Table of Contents

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22 Most Popular Association of Black Social Workers Sites: A Complete Site List

Introduction

Are you familiar with the adage,“ the more things change, the more things stay the same?” The adage implies that although there seems to be a lot of significant changes occurring, nothing of importance has changed much at all. I can’t think of a place where that is more true than with the representation gap of Black Social Workers in our profession. If you, like me, have spent hours scouring the internet looking for the best resources, conferences and associations for Black Social Workers, then this list is for you!

Fueled by a shared purpose: to uplift, empower and to bring justice to marginalized communities, these associations have taken up the mantle to form collective groups of Black Social Workers who stand united as a force for good, advocating tirelessly for those who need us most. The purpose of this list is to celebrate us– the unsung heroes of the Social Work profession, who are underrepresented and sometimes unnoticed. This is why these organizations were formed. By creating these associations of Black Social Workers, we are able to shine a light on our trials, share our stories, and inspire each other to continue making a difference. I hope you appreciate this list and I invite you to share it with another Black Social Worker!

The Importance of Black Social Workers

We as Black Social Workers, especially at the micro level of practice, play a pivotal role in addressing systemic inequalities that persist in our society. The importance of our role can’t be understated, as we often bring a unique understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Because for many of us, we WERE that person who felt the weight of those struggles and now we’re committed to being the advocate we wished we had. This makes it possible for us to stand in the gap for those we serve, bringing an empathetic approach and first hand experiences. At the macro level, we see how policies, practices and “doing business as usual” impacts the lives of individuals and families, sometimes keeping them from accessing opportunities that can significantly improve the quality of their lives.

My goal in creating this list of Association of Black Social Workers sites was to make it easier for us to have a comprehensive list for Black Social Workers from all over the world. We know how important it is for us to constantly affirm our identity and to see ourselves represented in various Social Worker spaces. We understand, perhaps better than anyone, that representation matters. When we step in, we bring with us an understanding that goes beyond words. We’ve lived the struggle, felt the triumphs, and walked the path toward progress. That connection is what makes our impact as Black Social Workers so powerful.

Percentage of Black Social Workers

Key facts about the social work profession were revealed in findings from a study conducted by The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and George Washington University Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity. The study revealed that about 64% of Social Workers are white women, 22% of new Social Workers are Black/African American and 14% are Hispanic/Latino. Below are other percentages of Black Social Workers compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

What percentage of Social Workers Are Black?

White: Approximately 75-80% of Social Workers identify as White
Black/African American: Around 10-15%
Hispanic/Latino: Roughly 10-15% identify as Hispanic or Latino
Asian: Approximately 5% identify as Asian
Other races/ethnicities make up the remaining percentage

Gender of Social Work Professionals

Women: The majority of Social Workers are women, making up 85-90% of the profession
Men: Men account for approximately 10-15% of Social Workers

As the data indicates, only around 10%-15% of Social Workers identify as Black Social Workers, highlighting a significant underrepresentation in the profession. And when we talk about black male Social Workers, the numbers are even lower. This lack of Black Social Workers highlights the urgent need for increased diversity within every area of social work practice. Associations of Black Social Workers help bridge this gap by ensuring new and seasoned Social Workers receive and have access to culturally competent education and skill development. These associations play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among Black Social Workers, so they are encouraged to remain actively engaged in the profession. They also advocate for greater representation, addressing the lack of Black Social Workers in highly influential roles such as schools, therapy offices, case management positions, as well as leadership and decision-making roles within organizations.

With the percentage of Black Social Workers being so low, it’s no wonder why so many Black Social Workers feel isolated in their work and express to me how they want to feel more appreciated for their contribution in their role and to the profession overall. They also want to feel more heard by their white female co-workers and supervisors. This is why associations for black Social Workers are so important, because they enhance and support the mental and emotional well-being of Social Workers.

What is the Black Social Workers Association?

When you search online, you might find the terms “the association of black Social Workers” or “the black Social Workers association.” Technically these are all terms related to the oldest and longest standing organization in the US for black Social Workers, which is The National Association of Black Social Workers or NABSW.

Because this article will provide a comprehensive list of all Black Social Work Associations around the world that may not be affiliated with the NABSW, I will continue to use the general term Black Social Work Association, to distinguish these organizations from the specific work and mission of the NABSW. A comprehensive list of all of the active National Association of Black Social Work (NABSW) chapters can be found here. Or you can click the link to learn more about National Association of Black Social Workers membership.

What is the National Association of Black Social Workers?

According to the NABSW website, The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. We will work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial domination, economic exploitation, and cultural oppression. In collaboration with national, international, and other appropriate groups, NABSW will continue to leverage its collective expertise to strategically develop the capacity of people of African ancestry to sustain and flourish.”

The NABSW’s vision

The NABSW’s vision is guided by the Principles of the Nguzo Saba, which are Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith, and the Seven Cardinal Virtues of Ma’at, which are Right, Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity, Balance, and Harmony.

National Association of Black Social Workers Code of Ethics

Below is the National Association of Black Social Workers Code of Ethics:

In America today, no Black person, except the selfish or irrational, can claim neutrality in the quest for Black liberation nor fail to consider the implications of the events taking place in our society. Given the necessity for committing ourselves to the struggle for freedom, we as Black Americans practicing in the field of social welfare, set forth this statement of ideals and guiding principles.

