By Nihla Isaac and Daniela Cifuentes\u00a0\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO) welcomes students of all majors to get involved in community-based and service-focused events at Hood College. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SSWO is located within the Sociology and Social Work Department at the Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral & Health Sciences. Students do not have to do social work to participate in the organization. The organization’s treasurer, James Martinez, is a communications major taking his first social work class this semester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SSWO hosts events centered on self-care, social justice and community service. They also work with the Department of Sociology & Social Work to promote local initiatives, including Walk a Mile in the fall and Pinwheels for Prevention in the spring. It also shares valuable information about the department events, such as Narcan training and graduate school information sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Rachel Miller has led the organization since spring 2024. While she is still president, Miller hopes to encourage more students to participate and eventually take on leadership roles after the current board graduates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It\u2019s a great leadership experience, and there\u2019s a lot of autonomy,\u201d Miller said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the organization\u2019s well-known events is the Self-Care Cafe on Dec. 1 on Reading Day. Students are welcome to enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastries, fidget toys and other self-care goodies while completing schoolwork for this semester. They also provide coloring and time with therapy dogs in the Beneficial-Hodson Library lobby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miller looks forward to Paint the ASL Event on Sept. 30, held with the Disability Student Union. At the event, students can be creative while painting their hands to represent words as they are signed in American Sign Language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students who are interested in joining SSWO can follow the organization on Instagram at @hoodcollege_sswo, where they can find more information about upcoming events and a direct link to join the organization\u2019s GroupMe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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