Advocacy For Our Profession

The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until
it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.
Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics.
— Jane Addams
NASW-KS Executive Director, Becky Fast, testifies.

NASW-KS Executive Director testifies on behalf of social workers.

advocacy is critical

The social work profession was founded in social change. Throughout the profession’s history, social workers have sought to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs. NASW and Kansas Chapter upholds this challenge by advocating for the association to members of Congress, Kansas Legislators and regulatory agencies that hold the authority to influence policy.

The Chapter advocates on behalf of the profession and the clients and communities that we serve in Kansas through a variety of efforts:

  • Testifying at legislative and state agency hearings on bills and reforms needed in policies.

  • Participating in a coalitions and committees and organizing rallies and educational events.

  • Relationship building with staff at government agencies, private organizations, and agencies that employ social workers and serve our clients.

  • Attending and testifying at the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) and at Kansas legislative committees

  • Contacting and meeting with local and state politicians on policies that impact social workers and the clients that we serve in Kansas.

  • Developing an annual legislative agenda formulated by members and the Board of Directors that combines both professional issues, those of our clients and touches on broader social justice issues.

NASW-KS members surrounded Governor Laura Kelly as she signs bill in Topeka.

NASW-KS members surrounded Governor Laura Kelly as she signs a historic social work licensing bill in Topeka.

On your behalf

With your support, NASW-Kansas Chapter advocates for social workers at the state licensing board to balance the public’s interest with our professional needs as social workers. The NASW-Kansas Chapter advocates on your behalf by voicing the concerns of social workers during state discussions of compensation, reasonable caseloads, and more.


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Become a Member

By joining NASW-KS and participating in legislative action, you advocate for not only your behalf, but for the health of your profession, your clients and your communities.


Join Us in March

for Our Annual Social Work Advocacy Day

More information here

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Legislative Advocacy at the State Capital

Each year, Kansas Chapter reviews our priorities, broader professional and social issues throughout the state and help set our agenda for the year. Our Executive Director and Board of Directors works closely with legislators, their staff, coalitions and our members to lend thought leadership, drive smart policy and strengthen our communities through legislative work.