Student Organizations
M.S.W. Portland Campus Program
Within the School of Social Work, there are two active organizations of students who support the mission of the School and pursue social work values of participation and social justice: the Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA) and the Organization of Graduate Students of Social Work.
Organization of Graduate Students of Social Work (OGSSW)
The Organization of Graduate Students of Social Work (OGSSW) is the student government organization with the School of Social Work (SSW) at Portland State University (PSU). Our mission is to cultivate a community within the SSW which promotes and upholds socially responsible education, justice, and action.
Programs & Events
Each year, OGSSW is responsible for assisting with organization major events and services, including the: New MSW Student Orientation & Welcoming and the MSW Student Graduation Ceremony. Student leaders in the OGSSW are responsible for organizing student services vital to the SSW student body, including the Mentorship Program as well as coordinating support services such as cooperative babysitting and student carpools. Our statewide outreach efforts serve the SSW students body including students commuting from Salem, Ashland, Bend, Eugene/Springfield, Roseburg, and Coos Bay.
Student Representation
The OGSSW ensures that student members participate in decision-making
processes that directly impact the SSW students, faculty, and staff.
OGSSW appoints students to attend faculty committees and vote on matters
including admissions, cultural diversity, curriculum development,
faculty, and student affairs.
The purpose of the OGSSW is to build community, systemic, and environmental
networks among the SSW students, faculty, and staff in order to support
an academic program and institution that is committed to social justice.
Programs such as the New Student Orientation and services such as
the Mentorship Program exist to establish and strengthen professional
relationships within and on behalf of the SSW. Per the constitution,
OGSSW utilizes a listserve, mailings, and word-of-mouth to disseminate
information to the SSW students, faculty, and staff.
Through the above named programs and services, OGSSW strives to strengthen the OGSSW student body for a more informed, culturally enriched, and responsible community. Faculty committees, for example, provide opportunities for students to use their voice to actively mold their cohorts academic milieu. OGSSW is committed to developing responsible leadership and resources in the SSW community that will be passed onto the next generation of social workers.
To be added to the OGSSW listserve, please send an email to: PSU_MSW_listserve@yahoo.com.
Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA)
Organization & Mission
The Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA) is a national organization of progressive social workers and other human service workers. The Alliance is based on principles that reflect a concern for social and economic justice, peace and coalition building with progressive social movements. The Portland chapter is comprised of School of Social Work (SSW) students and community members. We work to both advocate for Progressive social work practice and principles at the SSW and to further coalitions with community organizations and social movements working to eradicate poverty and oppression.
Meetings & Events
Our chapter meets bi-monthly, with additional leadership and planning meetings scheduled as needed. We host at least two presentations each term addressing progressive social work and anti-oppressive practice. We are involved in the New Student Orientations and collaborate with the Student Government and SSW faculty. We engage in community projects, political advocacy and activism through our action network.
Participation
Our chapter is open to students and community members. We presently have six leadership positions, including Coordinator, Financial Coordinator, Community Outreach, Activities Director, Student Outreach and Listserv Coordinator. These positions begin in Summer term and end in Spring term. We encourage any individuals in the helping professions to come share ideas, receive support, engage in political action and advocate within the School of Social Work.
To be added to the Portland SWAA listserv, please send an email to bikerbillboyd@hotmail.com.
