March 2025 Members Email

Mar 31, 2025

Happy Social Work Month!

Social Work: Compassion + Action

Social workers care about people. That is why so many people enter social work each year, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.

However, social workers go through years of education and training so they can help individuals, families, communities and our society reach their full potential.

That is why the theme for Social Work Month 2025 is Social Work: Compassion + Action.

In the weeks and months ahead, social workers will be called to turn their compassion into action to help our nation address a variety of societal challenges, including the prospect there could be mass deportations of migrants and continued attacks on the people who are LGBTQIA2+, reproductive rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Social workers are also on the forefront of helping our nation address a mental health and substance use disorder crisis and chronic income inequality that has led to rising homelessness.

The theme also focuses on the need for social housing orders to take care of ourselves. Just as airlines instruct passengers to put on their own oxygen masks before helping others in an emergency, social workers must prioritize compassion for themselves to effectively support those in need.

Join the NASW-Nevada Advisory Board!

The Chapter Committee for Nominations and Leadership Identification is currently looking for candidates interested in serving on the NASW Nevada Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is your voice for chapter priorities, policy, and educational direction. Positions that are up for election for July 1, 2025 start date are:

• Vice President (one-year term)*

• Secretary (two-year term)*

• Member at Large (two-year term)

• South Region District Chair (two-year term)

• North Region District Chair (one-year term)

• MSW Student Representative (one-year term)

• BSW Student Representative (one-year term)

*indicates Executive Committee Member

You must be an NASW member in good standing at the time of application and maintain throughout your term to serve on the Board. Student Representatives must be enrolled at an accredited social work program in Nevada for the 2025-2026 school year. Regional representatives must reside or work in the region that they represent.

Priority for slating will be given to applicants who have previously served on an NASW Chapter Board for all Executive Committee members. Absent applicants with previous NASW Chapter Board experience other candidates will be considered.

Priority for slating of the Member at Large will be given to member applicants who reside outside of the Reno or Las Vegas area. In the absence of candidates from outside the mentioned areas, other candidates will be considered from within those areas.

Please Note: There is NO monetary requirement you must raise to serve on the NASW-NV Board of Directors, however, there is an expectation of volunteer time and board attendance.

Applications must be submitted by April 15th, 2025. We encourage you to apply early, so members of the committee can reach out to you if there is anything they would need to follow-up on.

NASW-Nevada Advisory Board Application 2025-2026

NEW! NASW-NV SOCIAL WORK BOOK CLUB

Looking for a flexible and engaging way to fulfill your continuing education requirements? Join our exclusive social work virtual book club and transform your professional development journey!

Why Join Our Virtual Book Club?

Earn CEUs Effortlessly
Gain 3 CEUs for each book you read and pass a short online quiz (score 80% or higher).
Complete all six books to earn up to 18 CEUs per year.
Explore Curated Social Work Literature
Dive into six handpicked books annually that resonate with your field.
Stay updated with the latest insights and apply new knowledge to your practice.
Connect and Grow Your Network
Engage in enriching discussions with a community of passionate social workers.
Share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from peers nationwide.
Flexible, On-Demand Participation
Access our online community forum anytime, anywhere—no scheduled meetings!
Fit your professional development seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Stay Motivated and Accountable
Be part of a group that encourages you to meet your reading and professional goals.
Enjoy the collective energy of like-minded professionals committed to growth.

Affordable Investment in Your Career

NASW Chapter Members: $79 per year (Use code MOAK2018277 at checkout)
Non-Members: $99 per year

Note: The participation fee includes access to the online community and CEU quizzes. Books are purchased separately.

Embark on a journey of learning, connection, and professional enrichment—all from the comfort of your home.

To sign up, visit NASW-NV Book Club Sign-up

Please note: The book club and virtual discussion platform are managed by PBC Guru. Please email them at info@pbc.guru with any questions or visit their website at http://www.pbc.guru to learn more.

>> More at NASW-NV Social Work Book Club

PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS OR STUDENTS YOU MAY KNOW!

The 2025 NASW National Conference is coming to Chicago for the first time-and there is an opportunity for Nevada students to participate. This is your chance to volunteer and participate in a conference that brings together over 2,500 social work professionals and leaders to celebrate NASW's 70th anniversary and explore the future of our profession.

Why Volunteer?

Complimentary Registration: Volunteers will receive free full conference access, including keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities
Networking Opportunities: Connect with social work professionals and leaders from across the country.
Career Inspiration: Gain hands-on experience and insights to kickstart your professional journey.

