What is the North Carolina School Social Workers' Association?
Since 1907 school social workers have provided unique services to students, families, faculties and communities in order to help students attain maximum benefits from their school experiences. As the need for student support services has increased, so has the need for school social workers employed by the school system.

The NCSSWA was formed in 1972 as the vehicle to advocate for legislation and policies to enhance the welfare of children, specifically as it affects their ability to maximize the education process. NCSSWA also has become the catalyst in promoting the professional development of school social workers.

Who should be a member?
Membership in NCSSWA is a strong statement of commitment to the importance of social work within our schools. Although a majority of the present membership is composed of practicing school social workers, membership is open to all who support school social work. We encourage all who believe that children are our future and that our schools have a tremendous impact upon young lives to join NCSSWA.

How is NCSSWA organized?
The board of NCSSWA consists of elected officers and regional chairs as well as appointed committee chairs and liaisons. The membership of NCSSWA elects officers for a two year tenure. Officers who are elected include: President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian.

Members are encouraged to participate in the decision making process of NCSSWA either by communicating directly with the officers or by serving on a standing committee. Committee chairpersons are appointed by the president with input from the membership.

In order to insure better communication with its membership and to provide easily accessible professional involvement opportunities, NCSSWA has divided its membership into regions. Each region elects it's own chair person(s). These regions are the Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, Western and Raleigh regions.

How does NCSSWA impact North Carolina's students?
Enhancing its ability to impact on the decisions affecting the children of North Carolina, NCSSWA has formed coalitions with numerous child advocacy group organizations. Through these coalitions NCSSWA assures that the voice of the school social worker is heard in the forming of policies which impact children.

The present coalitions are:

• NC Association of Educators (NCAE)

• NC Department of Public Instruction

• Southern School Social Work Council

• National Association of Social Work (NASW) - NC Chapter

• School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA)

• Covenant with North Carolina's Children