Dear CASSW Members and Community,

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We are excited to announce that the California Association of School Social Workers (CASSW) is continuing to accept proposals for our 2026 CASSW Conference, "Voices for Justice: School Social Work Leading the Way!" The conference will be held January 12-13, 2026 at Bakersfield College.

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We are looking for dynamic and engaging presentations from practitioners in the field to share their expertise, innovative strategies, and best practices with school social workers from across California. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the professional development of your peers and empower them to be stronger advocates for students and families.

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Our conference theme, "Voices for Justice: School Social Work Leading the Way," emphasizes the critical role school social workers play in promoting equity, advocating for marginalized populations, and creating just and inclusive school communities. We encourage proposals that align with this theme and address a variety of topics relevant to school social work practice, including but not limited to:

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• Advocacy and Social Justice: Strategies for addressing systemic inequities, promoting anti-racist practices, and advocating for student rights.

• Mental Health and Wellness: Evidence-based interventions, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and building resilience in students.

• Interventions and Best Practices: Innovative approaches to supporting student success, family engagement, attendance, and behavior management.

• Culturally Responsive Practices: Strategies for working effectively with diverse student populations and fostering cultural understanding.

• Leadership and Professional Development: Ethical considerations, self-care for practitioners, supervision, and professional growth opportunities.

• Policy and Legislation: Understanding current educational policies and their impact on school social work practice.

 

Why Present at CASSW 2026?

• Share Your Expertise: Contribute to the professional growth of school social workers across California.

• Network with Peers: Connect with colleagues, build professional relationships, and expand your network.

• Showcase Your Work: Highlight your innovative practices and make a lasting impact on the field.

• Professional Development: Enhance your presentation skills and add valuable experience to your resume.

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please find the Request for Proposal (RFP) document here.  We are accepting proposals until August 1, 2025.

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Key Dates:

• RFP Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025.

• Notification of Acceptance: week of September 8, 2025

 

We strongly encourage you to share your knowledge and contribute to the success of the 2026 CASSW Conference. Your voices are essential in leading the way towards a more just and equitable educational system for all students.

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Conference Committee at president@cassw.net or jecoggan@kern.org

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Sincerely,

The CASSW Conference Planning Committee