University of Memphis

Student Social Work Organization

“United in Hope”

The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO) provides students with opportunities to get involved with important social issues, and to foster communication and interaction between students, faculty, and administrators in the Department of Social Work. The SSWO coordinates fund raising events, organizes volunteer activities, hosts special events with guest speakers, and sponsors social activities of interest to students.

 The 2012-2013 SSWO Officers:

Why should you join? SSWO provides opportunities for:

• Networking – increase the exchange of information among students, faculty, administrators and community service providers

• Professional Development – provide a number of opportunities to engage in professional development activities (service to community, fundraising events, etc), leadership development (opportunities to be involved in the planning, coordination and implementation of various projects), and exposure to individuals in the field (guest speakers, site visits)

• Fun – activities will be planned to celebrate our successes as an organization as well as to form relationships among new students who are interested in learning more about social work

Past SSWO activities include:

• “Toys for Refugee Children”
• Discover Your Major Day
• End of the Semester Pizza Party
• Faculty & Student “Meet & Greet”
• Fundraising Bake Sale
• Social Work Day on the Hill
• The NAMI Memphis Annual 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

This is your organization! The greater your involvement and effort, the more successful your endeavors will be. The membership application may be filled out and turned in to the Social Work Office in McCord Hall. Lifetime membership dues are $20.00 and include a t-shirt, so please remember to include your t-shirt size on the application.

SSWO Membership Application
SSWO Officer Application

Website: memphistigerssswo.weebly.com

Student Social Work Organization in the Community

The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO) at University of Memphis partnered with the Refugee & lmmigration Services program at Catholic Charities of West Tennessee throughout the Fall 2010 and Fall 2011 semesters. Social work students worked together to collect food, clothing, and coat donations for the organization.

The end of the semester “Toys for Refugee Children” event was a successful undertaking! Fifty-two children of families enrolled in case management services at Catholic Charities’ Refugee & Immigration Services received toys from their wish list.

Fall 2011- As the Public Relations Officer of the Student Social Work Organization, Ms. Tish Clay coordinated the Fundraising Bake Sale and the Christmas Toy Drive. The Social Work Club assisted with donations of money and toys from the children’s wish lists.

Fall 2010- As the Public Relations Officer of the Student Social Work Organization, Ms. Tywona Matthews coordinated the Christmas Toy Drive. The Social Work Club assisted with donations of money and toys from the children’s wish lists.

Additional social work students are volunteering this semester to continue in their effort to get involved with important social issues and empower communities.