1

NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

2
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

MISSION
The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. will work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial domination, economic exploitation and cultural oppression. In collaboration with national, international and other appropriate groups, NABSW will continue to leverage its collective expertise to strategically develop the capacity of people of African ancestry to sustain and flourish. NABSWs vision is guided by the Principles of the Nguzo Saba, which are Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith, and the Seven Cardinal Virtues of Maat, which are Right, Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity, Balance, and Harmony.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
NABSW Mission Message from Office of Student Affairs President 3 Introduction of Office of Student Affairs Advisor 4 Introduction of 2011-2012 OSA Officers 5 9 Pictures from July Steering Committee Meeting 10 Information about upcoming 11 -13 National Conference in Atlanta, GA Scholarship information 14 15 Community Connections 15 16 Officer Nominations/Contact 17 Information Communication Information 18
National Counterparts 19

Editor
Zakia Pugh, MAOM

Secretary

Find Us On

FACEBOOK

3
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Hotep Family! With sincere humility, I greet you as the 2010-2011 President of the Office of Student Affairs of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. I am thankful that you have given me another opportunity to serve you on the Office of Student Affairs executive team. I have both enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to serve you last year as OSA Parliamentarian. It was truly a rich learning and growth experience and I am excited to continue my service to NABSW. It is with great joy and expectation that I share with you the theme for the Office of Student Affairs for the 2011-2012 administration: Taking Hold of Our Own Destiny. This theme was directly inspired from our 2012 National Conference theme, A New Era of Social Justice and Civil Rights. As students, we realize that we will soon be the activists, clinicians, administrators, and entrepreneurs. It is our hope that student members will be encouraged to be diligent in their efforts to take hold of their own destiny and effect change within their communities NOW. As future leaders, we must take responsibility for our involvement in creating the change in our communities. As a part of this process, the Office of Student Affairs would like to extend the opportunity to you to show th the exceptional work that you are doing in your chapters, schools, and communities. At this years 44 annual conference in Atlanta, GA, the Office of Student Affairs will be hosting student/chapter poster presentations. We would like to encourage each of your chapters to have at least one representative to present. You will find the proposal form posted in the OSA communication room as well as on Facebook. Show us how you are taking hold of your own destiny! OSA will continue to support NABSW initiatives charged by our National President, and I encourage student chapters to make efforts in achieving the goals set forth by those initiatives as well. As we continue to move forward, I ask that you let your voices be heard. I ask that you help us continue the legacy of the Office of Student Affairs as we advocate for the needs of the student members. We are committed to serving you! Please continue communicating and sharing your questions, comments, concerns, and ideas with us through Facebook and the OSA Communication Room at www.nabswstudentaffairs.blogspot.com. Also, you will find a complete listing of our Executive Committee and subcommittees available for you to join with contact information in the OSA Communications Room. Again, I would like to thank you for your renewed faith in me to serve as your President. Peace and Blessings,

Tajsheena Leggs, BA
OSA President

4
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Tameka Brown is a graduate of Benedict College and the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees respectively. Tameka worked for the federal government as a medical social worker for seven years. During that time, she received many awards to include: Outstanding Performance during high profile inspections, Outstanding Social Work Performance and Team VA award for superior performance during the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. During her tenure at the VA Medical Center she provided crisis debriefing to medical personnel receiving Hurricane Katrina victims at the Atlanta Naval Base. Tameka is also a licensed Real Estate Agent and received the New Agent Award her first year in real estate; she had over 1.2 million in sales and secured a contract for the development of a new community. Tameka is currently employed at Benedict College where she has served as an Adjunct Professor, Instructor, and Assistant Director of Service-Learning and Leadership Development. She currently serves as the Director of the Advising Center. Tameka has also served as the Advisor of the student chapter of the Association of Black Social Workers and is a member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society. Tameka is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she has served as the President of both her Undergraduate Chapter (Kappa Beta) and Graduate Chapter (Rho Kappa Zeta). She has also served as the SC State Youth Coordinator and member of the National Boule Planning Committee. She is the immediate past Advisor to Zeta Tau Undergraduate chapter and is the 1 Vice President of Rho
st

Kappa Zeta chapter. Tameka is the co-captain of the Alley Cats, a team in the U.S. Tennis Association League. Tameka is active in her church and serves as a teen Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir and praise team and the Coordinator of the Young Adult Ministry. Tameka enjoys reading, cooking, shopping, traveling and participating in community service projects.

