NASW Ohio Chapter

A bill introduced in the Ohio House would reverse several restrictions enacted through House Bill 68 and establish new protections related to parental rights, health care, education, and young people’s freedom of expression. House Bill 327, the Parents’ Rights to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (P.R.I.D.E.) Act, was introduced by Representatives Karen Brownlee, LSW and Darnell T. Brewer. The bill would repeal all provisions enacted through HB 68, which currently restricts certain gender affirming care for minors and regulates participation in school and college athletics based on s*x. HB 327 would also establish protections centered on parents’ ability to seek medical, behavioral health, and educational opportunities for their children. NASW Ohio supports HB 327 and its emphasis on inclusion, access to care, and the ability of young people and families to make decisions about their lives without unnecessary government interference. The bill was introduced on June 3, 2025, and referred to the Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee on June 11, 2025. It remains in committee and has not yet been reported to the full House. NASW Ohio will continue following HB 327 and sharing updates as it moves through the legislative process. Read HB 327 and follow its status via the link in our bio.

Here’s what’s coming up next week with NASW Ohio:

Wednesday, September 23, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Supervisor Consultation Circles — Virtual

Friday, September 25, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Navigating New Laws: HB 68 Training for Cleveland-Area Practitioners — Virtual

Friday, September 25, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Monthly Member Meeting — Virtual

Visit the NASW Ohio events calendar to learn more and register.

Ballot issues have been added to the NASW Ohio PACE 2026 Voter Guide! Check out the full guide at www.naswoh.org/2026voterguide

Social work supervisors: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Join NASW Ohio for our next Supervisor Consultation Circle on Wednesday, September 23 from 12–1 p.m. ET on Zoom.

These monthly, participant-led sessions offer a supportive space to bring real supervision challenges, talk through professional dilemmas, learn from peers, and strengthen your supervision practice. Dr. Lois Stepney, PhD, MSW, LISW-S, facilitates the conversation and helps guide discussion.

The session is free for NASW Ohio members, and participants who remain engaged for the full hour will earn 1 Supervision CEU.

Space is limited to 20 participants to allow for meaningful conversation and peer consultation.

Register today on our website.

NASW Ohio Region 4 (Youngstown Area) is heading to the lanes. Join Region 4 for an afternoon of bowling, connection, and fun on Sunday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Camelot Lanes in Boardman.

Sunday, October 4, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Camelot Lanes
628 Boardman-Canfield Rd.
Boardman, OH 44512

RSVP here: https://www.naswoh.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2076580&group=

This week, Liam joined Capital University at their field fair to share information about NASW Ohio and potential internship opportunities. If you want us to visit your campus for a similar event or to speak with your class, visit naswoh.org/page/speakerrequest

Join Male Behavioral Health for Black Su***de Prevention Week events, September 21–25, 2026

Black Su***de Prevention Week was created to bring focused attention to su***de and mental health within Black communities while creating culturally responsive opportunities for education, conversation, connection, and healing. This year’s theme, “Black Stories as Medicine: Literature, Culture & Pathways to Healing,” will explore how African American literature, storytelling, art, and other cultural works can help us have conversations about mental health, suffering, su***de, resilience, and healing that too often remain unspoken.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
WHAT: “Black People Don’t Do Su***de”: Confronting the Myths & Stigma Surrounding Black Su***de
WHEN: Monday, September 21, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: Virtual/Online
REGISTER TODAY: blackpeopledontdosu***de.myle.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
WHAT: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”: Exploring the Mental Health of Formerly Incarcerated People
WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. EST
WHERE: Virtual/Online & Hybrid
REGISTER TODAY: beyondthecage.myle.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
WHAT: Black Su***de Remembrance & Awareness Virtual Vigil: Lifting Up Black Lives Lost to Su***de
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Virtual/Online
REGISTER TODAY: blacksu***devigil.myle.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
WHAT: “In Defense of Suffering”: On Black Men & Boys and Su***de
WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Virtual/Online & Hybrid
REGISTER TODAY: indefenseofsuffering.myle.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
WHAT: “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Su***de”: National Mothers & Daughters Day
WHEN: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Virtual/Online & Hybrid
REGISTER TODAY AT: forcoloredgirls.myle.com

Region 7 social workers: come meet your new co-directors, Sid O’Brien and Janae Christopher, at a casual coffee social on Saturday, October 3 from 10:00–11:30 a.m.

This is a chance to connect with other social workers in the Dayton area, get to know your regional leadership, and enjoy some good conversation over coffee or tea.

Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Socialite Cafe
4011 Marshall Rd.
Dayton, OH 45429

RSVP: https://forms.gle/ZX8AGBnrtvH8bVMF9

What does the Social Work Licensure Compact mean for Ohio social workers?

Join us for the September NASW Ohio Member Meeting on Friday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m. for a conversation about the interstate compact and what social workers need to know as implementation moves forward.

Danielle Smith, LSW, Executive Director of NASW Ohio, will provide an overview of the compact, what it could mean for Ohio social workers, and where things currently stand.

NASW Ohio Member Meetings are free and open to all NASW Ohio members. RSVP at naswoh.org/calendar.

NASW Ohio is out and about across Ohio, talking with social work students about the importance of political action for our profession and our clients! Invite us to your class or agency: www.naswoh.org/speakerrequest