discussion

Find two professional organizations that serve human services professionals. Links to two of the main human services professional organizations are provided in the resources for this module. Some organizations will include the name of the profession, human services, while others will be named after the type of field (e.g., child welfare, homelessness, mental health). Find out how much it costs to join the organization as a student and what benefits the organization offers for students (e.g., scholarships). Write one paragraph about each organization. Why would you join or not join these organizations?

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Compose a post of one to two paragraphs

What to Submit
Your discussion posts must follow APA formatting guidelines. For formatting information click here to access the Shapiro Library’s APA Citation Guide.Discussion Rubric
CriteriaExemplary (100%)Proficient (85%)Needs Improvement (55%)Not Evident (0%)ValueComprehensionDevelops an initial post addressing the prompt, and the post shows an organized, clear point of view or idea using rich and significant detail; supports ideas by referencing course materialsDevelops an initial post addressing the prompt, and the post maintains a point of view or idea using adequate organization and detail; supports ideas by referencing course materialsDevelops an initial post that somewhat relates to the prompt, and the post includes gaps in organization and detailDoes not develop an initial post40TimelinessN/ASubmits initial post on time (100%)Submits initial post one day late (55%)Submits initial post two or more days late (0%)10EngagementProvides relevant and meaningful response posts with clarifying explanation and detailProvides relevant response posts with some explanation and detailProvides somewhat relevant response posts with some explanation and detailProvides response posts that are generic with little explanation or detail30Writing (Mechanics)Writes posts that are easily understood, clear, and concise using proper citation methods where applicable with no errors in citations and no major errors related to grammar, spelling, or syntaxWrites posts that are easily understood using proper citation methods where applicable, with few errors in citations and some minor errors related to grammar, spelling, or syntaxWrites posts that are understandable using proper citation methods where applicable, with a number of errors in citations and many errors related to grammar, spelling, or syntaxWrites posts that others are not able to understand and does not use proper citation methods where applicable; submission has errors related to grammar, spelling, or syntax throughout20Total:100%

Human Services Professional Organizations

Students and professionals in the field often overlook the value of joining a professional organization. They often think of it as one more thing that costs money. And yet, a professional organization can be your network for a job. It does not matter if the organization is local, state, or national level. Every professional organization offers resources that can help you with class assignments, provide you information about current issues in the field, and connect you with other students and professionals in your field.

How do you find organizations? You can search the internet using the name of your field: human services. This will provide you with the websites for organizations that have the words “human services” in them. However, you are missing a great opportunity if you stop there. Now think about a population you want to work with when you graduate. Some examples are the elderly, poor, infants, children, teens, youth, parents, grandparents, addicts, homeless, victims, sick, disabled, and mentally ill. Now search using one of the terms that describe the population you want to work with plus “professional organization,” and you will find many other options.

A search like this could lead you to the World Association for Infant Mental Health. Did you know that you could work with new mothers whose infants are showing early signs of mental health issues? Take a look at the site to see what the costs are to join an organization like this and what you would gain by becoming a member. Each professional organization will offer different benefits. Look at professional organizations of interest that you think are reasonably priced but also provide great benefits for professionals and students.

• If you would like, you can attend a professional conference in your area. They often have student rates, which are not as costly as the full rate. There you can attend workshop sessions that provide you with current information in the field. You can meet other professionals in your area and learn about job openings. You can explore the opportunity for volunteer or internship experiences.
• Bottom line is, do not underestimate the value of joining a professional organization!

Website: National Organization for Human Servicesopens in new window
The National Organization for Human Services is dedicated to the field of human services.

Website: National Human Services Assemblyopens in new window
The National Human Services Assembly is another human services national organization that students might consider joining.