What is ASGW?

The Association for Specialists in Group Work was founded in 1973 as a division of the American Counseling Association. ASGW exists so that members and other helping professionals are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to practice effective, socially just, and ethical group work in a diverse and global society.

Mission

Vision

President’s Greeting

Hello and greetings to the esteemed members of the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW)! I extend smiles and hugs to all!!

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the 51^st president as well as the second Black woman in this position! This fine organization not only recognizes the power of group work, but also endeavors to cultivate group workers with the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and cultural competence essential for delivering effective and impactful group work services to all individuals, and in a variety of settings. The success and sustainment of ASGW are attributed to our dedicated and passionate members. I express sincere gratitude to each of you, near and far.

As we commence a new year, it is essential for us to collaborate effectively to ensure that ASGW continues to thrive. I am excited to inform you that our upcoming initiatives are reflective of the mission, vision, and values that are foundational to our great organization. With sustained excitement, commitment, creativity, and motivation, ASGW can achieve new milestones. With the support and work of the entire group, we can accomplish initiatives that focus on the following:

Implementing professional development opportunities that will enhance the competency of professionals to effectively deliver culturally responsive group services to the Black community.
Illuminating the multifaceted needs of the Black community while exploring how innovative modalities and social justice approaches can be successfully integrated to address the needs identified through group work.
Updating our professional training standards to equip group workers with delivering authentic and empowering services that are transformative.

I hope you will join me in building our community to centralize meeting the needs of our most underserved members, for whom group work may be congruent, accessible, and effective. Your active role and contributions are invaluable to this process as well as in the success of implemented initiatives. As a group, we can have a remarkable and productive year!

Thank you for being amazing members, and I look forward to walking alongside you as we work together to help ASGW continue to flourish!

Blessings,

Kendra L. Jackson, Ph.D
ASGW President (2024-2025)

Mission

The purpose of the Association shall be to establish standards for professional and ethical practice; to support research and the dissemination of knowledge; and to provide professional leadership in the field of group work. In addition, the Association shall seek to extend counseling through the use of group processes; to provide a forum for examining innovative and developing concepts in group work; to foster diversity and dignity in our groups; and to be models of effective group practice.

Vision

To be an organization that…

advances ethical group work practice and implements
its national standards for group work
is recognized nationally as the preeminent group work
training organization
reflects multicultural diversity in leadership positions
is regularly developing and disseminating outstanding
group work training materials
sponsors and trains group worker leaders at a variety
of levels for a variety of settings through seminars,
workshops, and conferences
encourages an active and involved membership
is inclusive, creative, and resourceful
uses the group process observer as an essential
ingredient of organizational dynamics and advocates
its use elsewhere
fulfills our mission and lives our values
monitors and appropriately interacts with its parent
organization, the American Counseling Association

Values

As Counseling Professionals who are interested in and specialize in group work, we value the creation of community; service to our members, their clients, and the profession; and leadership as a process to facilitate the growth and development of individuals and groups.

SERVICE

LEADERSHIP

COMMUNITY

Members experience a vibrant, caring, and diverse community.
Research relevant to group work is systematically supported and disseminated.
ASGW professional standards exist, continue to evolve, and guide group work.
Helping professionals practice evidence-based and innovative group work models.
Group work professionals benefit from opportunities and resources for training, practice, and professional growth.
The principles of multiculturalism, social justice, and global perspectives permeate all group work.