The International Federation of Business and Professional Women is one of the human service
organizations that I am familiar with that offers many opportunities for all of its members. As a
student, it cost $90 for the year to become a member. BPW develops the business, professional, and
leadership potential of women on all levels through advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill
building, and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world (BPW International).
Being a part of BPW as a student allows women to build their careers and network with different clubs
and different club members. Each month there are motivational speakers who come and collaborate
with the group to encourage success. BPW also offers scholarships and housing for students who are
trying to continue their education. At Florida State University, BPW owns a house for members to stay
in while taking courses. BPW offers many different uplifting and motivating events that push women
to be better people.
Students can also become members of the National Organization for Human Services. The National
Organization for Human Services aims to strengthen individuals and communities through human
services. The National Organization for Human Services is a nonprofit organization representing
Human Service practitioners, educators, students, and future Human Service Professionals. NOHS
works to support all Human Service Professionals and allow individuals and communities to function
as effectively as possible (Burke). Yearly, membership is $35. The NOHS has several opportunities for
students to further their careers. NOHS offers scholarships, free resume evaluation, access to job
boards, the ability to meet new people, and endless volunteer opportunities. If the human service
industry is an industry that you are interested in, the NOHS would be an ideal organization to join.
Generally, trade and professional associations are non-profit membership organizations whose
members are interested in the same subject matter. Professional organizations (also called professional
societies) bring together individuals working in the same industry. Trade and professional associations
aim to promote their members' economic activities through cooperation and ethical behavior. There
are several professional organizations devoted to the human services sector, including:
NABSW National Association of Black Social Workers- www.NABSW.org
Founded in 1968, the National Association of Black Workers Inc. provides a platform for black social
workers to reconnect with their African heritage and help people understand how black social workers
pioneered solutions to social welfare issues both in the past and present. In addition, the association
provides opportunities for training, and personal and professional development for black individuals,
social workers, and community workers to improve their communities. NABSW is committed to
empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. A
mission that aims to eliminate poverty, racial dominance, and economic exploitation of people of
African ancestry. NABSW will continue leveraging its collective expertise with national,
international, and other appropriate groups to strategically develop the capacity of people of African
ancestry to prosper and sustain themselves (NABSW, 2022).
As a national, state, and local advocacy organization, NABSW promotes, defends, and liberates the
Black Community. There are more than 100 NABSW membership chapters throughout the continental
U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, and over 30 university and college student chapters. Additionally,
there are affiliate groups in both West and South Africa. National and international conferences are
held by NABSW every year for its members and potential members bringing scholars, practitioners,
and administrators with conferees from various social work settings to discuss a summer opportunity
to experience African culture, heritage, and social institutions by traveling to Africa and African
countries. Additionally, students can participate in a mentoring program, access a student-specific
office, and apply for scholarships. They receive the same benefits as regular members. Students can
become members by joining a college or university chapter, and they must attend the
college/university in which their chapter has its headquarters. Often, student chapters hold meetings,
host events, and serve as ambassadors for their schools and communities. Students from each chapter
vote at national and quarterly sessions (NABSW, 2022). Student memberships include the following:
• Networking opportunities
• Discounted full-time student membership
• Discounted pricing for State, Regional, National, and International Conferences
• The opportunity to participate in quarterly national Steering Committee meetings
• Local chapter and National leadership opportunities
• Access to webinars and online trainings
• Continuing education Units
• Opportunities for study in the Organization’s African Centered Social work Academy
• Awards to recognize individual and chapter accomplishments
• Website exposure for chapters and members
• c c c Access to NABSW Position Papers and Position Statements
(NABSW, 2022)
In having a brief conversation with Terry, a member of the National Office staff, located in
Washington, D.C., the membership fee for students is $15.00 (students must presently attend a degree
program), and proof of enrollment is required. Among the educational opportunities available for
eligible student members:
• Book Scholarships
Delois Whitaker Caldwell
Dr. Theresa L. Roberts
Stella M. Browne
• Tuition Scholarships
“Jomo” Williams
Dr. Morris & Jeff F.X., Jr
Dr. Frederick E. Smith
Delois Whitaker Caldwell
• Scholarships span $1000-$2500
(NABSW, 2022)
By joining NABSW offers the opportunity to become culturally adept by developing awareness of
your cultural beliefs and values and how they may differ from those of others, including learning
about and honoring the diverse cultures of those you work with. As a result, you gain a deeper
understanding of and respect for families' history, cultures, languages, traditions, and child-rearing
practices, as well as their different capabilities and abilities. Cultural competency is imperative
because our opportunities to build those relationships are impossible without it. Besides, by coexisting
with people we don't understand, we increase the risk of misunderstanding, conflict, and bias.
Although this organization is highly commendable, unfortunately I do not meet the criteria for
membership.
APHA American Public Health Association- www.APHA.org
Founded in 1872, APHA offers in particular, strong policy statements on critical public health issues,
like obesity, maternity care, controlling infectious diseases, and eliminating disparities in access to
health care. In addition to shaping, writing briefs, sharing research, and referencing public health
work, APHA advocates are instrumental in framing the field. They contribute to tracking disease
outbreaks, preventing injuries, and understanding why some of us are more prone to getting sick than
others. Take on action with regard to public health includes advocating for laws that support smoking-
free indoor environments, promoting wellness, and bringing science-based solutions to the table. The
public health system saves money, improves our quality of life, ensures that children thrive, and
lessens suffering (APHA, 2022).
According to APHA (2022), the student membership program with APHA provides you with the tools
and resources you need to get started in public health and expand your expertise. With 8,000+
members, the Student Assembly is the nation's largest student-led public health organization and
offers several benefits. Members of APHA can also take advantage of leadership opportunities and
scholarships to attend meetings. All of APHA's core benefits are also available to students, including:
Community- networking and expanding your expertise are possible through community-based
opportunities.
Professional Development- Career Mart, a job site for public health professionals, offers membership
discounts on services, including resume review, career coaching, and reference verification. A
member will also receive a discount at the annual meeting and Expo, an event dedicated to public
health.
The Science and Industry Resources- provides peer-reviewed journals, original research, program
evaluations, and special reports on public health. Whether it's state legislative news or national public
health news, these journals cover it all.
The membership fee for students is $85.00 (students must presently attend a degree program), and
proof of enrollment is required. Among the educational opportunities are:
• c c c Online degree programs at Benedictine University are discounted by 10%
• c c c 10-25% tuition discount on online degree programs at Drexel University Online
• There is a $2,500 scholarship available for qualified members at the Milken Institute School of
Public Health at GWU.
(APHA, 2022)
By joining APHA, my career as a human service professional will greatly benefit by membership in
this specialized association. In addition, getting involved in an organization offers numerous
advantages for success in the profession. When choosing a company to join, several factors, such as
opportunities for professional development, networking, advocacy, lobbying, resources, job
announcements, and career counseling are considered.
References
APHA. (2022, December 12). 150 Years APHA. Retrieved from APHA: www.apha.org
NABSW. (2022, December 14). Welcome to the National Association of Black Social Workers.
Retrieved from National Association of Black social workers: nabsw.org
BPW International. (n.d.). About BPW. BPW International. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from
https://www.bpw-international.org/about-bpw/
Burke, A. (n.d.). Membership categories. MemberClicks. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from
https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/membership-categories
