Want to combine your professional and personal interests? Join one of our student organizations and make friends while gaining skills and service hours! All Social Work students are provided with the opportunity to organize in their own interest through the University and School of Social Work.  For more information on student organizations, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (313) 577-4409 or visit the Dean of Students Office website.  The Social Work organizations listed below are open to all students. 

Social Work Student Alliance

In 2021, the School created an umbrella organization for our growing list of student organizations, the Social Work Student Alliance (SWSA). The Alliance is a one-stop shop for all student activities at the School of Social Work. If you are looking for academic assistance, wellness resources, or student advocacy opportunities, the Social Work Student Alliance is the place to be. To get involved, simply join our Student Alliance Zoom call, every Tuesday from 3-4 pm. Connect via Get Involved or contact Project Coordinator Andre Iadipaolo at eu6337@wayne.edu.

Social Work Student Organizations

Faculty Liason to Social Work Student Organizations: Judith Wineman at ft2232@wayne.edu

• Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW): The ABSW at Wayne State chapter. The ABSW Wayne State chapter is a Black student-led organization that leads special events and projects. ABSW aims to create a sacred space for social justice, activism, and advocacy within the WSU Social Work community. Connect via Get Involved, Instagram or contact Vice President Damon Creighton at gj2853@wayne.edu.
• Coalition of Community Social Workers (CCSW): CCSW is the macro-practice student organization at the Wayne State School of Social Work. CCSW provides social work students from all concentrations hands-on opportunities to experience macro social work. Connect via Get Involved, Instagram or contact President Casey Lee at gl0773@wayne.edu.
• NAMI Warriors: NAMI Warriors is an exciting extension of NAMI's mission into the campus community. This is a student-led NAMI affiliate organization that tackles mental health issues on Wayne State's campus by raising mental health awareness, educating the campus community, supporting students, promoting services and supports and advocating. Learn more Connect via President Dorothy Vandekieft at hj7084@wayne.edu or Staff Liason Shelly Seguin ac3475@wayne.edu. 
• Muslim Women's Social Work Association (MWSA): The Muslim Women's Social Work Association specializes in direct service to various Detroit communities. The MWSA signature event is "Blessing Bags", which takes place in mid-winter and packs over 300 food packages for distribution to individuals experiencing homelessness. Connect via Get Involved, Instagram or contact President Malak Alrifai at hd6674@wayne.edu.
• Rad(ical) Social Workers (Rad SWs): Rad social workers (Rad SWs) is a new and developing group of students and faculty at Wayne State University. We are dedicated to the education and practice of radical and abolitionist social work perspectives. We are creating and sustaining a supportive community for those who are dedicated to critical thought and action in social work. Connect via Get Involved, Discord server, or contact Faculty Liason Kess Ballentine at kessballentine@wayne.edu or President Hannah Mathers at eh0819@wayne.edu.
• Social Work Disability Justice Coalition: The Social Work Disability Justice Coalition has a strong mission to raise awareness about equal access across Wayne State University and the broader Detroit community. Coalition members can expect challenging dialogue about DEIA. Connect via Get Involved, Instagram or contact President El Johnson at fz2669@wayne.edu.
• Social Entrepreneurship Organization (SWSE): This organization promotes social entrepreneurship wihtin the School of Social Work, the Wayne State campus, and the wider community. Social entrepreneurship has increasingly become a focus within the School it works to expand and strengthen its macro training, most notably through the revision of its MSW concentration in Innovations in Community, Policy, and Leadership (I-CPL). Connect via Get Involved or contact President Tomiko Gumbleton at cu5101@wayne.edu.
• Social Work Queer Alliance (SWQA): The SWQA  is committed to creating an accepting and supportive community for all people through education, advocacy, and social action. Together we discuss current issues, learn from each other, and provide safe resources for the LGBTQ community. Connect via Get Involved, Instagram or contact President Kristen Prasiloski, at go9937@wayne.edu.
• Social Work Peer Support (SWPS): SWPS is the School's official WSU supported Learning Community. SWPS is here to provide personal and academic guidance for any social work student as they progress through the program.
  Peer mentors are available for one-on-one appointments and hold support groups and events throughout the year. SWPS also offers discussion boards and modules for student success, all available on our SWPS Canvas page. Additionally in 2023, SWPS launched a Poetry and Art Journal. Connect via our Canvas page, Get Involved, Instagram or contact Lead Mentor Stacey Woggon at gt2776@wayne.edu.
• Unidad de Guerrero/a(s): "Unity of Warriors" highlights the Latino/a/x social work students while providing a safe forum to discuss their experiences in the social work program and their paths. Connect via Get Involved
• Wayne Defenders: Social Work and Law Students for Holistic Defense: Wayne Defenders aims to build a strong interdisciplinary network of holistic defense minded individuals from the law and social work fields, who are committed to mutual support, professional development, mentorship, and community outreach. Connect with President Tamara McQueen at hi3892@wayne.edu. 

Social Work Student Research Community

The Social Work Student Research Community (SWSRC), formerly known as SMART was founded in 2010 to promote, develop, and sustain an environment in which Social Work students are afforded opportunities to apply theoretical foundations for research to the real world. SWSRC is a cross-program community designed to provide opportunities for students to attend professinal development events, collaborate with social work faculty on your current research projects, and access online resources to guide you through the research process.

For more information on Social Work Student Research Community please contact Kendra Wells at kendrajwells@wayne.edu or visit the Center for Social Work Research website here.