VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM 2026

REGISTER HERE AS AN ATTENDEE   |   VIEW OUR LIST OF WORKSHOPS HERE   |   REGISTER HERE AS A SPONSOR/ADVERTISER

Join the NASW-RI & NASW-MA Chapters on April 16 & 17, at the largest gathering of social workers, mental health professionals, and community leaders across New England, with Keynote Speaker Tiziana C. Dearing, Host of WBUR’s Morning Edition. In her presentation “Finding Common Ground in a Time of Conflict Through Empathy and Ethics” Tiziana will explore how embracing the social work calling and seeking out stories that build understanding and social connection can build a shared path forward that supports the people social workers serve. This year Symposium 2026 is offering over 27 CEs (general, cross-cultural, and professional ethics). 

Continuing Education Credit: CE credit is provided by the NASW-MA Chapter; CEUs have been approved for Massachusetts and Rhode Island attendees. If you are not licensed in Massachusetts and/or Rhode Island, please check with your state social work licensing board if they accept NASW-MA Chapter approved CEUs.

For questions, email Angie at assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org. 

CONFERENCE RATES:

Early Bird Rates (closing on Friday, March 13):

• NASW member: $175
• Non-member: $350
• Students/Retired members: $155
• Agency group (5+): $175 (must submit registration by mail)

Standard Rates (closing on Friday, April 10)

• NASW member: $200
• Non-member: $425
• Students/Retired members: $180
• Agency group (5+): $200 (must submit registration by mail)

Your registration includes access to the full conference: live workshops (keynote presentation, workshops in sessions 1-7, and evening workshop) and the on-demand (pre-recorded) workshops. Participation in each session is not mandatory. All workshops will be hosted in Zoom Meeting rooms. Days prior to the conference, attendees will receive instructions to set up a profile on our conference website and access your workshops Zoom links, course evaluation forms, Virtual Exhibit Hall, and more. 

VIEW OUR LIST OF WORKSHOPS HERE

Instructions To Register Online:

• Click here to register. Under purchase options, click on "Add to Cart" and then "Check Out".
• Login with your username and password to confirm your NASW membership. Create an account if you are new to the NASW Social Work Online Institute website. 
• Fill out your information and complete your payment. 
• You should receive a confirmation email after registration, with a link to select your live workshops on April 16-17. Participation in each session/workshop is not mandatory; select one workshop per session. You do not need to select the on-demand workshops as these can be accessed for two weeks post-conference.
• For changes to your workshop list, please email Angie at assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org. Make sure to save and/or download your workshop list.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be made for cancellations received after Monday, April 13. For changes to your registration, email Angie at assoc.naswri@socialworkers.org.

KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHT

Finding Common Ground in a Time of Conflict Through Empathy and Ethics, with Tiziana C. Dearing, Host, Morning Edition. Social workers, as with many professions, may be feeling under siege...loss of funding, changes in policy, and emerging social norms that challenge shared values. While many corners of society are fighting, or at least struggling, on their own and with each other, this conversation will explore how embracing the social work calling and seeking out stories that build understanding and social connection can build a shared path forward that supports the people social workers serve.

• Participants will receive an overview of key changes and how they relate to social work practice.
• Participants will review core tenants of the social work code of ethics and challenge themselves to think broadly about their application today.
• Participants will hear and learn how to find and draw out stories that can help build connection and communication skills across differences.

Tiziana came to journalism after a career that spanned academia, nonprofits and for-profit management consulting. She taught graduate students at the Boston College School of Social Work and chaired its program in Social Innovation and Leadership. Tiziana ran a start-up foundation focused on breaking generational cycles of poverty in Boston neighborhoods and was the first woman president of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Boston. Earlier in her work life, she ran a research center at the Harvard Kennedy School and worked in management consulting. Tiziana has won a number of awards in the city, including a Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

PARTNER WITH US - Registrations are OPEN!

Join the largest gathering of social workers, mental health professionals, and community leaders in Massachusetts and Rhode Island! Your organization will gain exposure to our full membership through our website and email campaigns.