Key Details

Volunteer Schedule:
Volunteers must be available at the conference hotel from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, June 15–18, and 8:00 AM–2:00 PM, June 19.
Single-day volunteer options are not available.
Expenses:
Volunteers are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses, but registration is complimentary.
How to Apply:
To apply, submit the following information to Dave Miller at dmiller.nasw@socialworkers.org by March 10, 2024:
Full Name
Contact Information (Email and Phone)
School of Social Work and Program Year

Volunteers will be selected by random lottery. Selected students will be notified and provided with a code for complimentary registration.

This is a unique opportunity to represent Nevada and be part of this milestone event. Don't miss your chance to engage, learn, and help make the conference a success!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dave Miller at dmiller.nasw@socialworkers.org.

Update on Telehealth Waivers for Clinical Social Workers

Mirean Coleman, LICSW, CT Director of Clinical Practice

February 2025

Most of the Medicare waivers developed during the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to end on March 31, 2025. This includes the geographic and origination site restrictions and the in-person requirements for telehealth services. Unless Congress passes legislation to extend the waivers, clinical social workers and other Medicare providers may be required to adhere to pre-COVID-19 Medicare reimbursement guidelines. This may significantly impact clinical social workers and other providers who have closed their in-person offices and developed telehealth practices. Read More: https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Tips-and-Tools-for-Social-Workers/Update-on-Telehealth-Waivers-for-Clinical-Social-Workers

Navigating Policy Changes Related to Schools and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

April Ferguson, LCSW-C, Senior Practice Associate

February 2025

The beginning of the Trump Administration started with executive orders that impacted school social workers, students, and other school personnel. Included in the executive orders were policies related to immigration and deportation. The administration also canceled a policy that previously limited immigration enforcement in schools. Discussions regarding the education system’s interactions with ICE are not new and were a part of educational conversations with the release of Project 2025. In addition, education personnel have long been a source of support to students impacted by ICE raids that occur outside of schools as well. However, the administration’s choice to change the policy on enforcement in schools brings the conversation back to the forefront of the educational community.

Seeking Social Workers to Revise the Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice

Jan 15, 2025

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is establishing a task force to revise the 2015-published “Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice. " NASW is seeking social workers to participate in the revision process. Candidates must be NASW members and have at least five years of experience in Micro, Mezzo, or Macro Practice settings working with culturally diverse populations.

2025 Call For Conference Presenters

Hosted by: NASW-Nevada, NASW-Illinois, and NASW-North Dakota

Dates: Wednesday, November 5 & Thursday, November 6, 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to share your expertise and passion at the 2025 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference: Mental Health Compassion + Action! Join fellow social work professionals from across Illinois, Nevada, and North Dakota as we gather to explore innovative approaches and best practices in mental health.

Why Present?

Give Back to the Profession: Inspire and guide fellow social workers by sharing your insights, strategies, and success stories.
Amplify Your Impact: Influence future practice, spark meaningful discussions, and enhance skills across the profession.
Connect with Peers: Build your network among social work leaders and experts—gain fresh perspectives and valuable collaborations.
Grow Your Profile: Establish yourself as a thought leader—an opportunity to showcase your work to a broad audience.
Complimentary Conference Attendance: Presenters receive free registration to attend the entire virtual conference.

Call for Presentations

We invite engaging, dynamic, and interactive 60-minute presentations that address a broad range of topics relevant to contemporary social work. Presentations must meet social work continuing education requirements and include audience participation or discussion. Topics of special interest include—but are not limited to—cultural competency, implicit bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion within social work, as well as other cutting-edge issues in mental health practice.

Preference will be given to proposals that:

Encourage active audience participation.
Offer tangible takeaways or strategies that participants can immediately apply to their practice.
Incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences, reflecting the vast scope of social work.

Note: A maximum of two presenters per proposal. Submissions with more than two presenters will not be accepted.

Presentation Proposal Requirements

To streamline the submission process, please have the following information ready before you begin:

Presenter Digital Headshot (for each presenter)
Presenter Bio (for each presenter)
Presenter CV/Resume (for each presenter)
Presentation Description
Presentation Objectives (learning outcomes for attendees)
General Breakdown of the presentation in approx. 15-minute intervals
Teaching Methods utilized during the presentation
100-Word Marketing Description for promotional materials
Availability to present on November 5 or 6, 2025

You cannot save a partial submissions, so be sure you have all these elements prepared before starting.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 9:00am Central Time
Notification of Acceptance: Late April 2025
Confirmation of Presentation Placement: Within one week of acceptance
Submit Proposals Here: Call for Presenters: 2025 NASW Chapters Conference

Further Conference Details

Conference Website: https://www.naswil.org/conference
Registration: Opens June 2025
Full Schedule & Classes: Announced July 2025
Promotional Opportunities: Highlight your organization in our virtual Sponsorship/Exhibit Hall, Click here for more information.

