The New BSWSA

By Mandee Henderson, BSWSA Co-President

During the current school year, many have noticed a difference in the structure, involvement, and activity of the Bachelor of Social Work Student Association (BSWSA) at the College of Social Work. These changes include efforts to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills needed for effective social work practice. We have increased student opportunities to engage in community outreach and volunteer work, student leadership, networking with peers, and exposure to a variety of community programs, resources, and needs, as well as interaction with various marginalized or at-risk populations.

Other changes have modified the structure of BSWSA. Several new positions have been created to provide more students with opportunities to participate in ways that interest them. These positions include placements on the Executive Board as well as the Service, Social, Environmental, or Communication committees. Currently, an amendment to the BSWSA constitution is pending which would solidify these structural changes for the future.

Recently these committees have organized and executed service activities, volunteering with the St. Vincent De Paul Center’s Soup Kitchen and Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN). These activities have been very successful and have seen some of the highest student participation rates since BSWSA was founded six years ago. When asked about these activities, Joalba Boyd, BSWSA Service Committee Chair, said “I think we are doing something that is so needed for the students. We have a chance to help the community and develop ourselves as social workers, and a lot of students are taking the chance to participate because they see that.”

In the future, BSWSA hopes to continue this emphasis on student development and community outreach as they strive to support BSW students in achieving their full potential, both in academic and professional pursuits.