Title: Identify professional organizations in human services.
Course: Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001-36) > Section: Exploring the Human Services Career Pathways

Identification should include organizations such as

- Child Development Associate National Credentialing Program (CDA)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A)
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)
- National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
- National Organization for Human Services (NOHS).

Identification should also show how each organization helps in

- professional growth
- certification
- lobbying
- networking
- recognition
- advocacy.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What are the roles of professional organizations?
- Why is it important to attend conferences and professional development opportunities provided by a relevant professional organization?

Communication

- What are examples of how professional organizations provide opportunities for networking?
- What resources are provided by professional organizations?

Leadership

- How can professional organizations push for better policies in human services?

Management

- What are the fees associated with membership in a professional organization?
- Why are ethical codes of conduct enforced in professional organizations?