National Association of Social Workers. California Chapter

When the NASW was founded in 1955 by the merger of five existing professional social work organizations, it was set up so the basic unit of participation was the local chapter. Chapters were organized wherever there were a significant number of interested social workers in California. Over the years, sixteen chapters developed, each operating on its own. This lack of cohesiveness limited effectiveness with state legislators and uncoordinated input from many chapters prevented social workers professional views from being considered seriously. As a step toward correcting this situation, the sixteen chapters formed a State Council, composed of one delegate from each chapter. This provided a vehicle for developing positions on key issues, but proved to be an inadequate instrument for dealing with the rapidly changing circumstances in Sacramento and lack of permanent funding. From 1968 to 1974 several attempts at reorganization were developed by the Council and rejected by the chapters. Finally, in 1974, the Council took the approved new plan for national reorganization from the 1973 Delegate's Assembly with the State as a basic unit, and applied it on the statewide basis. Thirteen of the sixteen chapters voted to merge and form the Greater California Chapter with more effective organizational structure, policies, and procedures. By 1976, all regions had joined to form the California Chapter.

From the description of National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter records, 1925-1996 (bulk 1978-1989). (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 26598874

Organizational History

When the NASW was founded in 1955 by the merger of five existing professional social work organizations, it was set up so the basic unit of participation was the local chapter. Chapters were organized wherever there were a significant number of interested social workers in California. Over the years, sixteen chapters developed, each operating on its own. This lack of cohesiveness limited effectiveness with state legislators and uncoordinated input from many chapters prevented social workers' professional views from being considered seriously. As a step toward correcting this situation, the sixteen chapters formed a State Council, composed of one delegate from each chapter. This provided a vehicle for developing positions on key issues, but proved to be an inadequate instrument for dealing with the rapidly changing circumstances in Sacramento and lack of permanent funding. From 1968 to 1974 several attempts at reorganization were developed by the Council and rejected by the chapters. Finally, in 1974, the Council took the approved new plan for national reorganization from the 1973 Delegate's Assembly with the State as a basic unit, and applied it on the statewide basis. Thirteen of the sixteen chapters voted to merge and form the Greater California Chapter with more effective organizational structure, policies, and procedures. By 1976, all regions had joined to form the California Chapter.

From the guide to the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter records, 1925-1996, bulk 1978-1989, (The Bancroft Library)