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New N.C. chapter of “Social Work with Groups” association seeks members

Faculty from the UNC School of Social Work and UNC-G and N.C. State University’s social work departments are collaborating to form a local N.C. chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.  The mission of AASWG is to promote group work practice, education, research and publications. In addition the benefit of an annual conference, members also receive the journal Social Work with Groups.

An advantage of having a state chapter is that it would provide opportunities for practitioners in both direct and macro practice to share their successes, methods, and challenges in a more intimate setting without having to travel as far. “We have many talented and creative social work professionals in this state who are doing all kinds of innovative groups,” said UNC School of Social Work faculty member Anne Jones. “It would be great to have forums around the state where social workers can come together, share their experiences and present their work.”

With cost-cutting measures everywhere, groups are increasingly being mandated as a preferred treatment modality by many organizations and managed care companies. “Groups can be very effective and powerful forms of treatment, but they can also be very challenging. It is important to have specialized skills in this area,” says Jones.

More information about AASWG and how to join can be found on their website, aaswg.org. The cost is $70 per year, and $35 for students and retired members. Current or potential members can also email Dr. Jones at annejone@email.unc.edu.