School for Social Work > Field > About Field > Connecting with Community

CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY

The Community Project

During the first winter field placement (Session II for Plan “A” MSW students), all students except those in BSW Advanced Standing develop a Community Practice Project. The project builds and demonstrates knowledge and skills in organizational and community level social work practice. One-half day per week is allotted for this project.

The Community Practice Project is designed to:

	involve students in social work activity that goes beyond direct clinical work with individuals, families and small groups;
	help students gain an understanding of the connections between indirect social work practice interventions and direct clinical practice interventions;
	sharpen the students' awareness of the interrelationship between political, economic, and social forces as they shape the delivery of human services;
	conceptualize, in a final report, the entire project;
	encourage students to appreciate and value another aspect of their professional identity as social workers.

Preparation for the Community Practice Project begins with first summer courses, particularly the Social Worker in the Community and the Agency course. The Community Practice Project has a faculty advisor who oversees the project as a whole. Within the standards described above, students select one of three national issues, chosen annually by student poll, to work on in the community where they are placed. A local sponsor (usually an employee of the organization or agency in which the project is located) must agree to provide direct supervision of the project work. A final paper describing and analyzing the experience completes the Community Practice Project. Working in groups is encouraged but not required.

Last updated 1/29/09.

Connecting with Community

Selected Community Practice Projects

In-Depth Study: Independent
Research

Adjunct Associate Professor Fred Newdom is the Coordinator of Community Practice.