This committee is composed of one representative from each of the practice committees and other interested individuals. The purpose of the committee is to make decisions in advance of each Maryland General Assembly session regarding the legislative priorities of the chapter. If necessary, the committee will draft legislation and promote it.  Otherwise, the committee works with the Chapter’s Lobbyists to support or oppose legislation which is pertinent to social workers and/or our clients. 

Interested in joining the Legislative Committee? Sign up today!

Description: This committee is composed of one representative from each of the practice committees and other interested individuals. The purpose of the committee is to make decisions in advance of each Maryland General Assembly session regarding the legislative priorities of the chapter. If necessary, the committee will draft legislation and promote it.  Otherwise, the committee works with the Chapter’s Lobbyists to support or oppose legislation which is pertinent to social workers and/or our clients. 

Want to join the Legislative Committee Sign Up Today!

NASW-MD Chapter's 2026 Ocean City Ethics Symposium (IN-PERSON)
Thursday, April 9, 2026

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
9100 Coastal Highway
North Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Discounts on Hotel Rooms are available! Call 1-800-476-9253
Breakfast & Lunch are included
 
Program Agenda
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM       Registration & Continental Breakfast NASW-MD Chapter

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM       Welcome Remarks & Announcements Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW

8:45 AM –12:00 PM     Morning Workshop (including 15-minute break)
Part I: The Ethics of Innovation: Artificial Intelligence, Documentation Integrity, and Safeguarding Client Privacy  

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM      Networking Lunch (Buffet or Plated) NASW-MD Chapter Staff and Ethics Committee

1:00 PM – 4:15 PM        Afternoon Workshop (includes 15-minute break) 
Part II: The Ethics of Innovation: Artificial Intelligence, Documentation Integrity, and Safeguarding Client Privacy  Presented by: Dawn M. Hobdy, MSW, and Andrea Murray, LICSW

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM       Closing Remarks & Raffle Basket Announcements Karessa Proctor, BSW, MSW

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM        Break

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM        Optional event: Business Card Swap Happy Hour/Reception NASW Ethics Committee

Presenters:  Dawn M. Hobdy, MSW and Andrea Murray, LICSW
About the Presenters: 
Dawn M. Hobdy, MSW, is the former Vice President of Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion at the National Association of Social Workers and has over 25 years of experience in developing ethics content and conducting training. A renowned presenter, she has spoken at more than 250 national and international conferences, recognized for her compassion, expertise, and engaging style. Ms. Hobdy has served as Ethics Commissioner for the International Federation of Social Workers and as co-chair of the CSWE Ethics Track. She has contributed to various task forces, including the ASWB International Technology Task Force and the NASW Code of Ethics Revisions Task Force. She has led significant efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in social work, advocating for improved representation across d

The NASW-MD board will be meeting to discuss the latest updates.

Lunch & Learn - Beyond Diagnosis: A Shift to Wholeness Lunch & Learn: Integrating the TheraMe App into Ethical Practice

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026; 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Presenter: Ashley McSwain, LMSW, MSOD

Synopsis: You are invited to an essential Lunch & Learn session introducing TheraMe, an innovative digital tool designed to align our language with the core ethical principles of social justice and inherent dignity. TheraMe isn't just another resource app; it's a conceptual framework that re-centers shared humanity in the therapeutic relationship. Come see how integrating TheraMe can enhance your professional capacity, align your language with the principles of strengths-based practice, and deepen your impact.
In this brief, focused session, we'll explore the four transformational shifts TheraMe facilitates:
1. From Diagnosis to Wholeness: We’ll learn how TheraMe shifts the conversation away from clinical labels and toward a human-centered language of wholeness and growth, empowering individuals to see their mental health challenges as part of their human journey.
2. From Practitioner to Guide: Say goodbye to restrictive terms like client or patient. TheraMe introduces the roles of Journeyer and Guide, emphasizing collaboration, shared power, and mutual respect between the social worker and the person they support.
3. Building Emotional Literacy: The app provides accessible tools to help people learn and practice the language of emotions. This crucial focus on emotional vocabulary allows Journeyers to identify, express, and understand their feelings with greater clarity, directly strengthening the efficacy of your work.
4. Empowering Regulation, Not Reaction: Discover TheraMe's unique reflection tools designed to strengthen emotional regulation. By fostering self-awareness, the app empowers individuals to move consciously from reaction to thoughtful response, promoting sustainable self-management.

CE: 1 Cat I

Price: $20 NASW Members; $25 Nonmembers; $10 Retired Members; FREE

Register Now