Cross-sector leadership at the intersection of government, nonprofit, philanthropy, business, and community — building coalitions and aligning resources across sectors that don’t naturally speak the same language.

Intergenerational knowledge succession and mentorship — intentionally transferring institutional wisdom and building shared leadership cultures that bridge generational divides.

Healing-centered, trauma-informed organizational leadership — building workplaces that prioritize wellbeing, reduce secondary trauma, and cultivate cultures of care.

Critical engagement with artificial intelligence as an organizational tool and policy challenge — centering human dignity, professional judgment, and equity in algorithmic decision-making.

Reimagining organizational structures, governance models, and accountability frameworks to disrupt colonial power dynamics and build organizations where communities hold genuine power.

Narrative strategy, digital organizing, unlikely alliances, and rapid-response policy engagement for a fragmented and polarized political landscape.

Building data cultures, research-practice-policy partnerships, and evidence translation capacities that use both quantitative data and community narratives to drive policy change at scale.

Indigenous knowledge systems, Global South frameworks, and community-defined definitions of flourishing as the basis for transformative, anti-colonial policy advocacy.

Strategic navigation of the restructuring social welfare state — understanding political forces, protecting communities, and identifying opportunities for more just and sustainable care systems.

Systematic tools for assessing whether programs, policies, and organizations are producing more equitable outcomes — moving from equity statements to equity accountability.

Critical evaluation and strategic deployment of AI, data analytics, telehealth, mobile platforms, and integrated data systems — with equity and client dignity at the center.

Social work entrepreneurship — nonprofits, social enterprises, consulting practices, and technology ventures that deploy the profession’s values in new and sustainable ways.

Intentional design for digital inclusion — ensuring technology expands rather than restricts access to services, rights, and opportunity for underserved communities.

Data dashboards, outcome analytics, and predictive modeling used not to surveil or control but to continuously learn, improve, and advocate for communities.

Leadership for hybrid, remote, and AI-augmented social work workplaces — building organizations that meet the expectations of the next generation while serving clients effectively.

Yes. Individuals may submit up to two proposals as lead presenter. There is no limit on the number of proposals on which an individual may appear as co-presenter.

Absolutely. NSWM strongly encourages proposals from doctoral students, MSW students, and early-career professionals. Student submissions are reviewed using the same criteria as all other submissions. Student presenters are eligible for reduced registration rates.

Yes. NSWM welcomes submissions from social work practitioners, educators, and researchers worldwide. International perspectives are a priority for the program. The Summit will be conducted in English; proposers who wish to present in another language should contact [email protected] to discuss options.

The July 31st, 2026, deadline is firm. Submissions received after this date will not be considered for the 2026 Summit.

Presenters may note scheduling constraints (e.g., time zone) in the submission portal, and the Program Committee will make reasonable accommodations. However, specific day or time requests cannot be guaranteed.