The National Association of Social Workers: The National Association of Social Workers was
founded in 1955, and it is the largest memberships of social workers in the world. The NASW helps
social workers reach the next level when it comes to improving themselves thus creating professional
development programs which are free or discounted if you are a part of NASW. There are two
scholarships available for students to obtain: the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship and the
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship. BSW and MSW students wanting to join NASW have to
pay 60$, and it is due annually. The benefits you receive from joining this organization are, free and
discounted continuing education, connecting with peers, legal resources, and becoming an advocate.
National Organization for Human Services: The NOHS is a nonprofit organization representing future
Human Services professionals as well as the present. Their objectives are, providing resources and
opportunities for Human Service Professionals in their professional development, fostering excellence
in teaching, research and curriculum planning, promoting social justice through advocacy and policy
evaluation. The purpose is to strengthen people and their communities through human services. There
are newsletters, and magazines that keep you up to date on current trends as well as podcasts and
journals. Students can join NOHS for 35$ per year, and the benefits are as stated above in addition to
free resume evaluations, volunteer opportunities, applying for members only grants/scholarships,
networking, speaking at conferences, etc.
I would love to join both organizations because they provide the resources and expertise needed to
excel as a school social worker. I can utilize the scholarships for my BSW and MSW. I can add
volunteering to my resume in addition to getting it evaluated, and I can showcase my skills by
networking and attending conferences will other experienced professionals. Being around a
community of human services professionals would help build my confidence up as I am working
towards my goals.
The two professional organizations I chose that serve Human Services Professionals are American
Counseling Association and North American Associations for Christians in Social Work. The
American Counseling Association was founded in 1952 and is the world's largest association that
represents professional counselors. The membership fee for this organization is $105 for students per
year. Some benefits for joining this organization is discounted liability insurance, free continuing
education credits, discounted rates on book, Grants for support, and career consultations and access to
job boards. I would join this organization because the benefits are extraordinary. Also, I would love to
network with counselors from all over the world.
The North American Association for Christians in Social Work was founded in 1950 and previously
known as the Evangelical Social Work Conference. This organization is represented by a diversity of
Christian Denominations and traditions. The overall mission of the agency is to combine Christian
faith and professional social work practice. The student membership fee for this organization is $32
for on year. The benefits of this organization is online discounted book store, online continuing
education, podcasts, membership directory, grants, job net for job listings, and local chapters and
fellowship groups. I would to join this organization because it focuses on incorporating religion into
social work practices.
The first organization I found is the American Counseling Association founded in 1952. The
membership fee for students is $105. Some of the benefits this association offers are credibility such
as, discounted insurance, professional ethics consultations, and opportunity to market your practice.
As well as advocacy benefits such as action alerts and legislative news updates, training and
continuing education credit through other sites. The community offers career consultations, and access
to job boards, along with discounted rates on books, grants, discounted rates on rental cars, and
softwares. I not would join this organization because it offers benefits that do not pertain as much to
me, for a price that seems high compared to some of the other organizations.
The second organization I found is the National Council on Family Relations founded in 1938. This
membership cost for students is $100. Some of the benefits that come with this membership are
discounts on products and programs, an annual conference every year, focus groups to work with other
members, resume programs that help build the longevity of someones career. I would not join this one
either because the membership fee also seems high compared to other ones. In addition to that, the
benefits do not seem like benefits that are anymore beneficial than any other membership.
I found both organizations very intriguing. They Both seem to have a commitment to improving the
lives of those who need help. The human services industry is an industry that can be very rewarding
because of the satisfaction of knowing that you are making an impact on the lives of others, and thus,
help make the world a better place. c Here are my thoughts on each.
The National Human Services Assembly
I really like this organization as it strives to build a collaborative community that is committed to
providing equity to the clients who use their services. Their code of ethics emphasizes accountability
not only to the Government, but also the public who utilize their services. By sponsoring activities
such as peer councils, and events aimed at bringing the brightest minds to the table to have the ability
to change people’s lives. I think I would find it stimulating to be at the table for the meetings that make
their events take place.
National Organization for Human Services
Their mission statement is:
The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) is a nonprofit organization representing
Human Service practitioners, educators, students, and future Human Service Professionals. NOHS
works to support all Human Service Professionals in our primary purpose to assist individuals and
communities to function as effectively as possible in all major domains of living. c
I think I would enjoy working with this organization as it seems to have well-established resources
when it comes to planning and providing resources for Human Services professionals with their
professional development. I think this is a great way to give back to the industry by supporting the
people within the organization. I also can respect the stringent code of ethics they abide by.
American Counseling Association. (2018). About Us. https://www.counseling.org/about-us/about-aca
National Council on Family Relations. (2020). About us. https://www.ncfr.org/about
https://www.counseling.org/membership/aca-and-you/students
https://www.nacsw.org/membership/benefits-services/
NASW Home. NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Retrieved December 15, 2022,
from https://www.socialworkers.org/
Admin, M. C. (n.d.). Home. MemberClicks. Retrieved December 15, 2022, from
https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/
https://www.nationalassembly.org/
https://www.nationalhumanservices.org/join-now
