2026 Symposium
The Alliance of Social Workers and Sports
12th Annual Social Work in Sports Symposium
September 23 - September, 2026
Los Angeles, CA
Theme: Practice Makes Progress
The Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS) is excited to announce the call for proposals for our 12th Annual Social Work in Sports Symposium.
Building on the success of our 2025 event, this symposium will bring together social work professionals, educators, and emerging leaders to explore innovative ways social work intersects with sports. Our 2026 theme, "Practice Makes Progress," invites submissions that highlight how dedicated practice drives advancement in the field of sport social work.
We emphasize that "practice" extends far beyond clinical interventions. It encompasses a wide array of activities, including:
Clinical practice: Direct work with athletes, teams, and communities to address mental health, trauma, and well-being.
Research practice: Empirical studies, data analysis, and evidence-based inquiries that inform sport social work strategies.
Policy practice: Advocacy, policy development, and systemic changes to promote equity, inclusion, and ethical standards in sports.
Theory and conceptual practice: Developing frameworks, models, and ideas that deepen our understanding of social issues in sports, such as diversity, access, and social justice.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner implementing on-the-ground programs, a professor advancing theoretical models, or a student conducting innovative research, we encourage submissions that
demonstrate how iterative practice, in all its forms, leads to meaningful
progress in sport social work. Join us in advancing the mantra that practice (in research, policy, theory, clinical work, and beyond) truly does make progress.
We look forward to your contributions!
