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Reintroducing the SWSA club to campus

By Grace Park, Staff Writer

The Social Work Student Association (SWSA) is an organization on campus that helps students by providing information for volunteer and community service opportunities. The SWSA also assists students with navigating the challenges that come with being a social work major. 

The club takes part in a variety of volunteer activities. These events range from toy drives, toiletry drives, providing mental health resources and more. 

“The work towards being a social worker is a lot of information to learn so my goal and purpose is to be that support for all of these students by educating them, providing them with resources, giving them tips and tricks and connections, how to do things and where to go and who to talk to,” president of SWSA  Arly Cisneros said.

SWSA aims to be a network for students that want to volunteer.

“The club takes pride in providing resources to our club members about volunteer opportunities and service events,” vice president of SWSA Lauren Barrett said. “We want to connect the club members with outside resources and give back to those in need.” 

The club had been inactive in previous years, so Cisneros sought to revive it in 2022 with support from faculty advisor Dr. Gifford and Promise student clubs and organizations coordinator Stephanie Lowe.

“The most memorable thing that has the biggest impact was being able to get this club started again and being recognized by the school and having helped agencies,” Cisneros said. 

Although the SWSA is primarily focused on students majoring in social work, many events are also open to the general public.

The SWSA will hold its second Narcan training meeting on Zoom on Monday, Jan. 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

When a similar event was held the previous year, the SWSA helped approximately 200 individuals get certified in the distribution of Narcan, a nasal spray used to counteract or lessen the effects of opioids. 

“We had so many people that wanted to do it for this semester that we opened up to the public – everyone on Long Island, not just LIU students and staff,” Cisneros said. 

“Narcan training is important because it could potentially save a life. I feel with every going on regarding overdose and drug use lately, it is something that can come in handy at any given moment. I think it’s important for people to get certified even if they are not involved in social work because the more of us that are certified, the more lives we could potentially save,” Barrett said. 

After training, participants will be given a two year certification card and a Narcan kit. 

The SWSA club will hold more social work related events throughout the semester. The club meets weekly on Tuesday nights, starting Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

To join SWSA or learn more about their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram @liu_swsa or their Facebook page LIU Post Social Work Department. 

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