Read the latest testimony to the Office of Mental Health!
Subject: The Need for Increased Social Worker Recruitment and Retention to Strengthen New York State’s Mental Health System
December 18, 2024
Our legislative priorities are determined by the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee. Click here to learn more about this committee and how you can contribute to this work. New Yorkers lead the way legislatively for labor movements often, and should lead the way in establishing higher base pay for social work salaries that provide critical services across the State; reducing high loan debt that is deterring the new generation from entering the field; and working to improve mental health in school aged children, through advocating for satisfactory ratios of social workers to students in schools across the State.
Click here to read the position paper to address Inequities in Social Work Salaries.
Click here for the 2022 Social Work Salary Analysis Report
Click here to read the position paper to Expand Loan Forgiveness Programs for Social Workers Across the State.
Click here to read the position paper to support the mental health crisis within the elementary and high school populations in New York State.
Our legislative priorities are issues that impact and intersect with all social workers. Beyond these priorities, we participate in coalitions, partner with organizations, and provide direct comment and recommendations on a variety of issues and bills that are in line with the values of social work. We are in the midst of formulating our priorities for the next session and the Letters of Support section is undergoing construction. The NASW-NYS and NYC Chapters are working in collaboration as we work towards a unified New York Chapter. Stay tuned….
Legislative priorities determined by the Advocacy and Government Relations Committee focus directly on social work practice and workforce. The Chapter works in partnerships and coalitions that advocate for social justice issues that impact the clients and communities we serve, and the systems social workers encounter through their work.
Social Workers For Justice
NASW-NYS/NYC Chapters continue to partner with Social Workers for Justice, Latino Social Work Coalition, and other mental health organizations such as NAMI, to repeal the ASWB exam for entry-level social workers.
Click here to read the 2024 memo of support for the Social Work Workforce Act.
Act Now campaigns connect social workers to their legislators through email, phone, and in person to advocate on issues that impact the systems we work in, our practice, clients, and communities. Act Now campaigns rally and mobilize supporters and maximizes the impact of our legislative efforts by amplifying the voices social worker across all levels of government.
These prefilled advocacy letters make it possible for social workers to take immediate action on issues that are reviewed and recommended by a committee of their peers. We encourage you to personalize the letter or script with your relevant experience(s), research, and/or case examples.
Simply click the title of one of our current Act Now campaigns and take 3 minutes to add your name and voice to a chorus of social work advocacy that cannot be ignored.