• Describe the organization you researched.
• Explain how group work started in the organization.
• Explain how the group overcame organizational road blocks to success.
Respond to two colleagues who selected a different organization for review.
• Explain the similarities in the road blocks encountered between your organization and that of your colleague.
• Describe any significant similar underlying concerns.
RESPONSE1
• Describe the organization you researched.
o The organization that I researched was the American Association for the Study of Group Work, (AAGW). This organization can be tracked back to the early 20th century, as that is when group work grew as movement in social work.
• Explain how group work started in the organization.
o In the early 20th century, group work was a vital when it came to addressing societal shifts as in industrialization, population shifts to urban areas, and the waves of immigration. It originated from various organizations, including settlement houses, neighborhood centers, and labor union organizing. Social work programs started offering group work courses, moving group work closer to social work. The National Conference on Social Work formed a group work section in 1935, and the National Association for the Study of Group Work was established in 1936. The organization underwent further transformations, becoming the American Association for the Study of Group Work in 1939 and the American Association of Group Workers in 1946.
• Explain how the group overcame organizational road blocks to success.
o The group overcame organizational road blocks to success by establishing a form of formal structure, having clear objectives, and having education yet common terminology. By 1948, the American Association of Group Workers had a membership of 1,811, indicating its success in cutting across various divides.
Full Answer Section
My Organization: The American Association for the Study of Group Work (AAGW)
The AAGW, established in the early 20th century, emerged from a confluence of social forces: industrialization, urbanization, and immigration. Group work, initially practiced in settlement houses and labor unions, gradually entered social work academia. The National Conference on Social Work formalized its recognition in 1935, paving the way for the AAGW's creation in 1936.
Initial Roadblocks and the Path to Success:
The AAGW faced several hurdles in its early years:
- Lack of formal structure: Defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes was crucial for effective functioning.
- Inconsistent terminology: Standardized language for group work concepts and practices was essential for clear communication and collaboration.
- Limited access to education: Disseminating knowledge and best practices to social workers across the country required a robust educational infrastructure.
The AAGW tackled these challenges head-on:
- Formalizing structure: Establishing standing committees, electing leadership, and creating a constitution provided a stable framework for operations.
- Developing common language: Publishing glossaries, journals, and handbooks fostered consistent terminology and understanding within the field.
- Expanding educational opportunities: Launching academic programs, organizing conferences, and collaborating with universities ensured widespread knowledge dissemination.
By 1948, the AAGW boasted a membership of 1,811, demonstrating its success in overcoming early roadblocks and establishing itself as a vital force in the field of group work.
Responding to Colleagues:
Colleague 1: Your organization, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), shares several similarities with the AAGW in its early struggles. Both organizations faced challenges related to:
- Defining professional identity: Establishing a clear distinction between group work and other social work practices was essential for both NASW and AAGW.
- Navigating internal factions: Reconciling diverse perspectives and approaches within the organization required careful diplomacy and leadership.
- Securing funding and resources: Sustaining operations and expanding reach necessitated strategic fundraising efforts and resource management.
These underlying concerns highlight the universal challenges faced by group work organizations in their formative stages. Recognizing these similarities can foster a sense of shared history and understanding, even across different organizations.