NASW-RI Committees

Addiction Committee

Committee members discuss social work considerations concerning addiction and recovery issues. Events and programs may be planned related to addictions. The committee may be consulted for their expertise with respect to the NASW-RI policy or programs agenda.

Committee Chairs: Katie Kranz - kkranz@providence.edu 

Older Adults Committee

Committee members discuss social work issues regarding aging, older adults, and collaborative efforts to serve this vulnerable population. Committee members frequently identify social workers in the community to receive NASW-RI awards. The committee may be consulted on NASW-RI policy and program priorities.

Committee Chair: Stacey DeOrsey - Stacey.deorsey@va.gov

PACE Committee

Political Action for Candidate Election (RI PACE) is the political action arm of NASW-RI. As a political action committee, PACE endorses and financially contributes to candidates from any party who support NASW-RI's policy agenda. PACE builds political power for social workers through mobilizing NASW members to vote and through contributions to candidates who agree with NASW-RI policy positions.

Committee Chair: Clara Hardy - clarapvd@gmail.com

Chapter Ethics Committee

This NASW mandated committee reviews ethics related matters as referred by the national NASW office. The committee meets when necessary to discuss ethical considerations in RI.

Committee Chair: Frederic “Rick” Reamer - assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org

Policy and Advocacy Committee

The social work profession was founded in social change. Throughout the profession's history, social workers have sought to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs. NASW-RI upholds the challenge by advocating for the association to members of the General Assembly and regulatory agencies that often hold the authority to influence policy. To engage BSW and MSW Social Work Students in defining and structuring meaningful opportunities to address critical clinical and social justice issues. This committee typically meets once a month and will meet more often during the legislative session that runs from January - June in Rhode Island.

Committee Chair: Heidi Ross - heidiross511@gmail.com

Program Planning Committee

Organizes and plans NASW-RI chapter webinars by meeting regularly to discuss key topics in the field and issue areas of interest for social workers across the state. The committee plans a slate of programs in the spring and in the fall, in addition to planning half or full day conferences

Chairs: Don Laliberte and Lauren Yabut

Contact:  assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org


School Social Work Committee

Committee members organize the two part school social work conference for RI school social workers. The first part of the conference is typically in the fall and the second part is in the winter for a total of 5-6 continuing education credits. RIDE has recently provided generous support to help our social work leaders plan this important annual event.

Committee Chairs: Jennifer Ahlijanian, Sarai Pellegrino and Rebecca Angell - risswgroup@gmail.com or assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org

Committee page Photo