Social Work Dept.

Student Organizations

The Social Work Student Organization, composed of social work students, provides services to individuals and families in the community.  Its activities include participation in civic and charitable work, and community development.  The Organization contributes to the enrichment of students by helping them learn and understand social needs, services, and issues.  Students acquire an understanding and an appreciation of social work as a profession.

National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) Student Chapter

Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers
(NABSW)

The National Association of Black Social Workers was founded in May, 1968 to respond to the following issues related to: 1) providing human services in the Black community 2) educating social workers for competent service delivery in the Black community and 3) providing opportunities for participation of Black social workers in the social welfare arena.  NABSW believes, if a sense of community awareness is a precondition to humanitarian acts, then Black social workers must use their knowledge of the Black community, their commitment to its self-determination, and their helping skills to improve the quality of life of Black people.

The Benedict College Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers enhances students' knowledge and skills of leadership by providing opportunities for them to serve in leadership positions, to plan and implement projects, and to evaluate outcomes.  It also expands their professional network by providing opportunities for them to interact with professionals in the community and to attend and present at professional conferences. 

For the past four years, they have prepared and served Thanksgiving dinner to residents at Hannah House, a shelter for women and children.  Each year they served dinner to 40-50 residents.

For the past three years, they have provided recreational and socialization activities to elderly residents at the Read/Oak Streets Housing Complex.

They provided Easter baskets to the children at a family shelter that housed families who were victims of domestic violence.

They participated in the WISTV Class Act School Supply Drive by supplying one of the elementary schools in Richland County with educational materials.

They attend national and regional conferences and share their experiences with their peers.

One of our members, the 2006-2007 president of the Organization, was a NABSW 2004-2005 scholarship recipient.