NASW-ND Chapter Updates
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the north dakota board of social work examiners is responsible for licensing social workers in the state of north dakota. visit their website for more information.
We’re excited to announce a new leadership team at NASW North Dakota. As NASW chapters across the country move to a shared leadership structure, the North Dakota and Minnesota Chapters will now share a leadership team. This new dual chapter model is designed to strengthen support, stability, and opportunities for Social Workers across our region.
This dual chapter model means more benefits for members, including:
We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Karen Goodenough as Executive Director for both chapters. With nearly 30 years of social work leadership and recognition as NASW 2024 Executive Director of the Year, Dr. Goodenough brings deep expertise in licensure, advocacy, education, and professional development.
She’ll be supported by Mailee Vu (Programs & Events) and Anna Ehl (Communications & Membership) to ensure a smooth transition and strong service to North Dakota members.
This new dual chapter structure is part of NASW’s effort to build a more unified, sustainable, and member-centered model nationwide. Our goal is simple: ensure that every Social Worker—no matter where they live—has access to the resources, leadership, and advocacy they deserve.
We look forward to a vibrant future together. Thank you for your commitment to NASW and to the communities you serve.
We approach this transition with sincere gratitude to Kristin Rubbelke, who has served as the North Dakota Chapter leader, and to Jenna Bieber, who has supported members in her role as Membership and Communications Coordinator. Jenna has made the decision to move on from her position, and while her partnership and presence will be sincerely missed, we are excited for her as she embarks on her next professional venture. Both Kristin and Jenna have contributed tremendous dedication, passion, and care to the ND Chapter. We are deeply grateful for the strong foundation they have built and for the many ways they have supported North Dakota Social Workers.
If you are interested in getting more involved with the ND chapter of NASW, please book a meeting with Executive Director Dr. Karen Goodenough: - https://karengoodenough.youcanbook.me
NASW-ND offers graduation cords for student members! You must be a current student member of NASW and be graduating in the current year. Your graduation cord is free, just pay shipping!
Complete this form to request a graduation cord.
In 2024, both Montana and Minnesota created alternative routes to social work licensure aimed at reducing barriers for qualified professionals.
Montana’s 2024 LBSW/LMSW Legacy Clause allowed social work degree holders with at least 4,000 hours of prior professional experience to obtain their LBSW or LMSW without supervision hours or an exam. Established through HB 499 and implemented in early 2024, this one-time opportunity sunset on December 31, 2024. Click to read more about Montana's licensing requirements.
Minnesota’s Alternate Pathway, effective October 1, 2024, introduced a provisional license option that enables individuals with a CSWE-accredited social work degree to practice without taking the ASWB National Exam, expanding access to licensure while maintaining professional standards. Click to read more about Minnesota's licensing requirements.
NASW has been working on multiple fronts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure access to services, such as teletherapy. Social workers are in a unique position to promote disease prevention efforts.
Get COVID-19 resources for social workers
Fundamentals of Individual Clinical Social Work Supervision
Date: Jan 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST
Zoom Meeting
Description: This course is aimed at new and experienced supervisors and will cover what all supervisors need to know in order to engage most effectively, legally, and ethically with their supervisees.
Speaker: Natalie K. Holzman, LCSW
Cost: 4 Clinical Supervision CEUs / $100 Nonmember / $60 NASW Member
REGISTER HERE
NASW is committed to ending racism through public education, social justice advocacy and professional training. Learn about NASW's national social justice activities
NASW-ND is committed to social justice for all and to ending racism. We are mobilized and increasing our efforts in the face of America's racism pandemic. Read NASW-ND's Statement
NASW-ND Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors calls for the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE) to take actionable steps to remove the social work licensure exam requirement for licensed BSW and MSW social workers.
The North Dakota Chapter is joining NASW’s national Connect to End COVID-19 effort, a CDC-funded initiative to support social workers and their clients in informed vaccine decision-making.
View Resources Here