The Student Organization
Sub-Organizations
Nine sub-organizations operate under the umbrella of Student Organization. Each of these groups is concerned with significant issues of an identified population within the student body. Sub-organizations elect their own set of officers, and each group receives funds from the Student Organization. These funds are to be budgeted for specific programs and events, for the student body, i.e., seminars, guest speakers, and group functions.
Asian and Asian-American Student Organization
The Asian and Asian-American Student Organization is committed to the promotion of mutual support and cultural understanding of people of various Asian ethnic backgrounds in the social work community. The group endeavors to raise the level of consciousness and awareness of social work students on Asian and Asian-American related issues in the U.S. and Asian countries, and it is dedicated to promoting diversity in the social work profession.
International Students and Company
International Students and Company is a student organization that promotes awareness of international dimensions of social work. The organization welcomes international students, students from diverse cultures who may maintain connections with countries of origin, and all social work students who are interested in international issues. Activities include welcoming social events for international students, organization of international displays and presentations, and participation in the School of Social Work Annual International Day and in Social Work Day at the United Nations.
Jewish Social Work Alliance
The Jewish Social Work Alliance (JSWA) is dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of Jewish social ethics, holiday celebrations and life cycles, Jewish experiences of oppression and liberation, and interfaith dialogue. The JSWA offers the opportunity to increase students’ awareness of Jewish traditions by organizing and promoting campus activities and events while strengthening communication and interaction among students through interpersonal dialogue and support.
Latin American Student Organization
The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) was established in 1974 (then referred to as the Hispanic Students Organization) in an effort to identify the needs of Latino students, influence the policies of the school, and to provide a link between the school and the Latino community. LASO provides Puerto Rican and other Latino students in the School with a vehicle to share ideas, enhance identification with Latino culture, and express sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs and issues affecting Puerto Rican and other Latino communities.
Since its inception, LASO has been concerned with the need for professional Puerto Rican and Latino social workers. For the past several years, LASO has worked directly with the faculty of the Puerto Rican Studies Project in the recruitment and retention of Latino students. In addition to numerous conferences, workshops, seminars, and cultural events, LASO and the Puerto Rican Studies Project faculty continue to co-sponsor Hispanic Youth Conferences, special workshops, and other activities aimed at enhancing and strengthening Puerto Rican and Latino social work students, service providers, and the larger society.
Committee for Multicultural Awareness and Social Justice (CMASJ)
The Committee for Multicultural Awareness and Social Justice was formed by students in 2004 to increase awareness and acceptance around all types of diversity and to encourage an empathetic understanding of how diverse populations are affected by interlocking systems of oppression. The CMASJ seeks to go beyond the popularly-accepted superficial understanding of diversity to encourage and support a reflexive self-awareness that forms the basis of effective and ethically responsible social work practice. Committee membership is open to all interested students, faculty and staff. The Committee meets at least once per month, typically on class days during the lunch period.
Organization of Black Social Work Students
Organized in 1968 by a group of Black students, the Organization of Black Social Work Students (OBSWS) is the local chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), a nationwide professional organization composed of more than 20,000 members. The national organization sponsors workshops and conferences of interest to Black social workers. OBSWS provides support for the Black students in the School as well as in the community. Its goal is to sensitize the School and the larger community to the culture, the experiences, and the needs of Black people of African decent through a variety of forums, workshops, symposia, and artistic displays. In addition, “Black Studies for Social Work Practice” is available as a substantive area.
With the aid of faculty and administration, OBSWS hopes to continue to develop the Black perspective in course content. OBSWS feels that this is critical in light of increased negative racial attitudes in this society. Although changing stereotypes, beliefs, and attitudes is a difficult task to bear, OBSWS maintains that Black social workers cannot give up if they are to be agents of change, if they are to make this world more equal and humane. OBSWS invites all Black students to participate in this organization.
PRIDE
PRIDE is concerned with offering support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally social work students; eliminating sexism and homophobia within the school, social service agencies, and society; and establishing a state/nationwide network among similar student organizations to fight for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights. This is accomplished through the annual sponsorship of school educational programs and social activities for students and faculty and by outreach to the community, particularly to the school’s field agencies. PRIDE affirms the National Association of Social Workers’ policy statement on homosexuality and supports NASW’s task force statement on lesbian/gay issues.
Progressive Action Committee
The Progressive Action Committee (PAC) is a vehicle for students to raise and work on issues of social concern. It seeks to complement the formal education of the social work student by providing the opportunity for students to increase their social consciousness and translate that consciousness into action. PAC began in 1980 as an informal group of concerned students who came together over their interest in the American involvement in El Salvador and worked to publicize and raise money for a rally in Washington. They continued to meet around other issues of common interest, and eventually they decided to formalize their group with a structure and a name. The name Progressive Action Committee was chosen to symbolize the group’s belief in working toward social change that benefits the welfare of all people.
Student Health Organization
The Student Health Organization (SHO) serves as a health resource/referral network on topics relevant to students’ needs, including crisis management, mental health, nutrition, exercise, pertinent health websites, and local health clinics. The SHO provides a forum for educational symposia and workshops seeking to generate interest in and awareness of important local, national and global health concerns and policies, while ultimately seeking to generate interest in and awareness of these topics. The SHO is committed to fostering a healthier occupational environment for the UConn community.
Women’s Caucus
Women’s Caucus (WC) was established in 1979 as a feminist organization. The Caucus opposes sexism, not the male gender. It challenges sexism along with ageism, ableism, racism, homophobia, and other “isms” that comprise oppression. WC provides a supportive atmosphere for students to come together to share feelings and ideas. WC strives to educate the school community on the current issues that women are facing. All interested women and men are welcome to attend programs and scheduled meetings. Women of diverse backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed.