Welcome & Opening Keynote

10:00am – 10:15am (EST)

WELCOME & Introduction

Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C
CEO
National Association of Social Workers

PARTICIPANT ENGAGEMENT 

Raffaele Vitelli, CAE
Vice President
Professional Education and Product Development
National Association of Social Worker

10:15am – 11:15am

OPENING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION (Social Work CE)

Ecosocial Work: An Overview

Rachel Forbes, MSW
Associate Professor
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work

Kelly Smith, DSW
Professor/Director
Institute for Social Work and Ecological Justice

Since the earliest days of social work practice, social workers have dealt with environmental issues, advocating alongside diverse populations to address disproportionate environmental impacts on systemically marginalized populations including those living in poverty, populations of color, persons with disabilities, and women. In the face of the accelerating climate crisis, social workers must proactively engage with clients and communities and respond to the growing impacts of environmental injustices. This opening keynote presentation will share with attendees how meeting the historical aims of the profession advances the values and ethical mandates social workers abide by.