Participation in Social Work Membership Organizations: Opportunities and Challenges in a Changing Society

Professional membership organizations provide a wide range of services to and on behalf of the members of the profession. These services range from legislative advocacy to promote and protect the profession, to outlining practice guidelines for service delivery. Though these services benefit the entire profession, increasingly smaller numbers of professionals are joining and maintaining their membership in the organization. Furthermore, inclusivity continues to be of concern as membership numbers in such groups appear to reflect primarily Caucasian descent. As such, a state chapter of a national social work organization in the Midwest commissioned a study to explore member satisfaction, understand why members join and/or stay with the organization, and utilize this information in chapter development activities. Utilizing a survey distributed to its membership, the authors asked closed and open-ended questions geared toward detailed information and responses. Members shared concerns around lack of communication and recent changes in the national organization. Members are generally satisfied with the organization and valued the connection to the profession as well as the work the organization does on behalf of social workers; however, the authors challenge that we, as a profession, can do more to be inclusive and strengthen diversity within professional memberships overall. Recommendations are offered to improve membership satisfaction and retention. These include advocacy for clients and the social work profession, guidance for members regarding how to get involved, and the importance of connecting with peers and colleagues face-to-face.