Empowered Humanity Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics

Course Description – 1 Ethics Continuing Education Credit Hour

Format: Asynchronous (Recorded) Distance Format

Licensed clinical social workers, Matthew Watson and Zander Keig, explore the application of Empowered Humanity Theory (EHT) within social work practice with educator, Jason Littlefield. They discuss its alignment with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Developed as a neuroscience-informed framework, EHT cultivates three core attitudes: Value-Centered Identity, the Dignity Lens, and a Compassionate-Inquisitive Mindset—supported by daily practices that build awareness, equanimity, compassion, and recognition of common humanity.

Social workers face high exposure to trauma, ethical complexity, compassion fatigue, and emotionally charged cases. EHT provides tools for self-regulation and co-regulation, enabling practitioners to remain grounded in values during crises. By filtering decisions through chosen values, honoring the dignity of every client, and replacing judgment with curiosity, social workers strengthen therapeutic alliances and reduce bias.

The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes service, dignity and worth of the person, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships. EHT reinforces these values by anchoring practice in compassion, reframing social justice through dignity, aligning identity with integrity, and fostering curiosity and presence in relationships. Ultimately, EHT offers social workers a practical, dignity-based framework to sustain resilience, prevent burnout, and embody ethical principles in daily practice.

Takeaways

• The empowered humanity theory strengthens wellbeing.
• It cultivates three core attitudes.
• A valued-centered identity is crucial for personal growth.
• Filtering thoughts through core values aids decision-making.
• Living authentically means aligning actions with values.
• External labels should not dictate our identity.
• Guidance comes from within, not from societal expectations.
• Personal difficulties can be navigated through core values.
• Striving for wholeness from the inside out is key.

Course: The NASW Code of Ethics and Empowered Humanity Theory

Credit: 1 Ethics Continuing Education Credit

Format: Asynchronous (Recorded) Distance

How to Access: Click on the video or podcast link in the course materials section below.

Post-test Requirements and Retakes: Participants must respond correctly to 80% of post-test questions. Post-test retakes are unlimited. Course participants may retake the test as many times as needed to pass the course.

Course Objectives:

• Present three essential elements of Empowered Humanity Theory.
• Highlight the integration of Empowered Humanity Theory (EHT) with the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate application of Empowered Humanity Theory in social work practice.

Course Presenters:

• Matthew Watson is the executive director of ProSocial Workers, an affiliate of the Institute for Liberal Values, dedicated to promoting viewpoint and political diversity in social work practice and education. He is a seasoned mental health advisor and licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience. He provides competent, compassionate care and strategic leadership where he has excelled in direct service provider, management, and executive roles. Matthew has a documented history of building high-performing teams, improving outcomes, identifying individual strengths, and mentoring others. Matthew’s philosophy is that sustainable results emerge from the development of people, believing that strong, talented individuals are the ultimate outcome of effective leadership. His interests reflect a deep commitment to civic and ethical engagement, including voluntary service organizations, viewpoint diversity, religious liberty, and the integration of differing perspectives.
• Zander Keig is an award-winning social worker, best-selling author, social care educator, and motivational speaker with many distinguishing accolades, including 2023 Caregiving.com LGBTQ Advocate of the Year, 2020 NASW National Social Worker of the Year,  2020 WPATH Harry Benjamin Distinguished Educator of the Year, and 2018 NASW CA Social Worker of the Year. Zander has earned a BA in Interpersonal Communication (1999), an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (2003), an MTS in Theological Systems (2004), and an MSW in Clinical Social Work (2012). He has delivered conflict mitigation, social care, diversity and inclusion, and emotional well-being workshops for over 30 years. Zander hosts the Umbrella Hour podcast on the UK Health Radio Network. His best-selling book is The Third Space: A Nonconformist’s Guide to the Universe (Thought Leader Press, 2024), available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
• Jason Littlefield, a father and educator supports liberalism based values for these are the values that honor the worthiness of all people and their God given right to pursue their lives how they see fit. He has worked with students, families and education professionals ages 3-65 for 30 years.  In addition to working across Texas, he has also worked with families in Taiwan, China and Benin, Africa. These experiences with people from all backgrounds and differing cultures shape his passion for increasing human well-being and freedoms. Jason is the architect of Empowered Humanity Theory: A Framework For Building An Empowered and Dignified Life, the Executive Director for Empowered Pathways and a Co-founder of Free Black Thought.

Course Materials:

Watch the Podcast/Video for free on YouTube, or for use the link below for continuing education credit.

Course References/Bibliography:

1. Borowski, A. (2022). On human dignity and social work. The British Journal of Social Work, 52(2), 609–623. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab016
2. Baird, S. L., Tarshis, S., & Holden, L. (2025). Neuroscience and social work: A simulation-based workshop for social work students. Studies in Clinical Social Work, 95(3–4), 336–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/28376811.2025.2539399
3. Kam, P. K. (2021). From the strengths perspective to an empowerment–participation–strengths model in social work practice. The British Journal of Social Work, 51(4), 1425–1444. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab049
4. Karim, S. (2023). Power-informed practice in social work. Journal of Social Work, 23(6), 1062–1079. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173231180307
5. National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from

Course Completion Requirements (only required for those seeking continuing education credit):

1. Click on “Enroll” (above) to start the course and, if applicable, pay for the course.
2. Create a ProSocial Workers account or log in.
3. Watch the entire required podcast or video using the links below. You must watch or listen for the amount of time being credited for the course.
4. Complete a course evaluation.
5. Complete a post-test or quiz and pass with at least 80% correct responses. Retesting is allowed.
6. Download your certificate (immediately available) upon completion of the post-test/quiz.

Additional Information

1. The course is administered online. Participants will need a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection, a modern web browser (like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari), and the ability to access to ProSocialWorkers.com website.
2. Once the course has been purchased, you will have access to course content required for continuing education credit.
3. There are no refunds once the course is purchased. The course cannot be cancelled.
4. If special accommodations are needed, please email help@prosocialworkers.com.
5. ProSocial Workers, provider #2002, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: May 6, 2025 – May 6, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 general continuing education credits.
6. Participants assume full responsibility to ensure local jurisdictional approvals.
7. Contact help@prosocialworkers.com with any questions, concerns, or to address any of the presenters.