NASW New Mexico Student Liaison Program for Social Workers
Purpose: The NASW-New Mexico (NASW-NM) Student Liaison Program is designed to identify students at all levels of social work education within New Mexico who will serve as a vital link between their respective programs and NASW-NM. This initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between universities and the NASW-New Mexico Chapter, fostering a network of student advocates for the social work profession. Liaisons will help ensure that social work students are engaged and informed about NASW-NM activities, advocacy, and events and will encourage greater participation in the broader social work community. Through this program, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and to actively addressing and dismantling systemic racism in our communities. We believe in creating a just and fair society for all.
Requirements
- Be a member of NASW New Mexico.
- Liaisons must represent their school for both Fall and Spring semesters.
- Liaisons may serve longer terms and must identify a replacement when they graduate.
- Liaisons must inform NASW-NM if they cannot continue in their role and assist in finding a replacement.
- Attend quarterly NASW-NM Town Hall meetings to stay updated on chapter activities, initiatives, and developments.
- Give students opportunities to get involved, including information about upcoming events, programs, and advocacy efforts.
- Organize and participate in tabling events to promote NASW-NM and engage with fellow students, distributing relevant materials and information.
Program Description
- Student Liaisons will be selected from BSW and MSW programs across New Mexico
- Liaisons will act as the primary voice for NASW-NM at their respective schools, distributing important information from NASW-NM to students and faculty.
- Liaisons will contact NASW-NM monthly to receive updates, new information, and relevant materials, which they will share with their programs.
- Liaisons will promote the NASW-NM Student Center section of the website and provide feedback on its content and layout.
- Liaisons will organize events and initiatives supporting social work students in New Mexico.
- Liaisons will advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the program and work toward ending systemic racism, ensuring that all social work students can contribute to a just and equitable society.
Benefits
- Leadership experience and networking opportunities with social work students and professionals throughout the state.
- Complimentary registration for the NASW-NM Virtual Fall Conference and the Ethics Conference.
- Recognition as a liaison in the NASW-NM newsletter and on the NASW-NM website.
- A Certificate of Service from NASW-NM.
- Liaison status for use on resumes and professional portfolios.
- The opportunity to contribute articles or content to the NASW-NM Newsletter, which reaches thousands of NASW-NM members.
- Access to exclusive NASW-NM events and professional development opportunities.
- A platform for meaningful conversations and actions focused on social justice, anti-racism, and systemic change.
- Enhanced opportunities to engage with students through town halls, tabling events, and other promotional activities that foster community involvement.
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CORE COMPETENCIES
Communication
An essential requirement for all Student Liaisons is to update the group at least once a month by replying to the chapter's email within two weeks. To ensure you stay on track, make it a habit to respond promptly and provide your update on the first day or week of each month. This routine will help you develop a professional habit that will benefit your post-graduation career.
Accountability
Being accountable is not just about fulfilling a duty; it's about personal growth. It requires self-awareness, recognizing strengths and areas for growth, and taking responsibility for your contributions and mistakes. By signing the agreement to become a Student Liaison, you commit to fostering a culture of accountability within the program, and in turn, you'll see significant personal development.
Motivation
Your motivation to serve NASW-NM and the social work profession should come from within. This intrinsic motivation is empowering. While the Liaison position can enhance your résumé, it should not be the sole motivator. NASW-NM will support you with resources, but it is up to you to distribute these resources and find creative ways to engage students in your program.
Collaboration
You can collaborate with dozens of fellow Liaisons, offering support, sharing ideas, and drawing inspiration from one another. This collaboration fosters a sense of community. Likewise, other Liaisons will rely on you for guidance and support, strengthening this sense of belonging.
ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
NASW-NM is committed to advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the social work profession and our communities. We recognize the deep-rooted systems of inequality that impact marginalized and vulnerable communities and strive to promote social justice through our work. As a Student Liaison, you will play an essential role in fostering inclusive environments, and advocating for the rights of all individuals, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and resources.
We believe that diversity strengthens our profession and that every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or other personal characteristics, deserves equal dignity, respect, and opportunity. As part of our DEI commitment, we ask you to actively engage in anti-racist practices, challenge systems of oppression, and promote inclusivity and fairness in all aspects of your work.
We are especially committed to advocating for vulnerable communities that face disproportionate challenges, including those marginalized by societal structures. As a Student Liaison, your role supports NASW-NM's mission to advance the well-being and rights of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable. This could involve raising awareness, organizing support initiatives, and advocating for policy changes.
IMPLEMENTING YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN
As part of your application to the program, you will create a strategic plan that outlines best practices for your time as a Liaison. (The strategic plan questions are included in the Student Liaison Application.) As a Liaison, you will represent NASW at your school, distributing information to classmates and faculty. Some of the information you will share includes:
- NASW membership and benefits
- Scholarships and awards
- Social Work Month updates (March is Social Work Month!)
- New Mexico Advocacy updates
- Certification and licensure information
- Continuing education and networking opportunities
- Career information and résumé review services
Examples of ways you can distribute this information include:
- Sending emails or other electronic messages to your classmates
- Sharing through student listservs
- Discussing NASW-NM in your classes
- Report to your Social Work Student Association
- Attending meetings and speaking to faculty about presenting at orientations or seminars
- Posting flyers on student bulletin boards
If you are interested in this role, please apply here: https://forms.gle/qcnCVSo7cWGTQZN7A