NASW signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Indian Society of Professional Social Workers in March 2013.
The ISPSW is the oldest association of professional social workers in India. It was established in 1970 as the Indian Society of Psychiatric Social Work and was renamed with its present title in 1988, because of an increase in practitioners, trainers and researchers.
“NASW welcomes a professional collaboration with our social work colleagues from India,” said NASW CEO Elizabeth J. Clark. “We look forward to working together on issues of importance to both associations.”
ISPSW President K. Sekar said the memorandum will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources and mutual interests between the two social work organizations.
He said the ISPSW will strive to develop licensing procedures for practitioners in collaboration with NASW. One goal is for both organizations to set up joint research or projects that focus on emerging areas of professional social work. Sekar also hopes the associations will reciprocate accessing online social work material to foster the knowledge of social workers in both countries.
NASW member Chathapuram Ramanathan, who serves on NASW’s National Committee on Racial and Ethnic Diversity, helped initiate and facilitate the memorandum. He also is a member of ISPSW and is the organization’s North American representative.
From the June 2013 NASW News.
