The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW serves nearly 150,000 social workers in 56 chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and abroad.

NASW was formed in 1955 through a merger of seven predecessor social work organizations to carry out three responsibilities: 

• strengthen and unify the profession 
• promote the development of social work practice 
• advance sound social policies

Promoting high standards of practice and protecting the consumer of services are major association principles.

NASW offers many membership benefits, including a state annual conference, continuing education.