Overview of the NAMSW

Background and Rationale

As the Muslim population in the United States continues to grow, so does the demand for education, research, services, and advocacy within the field of social work. Concurrently, many Muslims are engaged in social work as practitioners, educators, and researchers.

Thus, this organization was established to promote social justice and positive change and to represent the voices of Muslims in social work at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Goals of the Organization

As an organization which seeks to serve Muslims in social work, our goals are to: 

• Provide networking and collaboration opportunities for Muslims in social work practice, education, research, and advocacy 

• Create knowledge to improve practice, education, and research with Muslim clients, constituents, and communities
• Engage in strategic planning, coordination, and advocacy to address current and future social work needs of Muslim clients, constituents, and communities
• Provide space for discussion boards related to practice, education, and research with Muslim clients, constituents and communities 
• Serve as a source of information and resources for social work practitioners, educators, researchers and policy-makers about Muslim clients, constituents, and communities 
• Provide guidance for prospective social work students
• Provide mentorship opportunities for social work students and recent graduates 
• Facilitate referrals within and across states 
• Cultivate leadership for professional social work organizations

Organizational Structure

Membership in the association will be open to current students or graduates holding a BSW, MSW, PhD, or DSW in social work. At the outset, there will be five members of the Board of Directors. The board succession model will be a self-perpetuating one, i.e. existing board members will receive nominations from the organizational membership, select new board members, and re-elect fellow board members. This structure will allow the board to assess organizational and board needs and fill positions accordingly.

Funding Model

The organization will be funded through donations from individuals, foundations, Muslim relief organizations, and grants. There will be membership dues, but in order to make the organization accessible to all prospective members, the dues will not constitute a significant portion of the annual budget.

NAMSW Member Support

Here’s how the organization can specifically address member needs:

1.  Professional Development: Offer professional development opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of Muslim social workers, educators, and researchers. This may include workshops, conferences, webinars, and training sessions on topics such as culturally competent practice, Islamic perspectives on social justice, and research methodologies relevant to the Muslim community.

2. Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced Muslim social work practitioners and researchers with students and early-career professionals. These programs can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities to help individuals navigate their career paths and achieve their goals.

3. Research and Scholarship: Support and promote research that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by Muslim communities, both within the United States and globally. Encourage Muslim researchers to explore topics such as mental health, immigration, poverty, and social inequality from a culturally sensitive perspective.

4. Educational Resources: Develop and disseminate educational resources that integrate Islamic teachings, values, and perspectives into social work curricula and practice. This can help bridge the gap between traditional Islamic knowledge and modern social work principles, ensuring that practitioners are equipped to serve diverse populations effectively.

5. Advocacy and Representation: Advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of social work, including increased representation of Muslims in leadership positions, decision-making bodies, and academic institutions. Work collaboratively with other organizations to address systemic barriers and promote policies that support the full participation of Muslims in the profession.

6. Community Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for Muslim social workers, educators, and researchers to engage with their local communities and address pressing social issues through outreach, education, and service initiatives. Encourage collaboration with mosques, Islamic centers, and community organizations to leverage existing resources and networks.

7. Recognition and Celebration: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of Muslim social work professionals to the field and the broader community. Highlight success stories, achievements, and innovative practices through awards, publications, and media outreach to inspire and empower others.

Through focusing on these areas, NAMSW can effectively support and empower Muslim social work practitioners, educators, and researchers to make meaningful contributions to the profession and society as a whole. Join us, let’s go!