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2026 NASW-CA Annual Conference Student/Emerging Professional Track Proposals

2026 NASW-CA Annual Conference Student/Emerging Professional Track Proposals

The National Association of Social Workers - California Chapter (NASW-CA) is seeking workshop proposals for Emerging Professional presentations.

2026 Theme: Resilience, Resistance & Resolve

The symposium will be held in-person: October 16-17, 2026 San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, Burlingame, CA

Who Can Present:
  1. Current BSW, MSW, and DSW/PhD students in social work programs
  2. Recent social work graduates (within the past two years) in all areas of social work practice, research, policy, and leadership
  3. Special encouragement to doctoral students and new doctors to highlight their research, dissertation findings, or practice innovations

Presentation Formats
Presenters may submit one of the following:
  1. Individual Talk (60 minutes): A focused presentation on a specific topic, research, or practice innovation
  2. Panel Discussion (45–60 minutes): Group-led discussion with 3–4 students exploring a shared topic
  3. Creative Expression (45-60 mins with Q&A included): Spoken word, short film, storytelling, or creative demonstration related to the Symposium theme

Suggested Topics
Your presentation can address any social work-related issue, with emphasis on innovation, advocacy, or leadership. Suggested areas include:
  • Research findings and evidence-based practice
  • Transforming practice with diverse and BIPOC communities
  • Equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice
  • Personal leadership and resilience as a student or new graduate
  • Innovative field projects or service programs
  • Impact of social policy on marginalized groups
  • Commitment to change through action research, policy advocacy, or social entrepreneurship
  • Self-care and wellness in the social work profession
  • Technology and social media in social work practice
  • Preparing for life after graduation (career paths, licensure prep, publishing, etc.)


Presentation Requirements
  1. Presentations must align with the event’s commitment to uplifting student voices and social work values.
  2. Language and examples must be inclusive and respectful of diverse cultures, identities, and communities.
  3. Slides or handouts must be provided at least one week prior to the event for tech checks.
  4. Presenters will attend a short virtual rehearsal and coaching session in October to ensure smooth delivery.

Proposal Deadline: July 20, 2026

1.Which presentation format are you submitting?
2.Presenter/Speaker Information. If there are multiple presenter(s)/speaker(s), please see Question 3 and upload additional speaker information.(Required.)
3.Please share a short speaker biography here. If there are additional speakers, see Question 5 to upload additional speaker information.(Required.)
4.If you have multiple presenters/speakers as part of a multi-level training course, panel, symposium or conference, please upload a document that informs us of each and all presenters/speakers name, student classification level, email address, phone number, and biography.

Template provided here.(Required.)
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5.Please upload a document that includes the following information:
  1. Presentation Title
  2. Presentation Description: This may be provided in a paragraph form of 3-4 sentences. If your program has multiple course descriptions, there will be an opportunity to upload all course descriptions below.
  3. Course Learning Objectives (minimum of two)
  4. Course Outline/Agenda
Sample provided here.

Template provided here.(Required.)
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6.Statement on Diversity and Social Justice
NASW-CA places special significance on the social work Value of Social Justice, as well as incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusive practice in its sponsored events and programs. Please write 3-5 sentences explaining how this presentation and speaker will address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the context of the Course Description.(Required.)
7.As part of your submission, NASW-CA staff will review presentation documents, including:
  • Resumes for all speakers
  • PowerPoint Presentation or slides for the event/program (PDF or PPT file)
If you have these materials, please upload them below. If you do not have these documents or have additional/larger documents to send, please email them at your earliest convenience to tcharles.naswca@socialworkers.org to finalize submission.(Required.)
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8.Headshot: (High Quality)
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9.Additional Supporting Document.
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10.Additional Supporting Document.
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11.Additional Supporting Document.
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12.Additional Supporting Document.
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13.Additional Supporting Document.
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Please click the Submit button below to complete your application.

Thank you for your submission to present for the 2026 NASW-CA Annual Conference Student/Emerging Professional Track. Your application will be reviewed by the committee and you will receive an email notifying you of the status of your submission.
Current Progress,
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