Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the oldest and largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. It serves members and advocates for sound social policy. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. Professional social workers practice in many settings including family service agencies, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and public and private agencies. Professional social workers provide most of the nation’s mental health services and offer services to individuals, families and communities. A professional social worker has a degree from an accredited social work program and meets state legal requirements. NASW is a nonprofit organization.