NASW National Resources
Member Benefits
NASW is focused on making sure members have the resources they need to grow and succeed in their social work careers. We listen to our members’ needs and shape our offerings accordingly, providing Member Benefits, resources, and networking. The NASW Student Benefits page offers a wide range of resources designed to support social work students throughout their academic journey and into their professional careers. It highlights opportunities for networking, skill development, and access to tools that extend beyond classroom learning. It provides resources to enhance your student experience and build a strong foundation for your future in social work.
Networking
My NASW is an online community for NASW members to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with like-minded peers with an interest in social work across the country.
Discounts for Members
A vital piece of NASW’s mission has been providing resources that support members’ personal goals. While NASW works hard to advocate for increased social worker compensation, we also offer practical money-saving benefits for our members.
Social Work Student Events
NASW - National invites all social work students and recent graduates to our student-focused series to enhance your skills and connect you with colleagues from across the country. NASW members and non-members are all welcome to attend.
NASW Student Events are held on the third Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm ET.
National Research Library
Use the NASW Research Library to find resources that support your social work practice. Your NASW membership gives you unlimited access to more than 25 international databases with thousands of documents from leading research institutions, think tanks and advocacy groups. These databases include ERIC, SocINDEX and PubMed. You'll also find relevant resources from government agencies such as NIH, HHS and DOJ.
Apply for Scholarships and Fellowships
The NASW Foundation hosts scholarships and doctoral fellowships established to assist students pursuing a variety of social work specialties. Apply for fellowships in health care and welfare policy, as well as scholarships involving work with African American communities and with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. Check eligibility and apply here.
Practice Updates
Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social, economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors. Stay informed with Practice Updates.
Manage Student Debt
NASW partnered with Savi to help borrowers manage repayment and forgiveness. Create a Savi account to learn about your best options.
Specialty Practice Sections
NASW Specialty Practice Sections (SPS) help members stay in-the-know in their specific area of practice and offer individual online communities of committed, like-minded peers. Along with trusted communities, SPS members have more than 45 additional CE opportunities through live practice-specific webinars, newsletters, continuing education and other professional development activities.
Discounts for Members
As a member of NASW, you’re entitled to exclusive discounts not available to the general public. You can save money on everyday products for your professional or personal use by taking advantage of the members-only discounts
Discount on Liability Insurance
As you approach field practice assigned by your school of social work, make sure that you obtain the comprehensive field placement malpractice coverage offered by the NASW Risk Retention Group. Whether you are at the beginning of your social work education or are pursuing an advanced degree, individual coverage is a critical start to your professional advocacy and risk management plan. NASW Assurance Services (ASI) offers malpractice insurance (also called professional liability insurance) created for social work students.
Discounted NASW Membership After Graduation
Student member rate vs. Transitional member rate: Student member rate is the rate a student pays for membership PRIOR to graduating.
The transitional member rate is the rate a student pays AFTER graduating. National gives BSW students 2 years and MSW students 3 years to pay the transitional member rate before paying the full member rate.
National will begin charging the transitional membership rate at the time of your membership renewal, based on the graduation date they have on file. If your graduation date is incorrect, you could be charged the transitional member rate earlier than intended. Be sure to keep National informed of your expected graduation date.
Tips and Tools for Social Workers
The Tips and Tools for Social Workers resource page is designed to support practitioners across various specialties. This platform provides timely updates, practice insights, and policy information on topics such as aging, behavioral health, child welfare, clinical social work, and more. Recent articles address issues like the importance of public programs for older Americans, women's health risks related to alcohol use, and mental health awareness initiatives. The page offers guidance on professional conduct, including social media etiquette, and resources for collaboration with law enforcement agencies.