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!

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Blessings,

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

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