Peace and social justice. Embodied in the hallmark NASW Code of Ethics and the Social Work Congress Imperatives, it is the guiding mission and value of the social work profession. National and international events in recent years have left an indelible stain on the human condition. At this critical time, we need a national committee to work on national and international issues of war and peace, civil liberties and social justice.

In response, groups of committed social workers have been seeking reinstatement of Peace and Social Justice as a standing committee of the NASW National Board of Directors.

While the Social and Economic Justice and Peace Specialty Practice Section is one of the fastest growing within NASW with a 700+ membership, a standing committee of the National Board of Directors would provide a vehicle for raising the stature of peace and social justice to the level of the 156,000 members. A standing committee would provide a voice for the profession at the national level of NASW. As such, a committee would support the traditions our profession was founded upon and recommend appropriate action when worldwide efforts seek to diminish or abolish these very fundamental human rights.

We ask NASW members who are in good standing to sign the petition to reinstate the Peace and Social Justice Committee as a standing committee of the NASW National Board of Directors. Needed are a total of 500 original signatures representing at least 5 chapters. The petition may be copied as needed; however, online signatures are not accepted.

In order to complete the petition process for the 2008 Delegate Assembly, your help is needed to collect as many signatures as possible by January 15, 2008. Please download the petition, copy it and make it available at your local, regional, and statewide meetings, and other venues where social workers can make their concerns on this issue known. Time is critical.

Thank you for helping to disseminate the petition on this important issue.