In this episode of Social Workers RISE!, I sit down with Matt Schaefer to discuss the Social Work Interstate Compact—a game-changer for licensure portability across participating states. We break down how the compact works, its current status, and what advocacy efforts are needed to bring more states on board. We also dive into the potential impact on mental health care access, telepractice, travel social work, and disaster response. Most importantly, we emphasize how vital it is for social workers to share their experiences and drive the legislative changes that will shape our profession's future. Learn more at the Social Work Compact’s website https://swcompact.org/ Matt Shafer currently serves as the Deputy Director at the National Center for Interstate Compacts at The Council of State Governments. Matt works with state legislators and stakeholder groups to support the enactment of compacts for teaching, cosmetology, massage therapy, social work, dietitians, and dentistry. Matt has vast experience developing and building consensus on policy options for state legislators. Matt has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Kentucky. ____________________________________ ⁠Tap Here to Subscribe⁠ to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource List ⁠Tap Here⁠ to shop career courses for Social Workers. ____________________________________ Thank you to our SPONSORS CHEP for Continuing Education  ⁠Therapist Development Center (TDC) Homepage⁠ ⁠TDC Continuing Education Courses⁠ ⁠On The Edge of Life: An Introduction to Treating Suicidality ⁠ Use the code SWRISE10 at checkout to receive 10% off --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/socialwork/support