Sarah Christa Butts, LMSW Is the Director of Public Policy with the National Association of Social Workers, in Washington, DC. Ms. Butts is responsible for leading the association’s public policy, political and legislative affairs agenda, overseeing field organizing, working at both the national level and with NASW chapters, political candidates’ fundraising and endorsement efforts, as well as developing and advancing the association’s strategic goals and objectives related to influencing the legislative and executive branches of government. Prior to joining NASW, Sarah served as executive director of the Grand Challenges for Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She was also a Senior Administrator within the Dean’s office at University of Maryland, School of Social Work. Ms. Butts is the founding administrator of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW) and played a significant role in the organization’s development as a 501c3 and launching of Grand Challenges from 2013-2017. She is a co-author on the AASWSW working paper to End Homelessness and contributing author on a new book, Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society, published by Oxford University Press. Prior experience includes roles at the Family League of Baltimore, Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration and Baltimore County Department of Social Services. Ms. Butts holds an MSW from University of Maryland Baltimore and a BSW from University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy. Ms. Butts also played a major role in developing The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 2021 Blueprint of Federal Social Policy Priorities articulates meaningful actions the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress should take to address the COVID-19 crisis, promote mental and behavioral health, eliminate systemic racism and ensure civil and human rights for all. The Blueprint’s 21 issue areas are organized according to the Grand Challenges for Social Work, a research-informed social policy agenda, developed by the social work profession, to address our society’s most pressing social problems. NASW’s Blueprint is a roadmap for social progress and reflects social work’s best thinking on the pathway to a more just and equitable society. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kelsunn-on-the-air/support