Call for Proposals
51st National Rural Social Work Conference
Hopkinsville, Kentucky
July 15–18, 2026
Conference Theme:
Rural is Real: Thriving in a Time of Rapid Change Through Solution-Based Problem Solving and Collaboration in Rural Areas
Conference Purpose and Focus
The Annual Rural Social Work Conference is one of the few national gatherings dedicated specifically to rural social work practice, education, and research. It brings together social service professionals, educators, practitioners, and community leaders to share solution-focused approaches that address the unique challenges faced by rural individuals, families, and communities.
The National Rural Social Work Caucus encourages proposals that draw on core social work skills and respond to the current political and economic climate affecting rural families and clients. We welcome pragmatic, practice-based, and collaborative presentations from community agency staff, practitioners, academics, and especially rural community practitioners.
The emphasis for 2026 is on practical, actionable strategies rather than polarizing ideology. Proposals addressing rural ethics are especially encouraged.
Proposal Topics of Particular Interest for 2026
All proposals must focus on rural populations.
Families, Communities, and Collaborative Practice
Family and child welfare issues, including service provider responses
Military, military family, and veteran issues
Veteran-specific community collaborations
Cross-sector collaborations (private, public, and faith-based)
Contemporary social work practice in diverse rural communities
Framing issues in ways that support problem solving without polarization
Restorative Justice and Re-entry Services
Re-entry challenges for justice-involved individuals
Transitional and wrap-around services
Substance Use and Behavioral Health
Substance use, recovery programs, and behavioral health concerns
Health Care and Policy Impacts
Effects of policy changes on:
Physical and mental health outcomes
Reproductive health
Hospital and clinic access
Community-level mental health services
Technology and Service Delivery
AI and its implications for rural communities
Impacts of telehealth on service delivery
Food Security and Community Resourcing
Policy impacts on food insecurity and hunger across the lifespan
Access to food and nutrition resources and strategies for addressing barriers
Community-based approaches to addressing hunger
Education
K-12 issues, including increased state burdens and local service cuts
Higher education access, funding, and related challenges
Submit a Proposal
We invite proposals that reflect the realities of rural life and offer collaborative, solution-oriented approaches that strengthen rural communities.
Click here to submit your proposal
Join us in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, July 15–18, 2026, and be part of a national conversation focused on meeting the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities today.