NASW-NC History

The history of the North Carolina Chapter of NASW begins with documentation as early as December of 1954. Originally there were four autonomous chapters of NASW located in North Carolina. These four autonomous chapters formed a state council in 1955 that allowed the 4 chapters to communicate and connect while at the same time maintaining autonomous status. The Western chapter of NASW was particularly strong and active. In early 1974 the former chapters were dissolved and one state association, the North Carolina Chapter of NASW was formed and the Chapter office was established in Asheville. The first Board of Directors meeting was held in June of 1974 and the first Executive Director, BJ Smith was hired.

In 1975 the first President, Wally Hill, MSW was installed and the Chapter office was moved to Raleigh. Throughout NASW-NC's history, the Chapter has focused on social work salaries, licensing and certification, insurance reimbursement, social policy and legislation, membership recruitment, conferences and continuing education and general advocacy for social work employment and the social work profession.

Currently the North Carolina Chapter has approximately 4,000 members and is considered a large chapter. NASW-NC has 5 staff members and the Chapter owns office space in the Historic Oakwood District of downtown Raleigh, convenient to state government, the Governor's office, and our state legislature. Our office space is a 120 year old rehabbed house which was purchased by NASW in 1992.

If you would like to purchase the 26 page publication titled "NASW-NC The Development of the North Carolina Chapter: A Historical Survey", send a check for $10.00 to NASW-NC, PO Box 27582, Raleigh, NC 27611.