5
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

President, Tajsheena Leggs

As a native of the Kansas City area, Tajsheena graduated from Rockhurst University (Kansas City, Mo) with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May of 2008. She now pursues her masters degree in clinical social work from The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. She was recently honored at the Seventeenth Annual Black Faculty and Staff Council Awards Banquet at the University of Kansas, which recognizes African American students for outstanding academic performance. Tajsheena has worked diligently to create a student chapter of ABSWS at The University of Kansas and now serves as President of the KU- Association of Black Social Work Students. As the current president of the KU-ABSWS, one of Tajsheenas goals is to enhance the educational experience of African American students by creating a network of support for these students within the social welfare program at KU. In addition to forming support systems for these students, Tajsheena intends to help bring awareness to the concerns of not only the these students, but also to the concerns of African Americans in the community, as it relates to clinical practice and cultural awareness. In addition to school, Tajsheena works full time as an adolescent mental health case manager, volunteers on a regular basis, is an active big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, and is a member of several community organizations including Young Non Profit Network (YNPN) and NAACP. Tajsheena believes in giving back to her community. With a deep passion for working with inner city youth, and as a social worker, Tajsheena desires to devote her energy to empowering youth to reach their full potential through education and exposure to new experiences. She draws inspiration from the belief that anyone can rise above their circumstances and be excellent in whatever they desire to do with hard work and perseverance. In her spare time, Tajsheena enjoys art and creativity across many mediums of expression and is a recognized artist, winning best in show in the 2009 Art/Work-Creativity from the Cube, an art show that recognizes the artistic talents of the Kansas City workforce. Tajsheena also enjoys art, learning, cooking, and hanging out with friends.

6
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

1st Vice President, Glenda Duru

Glenda Adaugo Duru is a pursing her Master of Social Work at the University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. She is an active member in the University of Houston chapter of ABSW. During her tenure at PVAMU she was a member of the Social Work action club, along with several other student organizations on campus. After attending her first NABSW conference in April 2010, she became overwhelmed with joy at the knowledgeable and scholarly leaders that were in attendance at the conference. From that point on she became involved in the Office of Student Affairs and was elected as Treasure for 2010-2011. Glenda has a love for helping people and being involved in the community. She has worked in several different areas of social work dealing with at risk college freshman, sexual abused children, and victims of domestic violence. She is dedicated to becoming a political advocate for social welfare. Especially, to advocate for individuals and communities whose voice has gone unheard, and are in need of revival. She has previously interned for the Harris County District Attorney Office, and the YMCA-Greater Houston. Glenda continues to follow her ambitions, knowing that no challenge is too hard to overcome. With that in mind she is ready to serve the National Association of Black Social Worker and the Office of Student Affairs.

2nd Vice President, Michael Riley

Michael Riley is both a loving husband and father. He is a non-traditional undergraduate senior at Virginia Commonwealth Universitys School of Social Work. Michael transferred from J. Sargent Reynolds community College with an Associate of Science Degree in Social Science earning a 3.723 GPA. He stated, being a non-traditional student can be difficult especially with the additional responsibilities of family life and financial responsibilities but nothing worth having comes without a price. Michael is currently completing the requirements for dual degrees in

7
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Social Work and Psychology and was recently licensed as a Minister. Upon graduation, Michael will begin graduate studies at VCU in their highly selective Advance Standing Program to earn his Master of Social Work degree. People are composed of mind, body and spirit and I believe that a holistic approach to helping people is important. Serving is nothing new to Michael. At a young age, he joined the U. S. Marine Corps. While serving his country and fellow man, he was injured and eventually honorably discharged. Michael has held executive officer positions in several organizations and received multiple scholarships, service and leadership awards. One of Michaels guiding scriptures is Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) it reads: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Secretary, Zakia Pugh

Zakia Pugh is currently a second year student at Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and will obtain her Masters in Social Services and a Masters of Law and Social Policy. She holds her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University as well as a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. In the fall of 2010 she joined Bryn Mawr College ABSW chapter and began serving as secretary. Zakia was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. Zakia has a passion for youth and elderly populations, two areas which she does volunteer work that includes mentoring youth, coordinating support for elders in her community and church to assist in daily living needs such as getting out to doctors, grocery stores, and out to vote. Zakia along with her two sons also volunteer with their church to feed the homeless. When Zakia finds down time, she loves to spend time with her family trying new adventures and working in her garden. Her mantra is: Dont dwell on things for too long Always remember what God has for you, is for YOU.

