NACSW chapters connect members and friends with other Christians in social work in their own communities, campuses, and congregations. Chapters may be chartered at the state, regional, or institutional level, and they come in many shapes and sizes — the activities of each chapter reflect the needs and interests of its members.
NACSW is actively reviving and rebuilding its chapter network. Below you will find the three kinds of chapter and what distinguishes them. Follow the link for each type to find the chapters now forming and how to join one, or see Starting a Chapter if you would like to begin one of your own.
The Three Chapter Types
Every NACSW chapter is one of three types. The type determines how the chapter is established with NACSW and how the individuals who take part hold membership.
University / Social Work Program Chapters
Based within an accredited social work program (BSW and/or MSW). The program joins NACSW as an Organizational Member, which covers one Faculty Liaison and makes every student in the campus chapter an NACSW member at no additional cost. Faculty involvement is a defining feature of this chapter type.
Church / Congregation Chapters
Based within a local church or congregation, separate from a social work program. A church joins through a Church/Congregation membership that includes one designated church liaison and a congregational chapter; interested congregants may join individually or through a small-group bundle.
Regional, State & Field-of-Practice Chapters
Member-driven chapters not tied to a single campus — organized around a geographic area (state or region) or a shared field of practice. These are led by a volunteer coordinator who is an NACSW member and are formed by a small group of individual members. A local agency, church, or university may sponsor the chapter as an Organizational Member.
At a Glance
| Chapter Type | Who It’s For | How It’s Established | Who Holds Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| University / Social Work Program | An accredited BSW and/or MSW program, with faculty involvement. | The program joins as an Organizational Member at a rate set by program size. | Covered by the program — one Faculty Liaison and every chapter student, at no additional cost. |
| Church / Congregation | A local church or congregation, separate from a social work program. | The church joins at a flat annual rate and designates a church liaison. | The liaison is covered; congregants join individually or through a small-group bundle. |
| Regional, State & Field-of-Practice | Members across a geographic area or a shared field of practice, not tied to one campus. | Chartered at no cost or a nominal charter fee, led by a volunteer coordinator. | Each member holds their own individual membership, including the coordinator. |
Current rates for each type are in Section 5 of the Chapter Operations Manual and on the Membership page.
Thinking of starting a chapter? Starting a Chapter covers what each type requires, how to apply, and what a chapter does once it is chartered.
Members and friends can also network at the Annual Convention.