Social Work Clubs & Organizations

The purpose of the BSW Student Association is to afford opportunities for students to organize, participate in policies and decisions about the social work program, and participate in community organizing activities. Membership is open to students majoring and minoring in social work, or students who are interested in participating in activities sponsored by the BSW Student Association. The Association is student driven and operates within the student affairs policies and procedures of the university. A faculty advisor is assigned to provide administrative and technical guidance, and the organization is supported by faculty as a whole. The President serves as a member of the Social Work Department Advisory Council. A BSW student representative also attends departmental and program faculty meetings.

The MSW Student Association (MSSWA) was established in Fall 2003. The purpose of the MSW Student Association is to assist state, county, and local government in the implementation of social, economic, and political services that enhances the social functioning of individuals, groups, communities and organizations. During 2005 and 2004, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recognized and awarded MSSWA for its service and participation in RSVP events, such as the County Senior Games. The association is consistently recognized for its annual food and toy drives for needy families. MSSWA also unites MSW students and provides support for members as a group, as well as provides services to the community and the student body. The association operates within the student affairs policies and procedures of the university. A faculty advisor is assigned to provide administrative and technical guidance as well as facilitate communication between the MSW Program and the student association. The MSW Student Association President serves as a member of the MSW Program Advisory Council.

The FSU Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) was established in the Spring of 2004. The purpose of NABSW is to provide a means whereby undergraduate and graduate social work students may exchange ideas, offer their services, and develop and enhance skills in the interest of the Black community, and communities at large. Students learn about the field of social work and the roles and responsibilities of social workers.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, provides a channel for social workers to network and stay abreast of social work best practices. Social work students may join NASW at one quarter of the regular dues and after graduation are offered a transitional membership rate for two years. The NASW membership packet includes Social Work Journal Subscription, NASW News, NASW-NC Newsletter, professional development announcements, job vacancy announcements, and other resources. See NASW web site for additional information.

Phi Alpha is a national honor society for social work students. BSW and MSW students are eligible for membership after achieving national and local chapter requirements. Student members meet monthly to define community based activities and to generate ideas for enhancing learning opportunities for themselves and their peers. A representative from Phi Alpha attends faculty departmental and program meetings representing the interests of their peers and making recommendations for program and policy change.

The purpose of Black Feminist Scholars shall be providing a space for discussion, collaboration, empowerment, advocating and activism regarding issues of racial, social, political and economic injustice and inequality. Black Feminist Scholars provides a space to examine social injustices and issues from a lens of intersectionality, deeper conceptualizing how factors such gender, race, ethnicity, and class scope social problems. Black Feminist Scholars will aim to promote critical consciousness and feminism on campus and within the community. Black Feminist Scholars consists of a diverse range of individuals promoting social change. Black Feminist Scholars strives to be as non-hierarchical as possible in its organization and discussion.

Peace Corps Recruitment Office has been established in 2014 in the School of Social Work. Peace Corps searches for volunteers who are primarily pursuing degrees in social sciences, education, health, community economic development, agriculture, environment, youth development, and humanities. In addition, Peace Corps wants volunteers who can adapt in multiple geographic and professional placement settings. Volunteers must have an undergraduate degree and be willing to serve for two years in Peace Corps. By serving as volunteers, FSU students gain two years of international work experience in their chosen profession. This experience serves as a strong credential and career pathway upon completion of their volunteer work. As volunteers, students have an opportunity to travel abroad to learn a new language, live in another culture and develop leadership skills. Through their service, Volunteers gain unparalleled work experience, unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. The mission of Peace Corps aligns with one of the goals of FSU, which is to provide students with learning experiences that prepare them to serve as global citizens, leaders and change agents for shaping the future.

Most of the professional social work organizations encourage student participation through student memberships, student paper competitions, and committee service. Some of the most visible professional social work organizations are:

• American Public Human Services Association

• Association for Community Practice & Social Administration

• Association of Oncology Social Work

• Child Welfare League of America, Inc.

• Clinical Social Work Federation

• Council on Social Work Education

• Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research

• Latino Social Work Association

• National Association of Social Workers

• National Association of Asian American Social Workers

• National Organization of Forensic Social Work

• North American Association of Christians in Social Work

• North Carolina School Social Workers Association

• North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board

• Rural Social Work Caucus

• Welfare Information Network