8
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Treasurer, Michelle Bair

The 2011-2012 OSA Treasurer, Michelle C. Bair, is a 2012 BSW candidate at Virginia State University located in Petersburg, Virginia. As a dual major, Ms. Bair recently completed her coursework and research toward a Bachelor of Individualized Studies with a specialization in Diversity and Multiculturalism in Education. Ms. Bair was responsible for reinstating Virginia State Universitys ABSW chapter and is currently in her second term as its President. She is also very active in the schools campus-based Social Work Club which promotes the core values of the profession through social justice and community service to its student body in addition to its surrounding community. As a recent inductee in the Phi Alpha Honor Society, she hopes to increase the chapters membership by promoting the importance of scholarship to her fellow classmates. Ms. Bair is very active in the day-to day activities of her two daughters, Jordyn and Camryn. Her love for sports and competition is utilized while serving as a volunteer coach for various athletic teams her daughters participate on in addition to being active on both of their schools parent organizations. She is very thankful for the support of her family, especially her children and her partner, as she continues to grow and develop into a professional social worker.

Parliamentarian, Lavena Ogletree

Lavena Ogletree is from Kansas City, Mo. Lavena graduated from Missouri Valley College (Marshall, MO) with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is now pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare. Lavena has been a member of the MO-KS ABSW chapter since 2009. Lavena continues to work within her community as a case manager serving underprivileged youth and young adults ranging in ages from 6-25 years of age. Lavena is an active member with her church, where she sings in the choir and mentor young girls. Lavena has a passion for offering solution and enlightenment to issues that plague our African American Communities and hopes to awaken others to our needs through her work with OSA. In her spare time, Lavena loves to spend time vacationing with husband, enjoying the company of family and friends, and going shopping. Her Mantra is: When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.

9
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

To all student chapter officers if you have questions, concerns, ideas or comments please join your national counterpart on their quarterly call. Dates and times are listed below.
Student Chapter Officer President OSA Conference Call Schedule Sunday Sunday Sunday November 6, 2011 4pm CST January 8, 2012 4pm CST April 1, 2012 4pm CST

The call in number is 1-218-936-4700 ** Access code 550109** Sunday July 8, 2012 4PM CST The access code for this call only is **58460** Sunday October 9, 2011 7PM EST Sunday December 11, 2011 7PM EST Sunday March 11, 2012 7PM EST Sunday June 10, 2012 7PM EST The call in number is 1-218-936-4700 ** Access code 550109**

Vice President (First and Second)

Treasurer

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

November 13, 2011 7:30PM EST January 8, 2012 7:30PM EST April 1, 2012 7:30PM EST th June 24 , 2012 7:30PM EST

The call in number is 1-218-936-4700 **Access code 550109** Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday October 29, 2011 December 18, 2011 March 18, 2012 June 17, 2012 5PM CST 6PM CST 6PM CST 6PM CST

Parliamentarian

The call in number is 1-218-936-4700 ** Access code 550109** Saturday November 5, 2011 5PM EST The access code for this call only is **48484** Saturday January 7, 2012 5PM EST Saturday March 31, 2012 5PM EST Saturday June 9, 2012 5PM EST The call in number is 1-218-936-4700 ** Access code 550109**

Secretary

10
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

11
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

The 44th Annual National Conference will take place in Atlanta Ga. on April 3-April 6, 2010. The conference will begin promptly at 6:00pm Tuesday April 3, ending at 10:00pm on Friday April 6. The theme for this conference will be "A New Era of Social Justice and Civil Rights". The host chapter of the National Conference is the Atlanta and Greater Metro Georgia Chapters of the National Association of Black Social Workers. We hope to see you there!

