How to Start a Statewide Practice Unit

WHAT ARE PRACTICE UNITS?

Practice units are statewide units that are organized by members around a topic, practice area or specific location of practice for the social work profession.  The unit provides members with a supportive structure through which they can network, connect and share with fellow social workers from around the state who share an interest in that specific topic, work in the same practice area or same practice setting.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PRACTICE UNIT?

All practice units have an NASW-NC staff member assigned to the Practice Unit to provide support, and all Practice Units are provided with a small budget with which to pay for conference calls, meeting expenses, or other expenses that may be appropriate.
A Google group will be set up for the Practice Unit so that Unit members can “talk” and connect, and each Practice Unit is provided a page on the Chapter web site so that meetings, events and links to resources can be posted.
The real benefit for NASW members however, comes through the ability to network and connect with fellow social workers so that one can learn and gain support.  This can be invaluable for new graduates who are new to the social worker profession, or for those who work in settings such as medical or health care settings, where social work is not the predominate profession.

HOW ARE PRACTICE UNITS DEVELOPED?

Practice Units are member led and member driven and thus have to be developed by members.  NASW-NC Chapter By Laws state that there must be a minimum of 15 members who formally request that a Practice Unit be developed.  Usually one social worker or a small group of social workers will gather names of social workers who commit their interest. 
Along with a list of a minimum of 15 social workers there must be at least one individual identified as willing to Chair the Unit. A statement of purpose and intent must also be submitted.  This statement clarifies what it is that the Practice Unit wants to do and focus on.  All of this information will be submitted to the NASW-NC Chapter Board of Directors for review and approval.  Approval to establish a Practice Unit is normally granted, however this is not guaranteed.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?

If you are interested in developing a Practice Unit please contact Chapter Executive Director Kathy Boyd at Kathy@naswnc.org or 919-828-9650.