We look forward to your innovative ideas, compelling case studies, and interactive sessions that will inspire our social work community. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an exciting, forward-thinking conference—together, let’s elevate the conversation and impact around Mental Health Compassion + Action!

Submit your proposal by 9:00am Central Time on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Call for Workshop Speakers!

Are you a speaker? or an expert in your field?

We are looking for speakers for our NASW-Nevada-hosted Education workshops.

Topics can include but not limited to:

Substance Abuse/Use

Social Justice

LGBTQ+ Issues

Workplace Conflict Management

Ethics

Aging

Child Abuse/Family Violence

Children, Youth, & Families

Clinical/Behavioral Health

Spirituality/Mind-Body Wellness

If you or someone you know would be interested use the form below to connect with us!

NASW-Nevada Hosted Education:

NASW-NV CEUs are accepted by the following boards and organizations:

Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers
Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners
State of Nevada | Department of Education
State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists & Clinical Professional Counselors

The Evolving Threat to Social Workers – And How To Protect Yourself

Date: March 18th, 2025 at 10 am PT, 12 CT

Presentation Length:

1 hour

Location: Zoom

A decade ago, Social Work Today described how social workers experience dangerous situations in their profession. Since then, the danger has greatly increased. One social worker told us her biggest concern was a client following her home. Today, any client can find their social worker’s address with a five-minute Google search. You go to great lengths to preserve your clients’ privacy – you need to be just as vigilant about your own. Our presentation provides strategies that individuals and organizations can implement that would result in a safer home and work environment.

Speaker: Ron Zayas

For more than three decades, Ron Zayas has been an entrepreneur focused on innovative security and technology solutions. His forward-thinking approach to the protection of personal data inspired the founding of Ironwall by Incogni. In addition to addressing the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General on issues of Internet privacy and security, Ron is a frequent speaker and blogger on the future of online safety technology.

Cost: 1 CEU / $20 Nonmember / Free NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

Overdose Prevention in Social Work Practice: Saving Lives is in Our Hands

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm CST / 10:00 to 11:30 am MST / 9:00 to 10:30 am PST

Presenter: Chelsea Laliberte Barnes, LCSW (she/her), COO, Wolf Pack; and Melissa Hernandez (she/ella), Executive Director, The Puerto Rico Project

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs Available: 1.5 CEUs

Description: Saving lives from overdose deaths is in our hands! Learn from harm reduction experts about the core competencies of overdose identification and response, including SB3779 which sets a new standard for Illinois social workers responding to overdoses.

Registration Link: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030-031425-overdose-prevention-in-sw-pract-lv

Walking the Rainbow Road Together: Clinical Work with LGBTQ+ Youth

Date: Monday, March 31, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00pm CT / 1:00 to 4:00pm MST / 12:00 to 3:00pm PST

Presenter: Lizzy Appleby, LCSW

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

This NASW-IL Northeastern District CEU presentation will explore tools and strategies to work more effectively with LGBTQ+ youth, with a focus on trans and gender-expansive youth. Participants will review the concepts of sexual and gender identity through a developmental and narrative lens, including available research on identity development trajectories. The training will use case examples, small group scenario practice, and facilitated discussion to develop frameworks and skills for supporting three critical areas of LGBTQ+ youth: identity development, family systems, and social, medical and legal transition.

CEUs Available: 3.0 Cultural Competency CEUs

Registration Link: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030-033125-ne-clin-work-with-lgbtq-youth-lv

Anxiety Unpacked: A Comprehensive Model for Understanding and Treating the Root Causes of Anxiety

Date: April 14th, 2025 at 9 am PT, 11 CT

Presentation Length: 6 hour

Location: Zoom

Anxiety is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the United States and has grown exponentially in recent years. It touches many of our clients seeking therapy.

Based on years of exploring multiple approaches to treating anxiety, and years of working with clients, Anxiety Unpacked presents a model for conceptualizing the root causes of all anxiety and specific strategies for treating the source of each client’s anxiety. This model provides clients with a new way of understanding their anxiety and targeted strategies to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms of it.

Speaker: Noelle McWard Aquino

a psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders. She has developed a unique framework for understanding and treating anxiety, referred to as the Anxiety Unpacked Model. Noelle teaches this model to therapists and uses it in her work with clients. She writes an ongoing blog, “Unpacking Anxiety” as an expert content contributor for PsychologyToday.com and is the author of an upcoming book based on her model.

Cost: 6 CEU / $90 Nonmember / $20 NASW Member / Free for students (no CEUs)

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