! Get involved with NASW-CA and consider joining a committee! Through committees, social workers can develop leadership skills and expand their knowledge in the field. Committee members guide the Chapter’s goals, policies, and functions.
Now is your chance to apply and be appointed to one of our Chapter’s committees. We currently have some committee positions open. If interested, the deadline to apply by is June 1st to be considered for two-year terms starting July 1st.
As a refresher, these are the committees that exist within the California Chapter:
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee selects one California Chapter member for the Social Worker of the Year Award, one member for the Lifetime Achievement Award, and one public citizen for the Public Citizen of the Year Award. The Committee selects recipients for the Dorothy F. Kirby Youth Social Worker of the Year and the Dorothy F. Kirby Administrator of the Year Awards. The Committee selects the statewide annual recipients from those nominations submitted through the regional award process and other sources.
CalPACE Committee
The California Political Action for Candidate Election Committee’s primary duties include: (1) To help elect and re-elect public officials and candidates who support the goals and objectives of the social work profession and its clients; (2) To promote the adoption of legislation that is in the interest of the social work profession and its clients; (3) To oppose legislation that is detrimental to the social work profession and its clients; and (4) To promote member education and mobilization of lawful political action.
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The mission of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee is to promote respect for and equitable representation of diverse individuals, groups, and classes. The Committee works toward achieving equity and parity at all levels – from individual to society. It seeks to eradicate discrimination and oppression, which is often connected to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, political belief, mental or physical ability, and other preferences, personal characteristics, or statuses.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee is responsible for hearing and determining complaints filed in accord with the Association’s policy for adjudication of grievances. This committee may be augmented by hearing panels developed in local areas. The Ethics Committee receives and processes complaints regarding unethical conduct by individual members of NASW related to (a) an agency’s violation of personnel standards in social work or (b) an agency’s imposition of limitations or penalties for professional action on behalf of clients.
Finance Committee
The Finance – Ways and Means – Committee is responsible for assisting the Treasurer in preparation of an annual budget, monitoring fiscal operations, and establishing fiscal policy. This Committee’s primary duties are: (1) Reviewing reports on the income and expenditures of the Chapter; (2) Bringing to the attention of the Board of Directors all questions regarding Chapter finances that require Board consideration and action; and (3) preparing tentative budgets for presentation to the Board of Directors.
Membership Committee
The mission of the Membership Committee is to serve members, expand our membership base, and ensure the diversity of our professional association. Diversity includes: ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender, age area of specialization, and employment sector. The purpose of the Membership Committee is to expand and enhance services to the membership of NASW California Chapter through effective program planning, organizational development and increased membership participation.
Professional Development Committee
The Professional Development Committee’s primary duties include: (1) Assessing professional development needs of the membership; (2) Establish a program to assist members in meeting their professional development needs through continuing education workshops, conferences and other programs: (3) Establishing a system for assessing and approving presenters of Professional Development; and (4) Coordinating professional development efforts with other professions licensing boards and other relevant organizations.
Each of these committees serves an important purpose in guiding the California Chapter’s goals, policies, and functions. For more information and to fill out an application, visit us here: https://www.naswca.org/page/ca-chapter-committees