12
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Atlanta
Marriot Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE

Atlanta GA, 30303

RATES Single Double Triple Quad Plus 15% Tax Single $109 $109 $129 $149

The hotel is a smoke-free environment

For reservations, call 800-228-9290

13
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

This year we will be hosting an Anti-Bullying/Anti-Violence Campaign for teens in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. This collaborative project will fall in line with the City of Atlantas National Youth Violence Week initiative by educating school age youth in our communities on the impact of intra-racial bullying and violence on individuals and communities. According to Child Health USA (2011), 13.7% of Black students reported being bullied in the 2009 school year. Please join us as we challenge the increase in bullying and violence amongst Atlanta teens on

Tuesday, April 3rd ------ 9:00am to 2:00pm

JOIN US AS WE WORK TO BUILD AWARENESS AND STRIVE TO

END BULLYING IN

OUR COMMUNITY
PARTYING FOR A CAUSE

DANCE FOR AFRICA

Thursday, April 5, 2012 10:00 p.m. -1:00 a.m. NABSW ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Admission is Free: Donations Requested Please bring Boxes of Pencils or Cash Donations for The PENCIL PROJECT This year all donations will go to the Non-Profit agency, The Pencil Project; co-founded by fellow NABSW student member, Randryia Houston of the University of Houston ABSW Chapter. Randryia co-found The Pencil Project after visiting Ghana and noticing the need for pencils in the public school system. Randryia stated, As a social work student, the opportunity to travel to Ghana enables me to indulge in both my passions: making a tangible impact in a disparate community and my love of culture. I am grateful for the opportunity the African American Studies Department at the University of Houston has afforded me and for the unwavering support of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the Graduate College of Social Work. Lets Support our fellow members passion and donate to this great cause! Hope to see you in April.

For more information about OSA Conference Activities please contact: Glenda Duru osa-vp1@nabsw.org

14
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

THE CENIE JOMO WILLIAMS TUITION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF $2,000

Cenie Jomo Williams, Jr. was the first elected President of the National Association of Black Social Workers. He was elected President of the New York City Association of Black Social Workers in 1969 and developed many community programs that brought positive changes in the New York community, and built the New York City Chapter into the organizations largest chapter. When elected to the Presidency of the National Association of Black Social Workers in 1970, Williams put forth tremendous efforts to develop and organize new chapters, both nationally and internationally. In 1974, he was appointed first Executive Director of the National Association of Black Social Workers. As director, he continued his work with the international affiliates which resulted in the development of the National Association of Black Social Workers International Education Conference. Until the time of departure in 1983, Cenie never gave up fighting for justice. His passion to serve can only be surpassed by his love for African people everywhere.

SELENA DANETTE BROWN BOOK SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF $250 THE GUYNN FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF $750 EMMA AND MELOID ALGOOD UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF $1000 DR. JOYCE BECKETT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD OF $1000 **AND INTRODUCING FOR 2011-2012 A NEW SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY** OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARDAWARD OF $1000

15
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

The Office of Student Affairs would like to recognize an individual who has taken excellent strides in representing the Code of Ethics of the NABSW as well as those of the social work profession. This student must demonstrate exemplary leadership abilities while actively working within the African-American community and embody characteristics that represent the theme of the 2011-2012 Office of Student Affairs administration, Taking Hold of Our Own Destiny. SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA: Student must have a 3.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale Student must be an active member of The National Association of Black Social Workers Must actively participate in voluntary community service and be able to provide written documentation of volunteer work (i.e.; letter from agency, statement of voluntary hours, etc.) Student must express research interest in the black community Student must be enrolled for at least half-time status at an accredited United States Associate, Bachelor, Master or PhD program of social work, sociology, or other human services related field in the semester that the award will be granted. Student must have an additional letter of recommendation from a prestigious community leader, which highlights the students volunteer work and leadership efforts and impact within the African American community.
*Availability of scholarships is subject to change*

OSA Officers Michael Riley (2nd Vice-President) and Michelle Bair (Treasurer) spent the
past several months working with the Student Planning Committee for Virginias 31st Annual Rally in the Valley BSW Student Conference. The years conference took place October 6-7 on the grounds of Masanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia and served over 200 BSW students from programs throughout the state of Virginia. Falling in place with the conference theme, Leadership for the Millennial Social Worker, the two officers demonstrated their leadership abilities on several different levels throughout the process. Mr. Riley, a Senior BSW Candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University, copresented a workshop at the conference titled Leadership Styles. The presentation discussed the three primary leadership styles, fostered leadership style self-awareness, and utilized an interactive activity to promote critical thinking in leadership situations. Ms. Bair, a Senior BSW Candidate at Virginia State University, acted as the liaison between the student and the professional planning groups throughout the process in addition to organizing several activities the student