If a sense of community awareness is a precondition to humanitarian acts, then we as Black Social Workers must use our knowledge of the Black community, our commitments to its self-determination, and our helping skills for the benefit of Black people as we marshal our expertise to improve the quality of life of Black people. Our activities will be guided by our Black consciousness, our determination to protect the security of the Black community, and to serve as advocates to relieve suffering of Black people by any means necessary.

Therefore, as Black Social Workers we commit ourselves, collectively, to the interests of our Black brethren and as individuals subscribe to the following statements:

I regard as my primary obligation the welfare of the Black individual, Black family, and Black community and will engage in action for improving social conditions.

I give precedence to this mission over my personal interest.

I adopt the concept of a Black extended family and embrace all Black people as my brothers and sisters, making no distinction between their destiny and my own.

I hold myself responsible for the quality and extent of service I perform and the quality and extent of service performed by the agency or organization in which I am employed, as it relates to the Black community.

I accept the responsibility to protect the Black community against unethical and hypocritical practice by any individual or organizations engaged in social welfare activities.

I stand ready to supplement my paid or professional advocacy with voluntary service in the Black public interest.
I will consciously use my skills, and my whole being as an instrument for social change, with particular attention directed to the establishment of Black social institutions.

Black Social Workers association in the US

National Association of Black Social Workers
Alliance of Black Social Workers -NABSW Philadelphia chapter website
Bay area Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
Buffalo association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter facebook page
Black Social Workers Boston – NABSW chapter website same as Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
California Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
Chicago Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
Black Social Workers Georgia – Atlanta Association of Black Social Workers | NABSW chapter website
Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
Minnesota Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website
New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers– NABSW chapter website
NJ Association of Black Social Workers – NJ NABSW chapter website
Association of Black Social Workers nyc – NABSW chapter website
NABSW Ohio Chapter

Currently there is not a Black Social Workers group in Dayton, Ohio or a NABSW chapter in Dayton. For Black Social Workers in Vandalia Ohio, Black Social Workers in Xenia, Black Social Workers in Yellow Springs Ohio, Black Social Workers in Zanesville Ohio, or any other rural or suburban parts of Ohio, the NABSW Ohio chapter is linked above. This is the best place to learn more about membership and ways to get involved.

15. Oregon Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website

16. Philadelphia Alliance of Black Social Workers

17. Richmond Association of Black Social Workers – NABSW chapter website

18. San Diego Association of Black Social Workers NABSW chapter website

Black Social Work Associations in Canada

19. Alberta Association of Black Social Workers

The Alberta Association of Black Social Workers (AABSW) is an equity-seeking network of social work professionals dedicated to upholding the inherent worth and dignity of peoples of African descent in Alberta and beyond. AABSW supports Black Social Workers through social connection, networking, peer support, mentorship, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

20. Black Social Workers Canada – Association of Black Social Workers Nova Scotia

This is the Association of Black Social Workers website and is not affiliated with the US based NABSW. For Black Social Workers in Nova Scotia, this is the primary site to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the province.

21. Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers

This is the same organization as above. The Nova Scotia ABSW offers educational and community based programming from clinical counseling to professional development.

22. Saskatchewan Association of Black Social Workers

Their mission is to provide a structure and forum through which Social Workers of African and Caribbean descent can exchange ideas, offer services and advocate for the development of programs in the interest of the Black communities of Saskatchewan. Their aim is to empower and advocate for inclusive excellence of Black Social Work students and professionals of African and Caribbean descent.

Black Social Worker Associations in the UK

The British Association of Social Workers

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the UK’s only professional membership organization for Social Work.

* if you reside in the UK and would like to add your association for Black Social Workers to the list or if you know of a UK Black Social Work Association, I would love to hear from you!

Other Associations of Black Social Workers

1. Coalition of Black Social Workers

What is the Coalition of Black Social Workers?

The Coalition of Black Social Workers exists to engage, connect, and empower Black social work students and professionals. The Coalition of Black Social Workers values Training, Education, and Amplifying Black Voices. Multiple panel discussions are held each year for the Black social work community to discuss issues that are relevant and pertinent to their experience. Most of the training opportunities are virtual so that you can log on from anywhere!

2. Black Social Workers of America

After completing a search of this organization, along with the Black Social Workers of America conference. There was no reference to this organization or conference online. All search results directed back to the National Association of Black Social Workers. There was no Black Social Workers of America membership that I could find. If you have an information or details related to Black Social Workers of America, I would love to hear from you!

3. Black Social Workers Rock

Black Social Workers Rock is a nonprofit organization designed to celebrate and embrace Social Workers of African/Black descent across the globe. The organization did have a website, but the link is not active. I have linked to their facebook page and included a few links where you can get a Black Social Worker Rocks hoodie or a Black Social Worker Rocks shirt.

Conclusion

This post is about the 22 most popular association of Black Social Worker Sites: A Complete Site List. When putting this list together I was SO proud of the work we are doing as a community. It warmed my heart to see the many efforts across the globe, of committed Black Social Workers, exemplifying the spirit of service and carrying the torch for transformative change to the next generation of professionals. It also highlights how our collective dedication not only makes a difference, but it also redefines what’s possible. I hope this list inspires you to take a moment to thank a fellow Black Social Worker, or to acknowledge the incredible work you do and the profound impact you have on those you serve.

Keep pushing forward, for our collective strength has the power to change the world.