Chapter Policies

Event Policies

Payments for Event Registrations 

NASW-MN highly recommends registering and paying for events online using a credit card. This will ensure the timely processing of your purchase. We do not accept American Express. 

Check payments can be accepted, if necessary. Please note that your purchase cannot be processed until payment is received. Please make checks payable to NASW-MN and mail to PO Box 92, Backus, MN 56435. Include the name and date of the event for which you are registering or sponsoring, or type of advertisement you are purchasing, as well as your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address on a note with your payment. 

All payments for event registrations must be received by NASW-MN prior to the event start time. Any outstanding balance must be paid before a registrant can be permitted to attend the event. Any registrant that fails to pay an outstanding balance prior to the event start will not be permitted to attend the event. Contact NASW-MN with questions about payments or to request an invoice.

Registration Cancellations and Refunds 

All event cancellation and refund requests must be made directly to NASW-MN via phone (651-293-1935) or e-mail (admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org). See below for event-specific cancellation and refund policies. Contact NASW-MN in cases of extenuating circumstances. 

Virtual Licensure Exam Review Prep Course 

Online registration for the Virtual Licensure Exam Review Prep Course closes at 11:59 p.m. CST ten (10) days before the course date. You must register online to have your course materials shipped to you before the course date. You may request to register after this time by contacting NASW-MN directly by phone. However, course materials will not be shipped until after the course date. Please note that the course materials are not required to participate in the course. 

Supervision Certification Series 

All cancellations must be made at least seven (7) full working days prior to the event date to receive a full refund of paid registration and meals. 

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than seven (7) working days prior to the event. 

No refunds will be issued for registrants who do not attend the event, without having cancelled at least seven (7) working days in advance. 

Annual Conference 

See event registration page for details. 

Camp NASW-MN 

See event registration page for details. 

Virtual Webinars 

All cancellations for a virtual/online event must be made before the event start time to receive a full refund of paid registration. 

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after the event start time. 

No refunds will be issued for registrants who do not attend the event without having cancelled their registration before the event start time. 

For virtual events that are recorded, registrants may access the recording for up to two (2) weeks following the event. Contact NASW-MN to request recording access. 

In-person workshops 

All cancellations must be made at least three (3) full weekdays prior to the event date to receive a full refund of paid registration and meals.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than three (3) weekdays prior to the event. 

No refunds will be issued for registrants who do not attend the event, without having cancelled at least three (3) weekdays in advance. 

Self-Study/Recorded Webinars 

All NASW-MN self-study courses (recorded webinars) offered through the Social Work Online CE Institute are accessible for and must be completed within 30 days from the purchase date. 

Refunds may be issued within three (3) weekdays from the purchase date for self-study courses that have not been viewed. No refunds will be issued for viewed or completed self-study courses. 

If your self-study course has expired before completion, you may request a one-time 30-day access extension by contacting NASW-MN.

Event Conduct Policies 

Identification and Access 

Virtual Events 

It is the responsibility of the registrant to ensure that their name in the virtual event platform (Zoom, GoToWebinar, etc.) matches the name that was used to register for the event. NASW-MN can only provide CEUs to those whose names are on our registration list and who were present during the live event. 

If we cannot identify you during a virtual event, we will send you a chat message in the event platform asking you to identify yourself. It is your responsibility to respond in a timely manner. Failure or inability to respond may result in your forfeiture of the CEU certificate and/or removal from the event. 

We are not responsible for attendees whose names do not match our registration list due to user error or inability to respond. Always check your system and device’s compatibility with the virtual platform prior to attending a virtual event. 

In-person Events 

All registrants must sign their name on the sign-in sheet at the check-in area to be permitted to enter the training area. If your name is not on the registration list, you may register and make payment at the check-in area to enter the training. You will not be permitted to enter without having registered and made payment in full. 

Removal 

NASW-MN strives to create events and experiences that are safe and accessible. Attendees may be removed from NASW-MN virtual and in-person events for any reason, including but not limited to inability or refusal to identify oneself, and inappropriate, unethical, or harmful behavior. 

Accommodations & Accessibility 

NASW-MN strives to create events and experiences that are safe and accessible. We are committed to hosting events on platforms and in venues that allow for all individuals to attend and engage safely and in accordance with their needs. 

All virtual events held in Zoom include live transcription. A transcript of recorded events may be provided upon request. Interpreters for in-person events must be requested via e-mail to admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org at least ten (10) business days in advance of the event date. Contact NASW-MN to make specific accommodation requests.

Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser Policies

Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser Payment & Refund Policy

NASW-MN highly recommends paying for advertisements and sponsorships online using a credit card. This will ensure the timely processing of your purchase. We do not accept American Express. 

