The Social Justice Innovation Initiative at the College of Social Work was made possible through a gift of longtime College supporter, Susan Cooper. The initiative offers a unique framework for understanding many of society’s most pressing issues around education, healthcare, and social justice. The focus of the initiative for 2018 was Working to Stop Racism.
The Initiative provided grants for students and faculty to creatively challenge social injustices in their communities. One of the funded projects for 2018, the Coalition of Black Social Workers was created with the goal of increasing diversity within the College and developing networking and mentoring opportunities for students of color.
The Initiative provided grants for students and faculty to creatively challenge social injustices in their communities. One of the funded projects for 2018, the Coalition of Black Social Workers was created with the goal of increasing diversity within the College and developing networking and mentoring opportunities for students of color.
Mission statement
The Coalition of Black Social Workers exists to engage, connect, and empower Black social work students and professionals in the community, with the goal of increasing awareness about issues specific to the Black community and cultivating a network of support.
Membership
Coalition of Black Social Workers membership is open to all individuals who either hold a BSW/BSSW, MSW/MSSW, DSW, or PhD in social work or are currently pursuing one of the above degrees and is available at two distinct levels.
Full CBSW Membership :
This level is for students and professionals who are of African descent and hold or are currently pursuing a BSW/BSSW, MSW/MSSW, DSW, or PhD in social work.
Full Membership benefits are as follows:
- Mentoring opportunities
- Closed student group discussions for connection, support, and empowerment
- Ability to run for an officer in the CBSW student group
- Ability to serve as a CBSW Board Member
- Access to closed CBSW Facebook Group
Friend of the CBSW Membership:
This level is for students and professionals who are not of African descent and hold or are currently pursuing a BSW/BSSW, MSW/MSSW, DSW, or PhD in social work.
Friend Membership benefits are as follows:
- Access to CBSW trainings, conference, and other educational opportunities
- Student participation in Social Justice Field Trips
- Providing requested support from the Full CBSW Members
- Access to CBSW Facebook Page and Instagram account
Please complete the Membership Application if you would like to join.
Mentorship
One of the benefits of being a member of the Coalition is the ability for students to connect with social work professionals of color. If you are a student who is interested in being connected to a mentor, please complete the Mentee Application . Once your application is received, someone from the Coalition will be in contact with you.
If you are a professional who wants to be involved in guiding and coaching a social work student of color, then please complete the Mentor Application .
Mentorship Expectations:
- One point of contact per month during the student’s school year. A point of contact can be defined as a phone call to check-in, meeting for coffee, attending a training together, etc.
- Availability to answer questions, give advice, and offer support.
- Commitment of one year with your student.
Benefits of Mentoring:
- Enhancement of leadership and coaching skills
- An opportunity to give back to the community and to the profession
- Satisfaction from sharing wisdom and experience without a significant time commitment
- Increased productivity due to increased satisfaction
- Opportunity to stay up to date with current trends in the profession
