How can I improve my chances of acceptance?

First, make sure you have an idea of relevance to contemporary social work. Second, follow the Call for Proposals outline. The outline is intended to provide step-by-step guidance in preparing your materials. Third, quality and clarity of writing counts... edit, edit, edit. Last, ...be sure you have completed all the steps. Please stick to the word-length limits!

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Should I use a catchy title?

Yes! Use a catchy title that provides a clear description, conveys what you will cover, and sparks interest in your topic. Do not use jargon; not everyone will understand the jargon of a specialized field. Length of title should not exceed 8-10 words.

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Are submissions rated anonymously?

Yes. It is important that the material providing names and contact information for presenters be separate from the proposal itself. The best way to do this is to follow the instructions precisely; it is clearly indicated which pages of the proposal require names and which don’t. Contact information is only used after an anonymous review.

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How does NASW ensure anonymity?

Massachusetts NASW staff assigns a code number to each proposal. Reviewers receive proposals identified only by code numbers. Reviews of each proposal are returned using only the code number.

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What are the evaluation criteria?

The evaluation criteria used by the reviewers are identical to the criteria listed in the Call for Proposals. Proposals are rated from 1 to 5 by at least two reviewers and acceptances are based upon the highest numerical ratings. This is typical for professional conferences.

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What are the benefits of presenting at the Symposium?

First you get to present at the premier gathering of Massachusetts social workers. Your audience is large and skilled. This gives you great visibility within the social work profession. Second, people who attend your presentation are likely to use your work, and to promote your name and expertise.

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How are presenters compensated?

We acknowledge the contribution of presenters by allowing them to come to Symposium without cost. By contrast, most professional conferences do not offer subsidies or payments to presenters.

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When do I hear if my proposal is accepted?

The Symposium Program Committee will notify authors of all proposals by November.

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What technology will be needed?

Symposium 2025 will be a virtual event. Presenters should have access to reliable internet connection, and functional computer equipment to include working camera and microphone. Presenters should be proficient in the following Zoom features: screen share, saving chats to personal computer and poll questions. The Chapter will provide a volunteer to monitor the chat, assist with breakout rooms, and muting participants in your Zoom room. Presenters should have fluency with presentation software, eg PowerPoint or other.

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1/6/2015