Check payments can be accepted, if necessary. Please note that your purchase cannot be processed until payment is received. Please make checks payable to NASW-MN and mail to PO Box 92, Backus, MN 56435. Include the name and date of the event you wish to sponsor, or type of advertisement you are purchasing, as well as your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address on a note with your payment.

Contact NASW-MN at admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org with questions about payments or refunds, or to request an invoice. 

Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser Conduct Policy 

Sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers are representatives of NASW-MN. By agreeing to sponsor, exhibit or advertise at an NASW-MN event or in an NASW-MN publication, the organization and its representatives commit to alignment with the NASW Code of Ethics. 

NASW-MN reserves the right to refuse any sponsor, exhibitor, or advertisement for any reason. NASW-MN aims to showcase resources and services that will be valuable to members; however, showcasing services does NOT imply NASW-MN endorsement. NASW-MN is not liable for any actions that occur as a result of utilizing external services.

Grievance Procedure

NASW-MN recognizes its responsibility to listen to member and stakeholder suggestions, complaints or grievances, and attempt to resolve any such concerns.  A grievance/complaint is defined as an expression of verbal or written dissatisfaction that can include, but is not limited to, services, manner of treatment, outcomes, or experiences.

Individuals filing grievances are treated with empathy, dignity, and respect.  In no case will a grievance result in any reprisal. Members will not be denied service because of a grievance.

Grievances will be given prompt and careful attention and, when indicated, grievances will result in corrective action.

The following is the procedure by which the NASW-MN Chapter will attempt to discuss and resolve grievances:

1. Individuals are to discuss grievances with an NASW-MN staff member.  If a grievance cannot be resolved by the employee, the employee shall inform the Executive Director.
2. If the grievance includes the Executive Director, the grievance will also be brought to the NASW-MN Board President.
3. If the complainant(s) wishes to pursue filing a formal grievance, they must inform the Executive Director or Board President (if required) of that intent in writing along with a description of the complaint.
4. Within 10 working days, the complainant, staff member, Executive Director, and Board President (if required) will discuss the grievance and attempt resolution.
5. If a complainant remains unsatisfied with the resolution, they may appeal the matter to the NASW-MN Board Executive Committee.  The Executive Director or Board President (if required) compiles a complete report of the situation, including action taken, reasoning, and other documentation gathered.  The Executive Committee will review an appeal within 20 working days of its receipt. The complainant will be notified of the Executive Committee’s decision in writing. The decision will be final.

All written formal grievances, NASW-MN’s response to them, and a summary of the action taken on each complaint, will be kept and results reported to the NASW-MN Board of Directors.

To file a grievance, contact NASW at 651-293-1935 or admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org.

COVID-19 Policies

COVID-19 In-Person Event Policy 

NASW-MN recognizes the threat of COVID-19 and its variants and wants to do its part in ensuring the safety of staff, members, and event participants. While much of our activities can still be held virtually, we understand the value of being able to be together in person. When considering if an event can be in-person we will consult the CDC data tracker to see the risk for the counties from which we expect people to be attending. If the risk is "High", "Substantial", or "Moderate", we will not host in-person events and will remain virtual with activities. When the risk level reaches "Low", in-person or hybrid events can be held. 

If we do deem it safe to have an in-person event, we will still utilize mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of COVID transmissions at our events; this will include but not limited to the following: 

Before our in-person event 

• Encourage people to get vaccinated and share a link to where they can find vaccination appointments near them. Click here to find available locations near you. 
• Remind people to stay home if they have any COVID-related symptoms and include a list of symptoms, including any different symptoms for new variants 
• Recommend taking a COVID test before the event, checking CDC and MDH guidance as to how many days before an event people should be getting tested 
• Have a mask policy for events, make venue decisions that will allow for social distancing, and cap attendance, if needed. 

COVID-19 Event Refund Policy 

NASW-MN is committed to the safety of our staff, members, and event participants. We ask that people experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms before an in-person event please stay home to aid in reducing transmission. If the event is hybrid, registrants will be given the link to participate in the event remotely, and/or provided with a recording of the event. If neither of these options are possible, the registrant will be issued a refund.

Merchandise Refunds

No refunds will be issued for merchandise. If an item is defective, contact NASW-MN within 5 days of in-person purchase or 5 days of receipt via mail for an exchange. No exchanges will be made for items damaged by the purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for inspecting items upon purchase/receipt, and delivering item for exchange.

For questions about registrations and refunds, contact admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org.

Diversity Plan

Under construction. Will be posted soon!