Member-Led Communities

Special Interest Groups

NASW-NY Special Interest Groups bring social workers together around shared practice areas, populations, identities, and professional interests.

Special Interest Groups are member-led networks of social workers across New York State and beyond. They create space to exchange resources, build professional support systems, and strengthen connection across the Chapter.

Any NASW-NY member may facilitate a Special Interest Group. Groups may organize continuing education programs, host events, support professional growth, and help ensure the Chapter reflects the full diversity of the social work profession.

Group Directory

Browse current groups, meeting schedules, and registration links.

How registration works: Select "Register for Zoom" on any active group below and complete the short form. Zoom will email you a confirmation with your personal meeting link and any recurring dates. You only need to register once per group to receive future meeting links.

Human-Animal Bond Special Interest Work Group

Co-Chaired by Rachel Zielinski, LCSW-R, CASAC-M, and Stephanie Coco, LMSW

The Human-Animal Bond Special Interest Group honors the transformative healing power of animals and elevates ways that animals can be considered and included in social work practice. Research over the years shows an increased understanding of how and why integrating animals into the therapeutic experience enhances outcomes.

The group operates as a work group achieving a community feel where people can both network and learn from each other. It promotes and brings visibility to the unique ways social workers can practice in settings that include or consider animals as a vital component of the lives and well-being of the humans they work with.

Group goals

  • Building a community of like-minded individuals
  • Developing policy and programming
  • Networking

Topics discussed

  • Animal-assisted activities
  • Grief and bereavement
  • Intentional well-being
  • The link between animal and human violence

We hope as many people interested in any area related to Animal-Assisted Social Work, Veterinary Social Work, or incorporating animals into Social Work Practice will join! Register via Zoom.

Co-chairsRachel Zielinski, LCSW-R, CASAC-M, and Stephanie Coco, LMSW
MeetsQuarterly
Active

Immigration and Global Social Work Collective

ChairsSmita Deewan (lead), Naomie Millien, and Nora Cora
MeetsThird Mondays at 7:00 p.m. ET. Dates may change for holidays.
Active

Jewish Social Workers

Co-chairsCarole Cox and Dana Marlowe
MeetsThird Thursdays, 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Active

Private Practice Action Work Group (PPAWG)

ChairMeaghan Jewett, LCSW
MeetsThird Fridays, 10:00a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Active

Seasoned & Retired Social Workers

ChairBarry Davis
MeetsSecond Mondays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. ET
Active
Resource Hub

LGBTQ+ Resource Hub

ChairTo be determined
FormatOngoing resource library, not a standing meeting. Interested in leading it as a facilitated group instead? Contact NASW-NY.

Social Workers Working With Older Adults

ChairTo be determined
MeetsLast Thursdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
Paused

Rising to the Challenge of School Social Work

ChairMartha Schultz
MeetsLast Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
Paused

Strengthening Rural Social Workers

ChairMartha Schultz
MeetsThird Tuesdays, 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Paused

Unapologetically South Asian

ChairVeera Mookerjee
MeetsFourth Mondays, 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET
Paused
Meeting information may change. Please confirm dates and registration details before attending.

Common Questions

How do I join a NASW-NY Special Interest Group?

Browse the Group Directory above and use each group's "Register for Zoom" link to join its meetings. Most groups meet monthly or quarterly; meeting details are listed on each group's card.

How do I start a new Special Interest Group?

Any NASW-NY member may propose and facilitate a Special Interest Group. Contact NASW-NY at info.naswny@socialworkers.org to learn how to get started.

Do I need to be an NASW-NY member to join a Special Interest Group?

Special Interest Groups are member-led networks for NASW-NY members. The LGBTQ+ Resource Hub is the one exception listed here — its resource directory is open to the public, not only members.

What is the LGBTQ+ Resource Hub?

The LGBTQ+ Resource Hub is an ongoing resource library covering advocacy history, health, legal, youth, student, aging, and military and veteran resources for the LGBTQ+ community. It does not currently hold standing meetings; members interested in leading it as a facilitated group can contact NASW-NY.

How often do NASW-NY Special Interest Groups meet?

Meeting frequency varies by group, from quarterly to monthly. Each group's card in the directory lists its current schedule. Meeting details can change, so confirm dates before attending.