Policy & Advocacy Work featuring NASW NY; Episode 278

How can social workers use advocacy, policy, and collective action to strengthen the profession? In this episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast®, host Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW, speaks with Amanda Rodriguez, Policy Lead for the National Association of Social Workers—New York Chapter (NASW-NY). They discuss the unification of the New York City and New York State chapters, the importance of representing both urban and rural communities, and how social workers can influence legislation affecting their careers and clients. Amanda explains NASW-NY’s advocacy efforts around social work salaries, student-loan forgiveness, licensing barriers, temporary work permits, and workforce shortages. The conversation also explores the ethical use of artificial intelligence in mental health care, the need to protect minors from unsafe AI chatbot features, and why AI should support—not replace—licensed social workers and therapists. You’ll also learn: What NASW does for social workers and MSW students How social workers can participate in policy and legislative advocacy Why New York’s social-work loan-forgiveness program needs greater accessibility How licensing exams and employment restrictions affect the workforce Why stronger safeguards are needed for AI-powered mental health tools How NASW-NY’s Capitol Action Day helps social workers speak directly with lawmakers Why voting and civic engagement are essential parts of social-work advocacy Whether you are a social-work student, LMSW, LCSW, mental health professional, policy advocate, or community change agent, this episode shows how your voice can help shape the future of social work. Connect with NASW-NY and learn more about membership, professional development, advocacy committees, and Capitol Action Day at naswny.socialworkers.org. Follow and subscribe to The Social Work Rants Podcast® for honest conversations about social work, mental health, financial wellness, public policy, and social justice. Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and unsafe chatbot interactions. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.