16
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

attendees would participate in throughout the conference. These activities included a MSW Graduate School Fair and an evening social activity based around the format of the popular television game show, Minute to Win It. Both Michael and Michelle enjoyed being a part of this event. Working with the students and faculty from the four host universities provided me with an opportunity to not only network, but also learn about the varying programs throughout the state and form what I hope to be lasting friendships, says Michelle.

UH ABSW Member receives the 2011-2012 Houston-Galveston Schweitzer Fellowship Ms. Adaugo Glenda Duru, University of Houston Association of Black Social Worker Member was chosen as a 2011-2012 HoustonGalveston Schweitzer Fellow. Following her initial year, she will join vibrant networks of over 2,000 Schweitzer alumni, who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people thought their careers as professionals. During her fellowship year she will be mentoring high school age girls in the Alief Community that have been identified by their counselor or administrator to have low self-esteem, low academic achievement, and to have a lack social peer relations. The ultimate goals are for participants to gain confidence, physical fitness, socially empowered, and mentally strong young leaders in the community. Her project titled Girl Power began in late July and will continue through April 2012 at the Alief Family YMCA. The project includes weekly sessions where all of the participating girls will be provided with a safe environment and an atmosphere that will promote empowerment, openness, motivation, and comfort. Ms. Duru is humbly honored to be given the opportunity to join a legacy of fellows who are leaders in serving the community.

17
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

The NABSW Office of Student Affairs will be holding our annual elections at the 44th Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA in April 2012. At this time, ALL positions will be available for qualified, interested candidates. Positions are: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Parliamentarian If you are interested in running for a position, here are the qualifications: Must be a paid NABSW member by October 31. Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a degree-granting institution of higher learning. Must be seeking a degree on the Associate, Bachelor, Master or Doctoral level. Student must be enrolled in the fall following elections The OSA Executive Officer Nominations Form will be distributed in November. The deadline for nomination forms for all positions is January 30, 2012. If you are interested in any of the positions listed above please contact me, Parliamentarian Ogletree at osa.parli@nabsw.org.

PRESIDENT Tajsheena Leggs osa-president@nabsw.org 1 VICE PRESIDENT Glenda Duru osa-vp1@nabsw.org

ST

SECRETARY Zakia Pugh osa-secretary@nabsw.org TREASURER Michelle Bair osa-treasurer@nabsw.org PARLIAMENTARIAN Lavena Ogletree osa-parli@nabsw.org ADVISOR Tameka Brown osa-advisor@nabsw.org

2ND VICE PRESIDENT Michael Riley osa-vp2@nabsw.org

18
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

Check out the OSA BlogSpot!

http://www.nabswstudentaffairs.blogspot.com/

And were on Facebook

Type in the search box: National Association of Black Social Workers Office of Student Affairs

Hope to see you there!

19
NABSW OSA Fall Newsletter 2011

PRESIDENT Joe E. Benton NABSW-President@nabsw.org VICE PRESIDENT J. Toni Oliver NABSW-VP@nabsw.org TREASURER Pat ONeal Williams NABSW-Treasurer@nabsw.org RECORDING SECRETARY Tracy Golliday-Champagne Recording-Secretary@nabsw.org CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Karen Allen Corresponding-Secretary@nabsw.org

MEMBER-AT-LARGE Melissa Smith-Haley Member-at-Large1@nabsw.org MEMBER-AT-LARGE Dayvid Brown Member-at-Large2@nabsw.org IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Melanie Bryant Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2305 Martin Luther King Ave. S.E. Washington, DC 20020 Phone (202) 678-4570 Fax (202) 678-4572 Email: nabsw.harambee@verizon.net Website: nabsw.org

Please Look for our OSA Winter Newsletter coming in January 2012
**All Submissions must be submitted to Secretary Pugh, No later than December 8, 2011**