Engaging Social Work Professionals in the International Arena: Lessons Learned and Future Plans from the International Committee of the National Association of Social Workers, USA
The National Association of Social Workers- USA has an International Committee established by the board of directors which assists the association on several levels, including: promoting member education and mobilization on international issues, serving as experts in interpreting NASW policy as it relates to international social work practice, and assisting in the development of international program activities within the annual program plan. Just as schools of social work have increasingly become involved in sensitizing students to international issues, our professional associations have been actively engaging professionals in educational discussions and activities around national and international issues that have a global impact. The professional associations play a key role in helping their members promote human rights and social justice in their pactice, and in becoming active participants in a global civil society. The International Committee collaborates with several international organizations and NGO's, and mobilizes the profession on human rights advocacy efforts, both at the national and international levels. Committee members will highlight this work with illustrations of lessons learned from past efforts and will make recommendations for future actions for professional associations at national and international levels.