HISTORY
ASWIS History
Established in 2015, the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports raises awareness of the ways in which social work practice can partner with and contribute to all levels and all segments of sports. ASWIS promotes a social worker in sports perspective that is grounded in social and economic justice, strength-based approaches, and person-in-environment frameworks. ASWIS encourages the full range of social work practice in sports, from case management and clinical services through advocacy and policy practice for every level and segment of sports.
ASWIS finalized its incorporation in June 2016 and become an official 501(c)(3) in March of 2017.
EIN Number: 81-3890412
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports is to promote individual and community well-being through partnerships between the profession of social work and the field of athletics. We focus on partnerships in practice, research, and policy, with involvement and awareness in all areas where social work and sports systems intersect.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to lead the integration of social work practice into all realms of sports with the goals of individual and community well-being.
OUR VALUES
1 To raise awareness for the needs of athletes and enhance the well-being and effective
functioning of athletes through advocacy, research, case coordination, counseling, and policy
change.
2 To provide knowledge on how athletic competition influences an athlete across his or
her lifespan.
3 To identify the strengths of athletes and how these strengths can help promote an athlete's
safety and well-being.
4 To promote awareness of the significant challenges that are placed on athletes.
5 To help athletes recognize how athletic competition can expose life skills that will promote their
success outside of sport.
6 To give athletes a voice so they can de-stigmatize mental health problems and advocate for
athletes as true global citizens.
ONE OF A KIND
We are the only international group which accesses the unique skills of social workers while addressing the needs of athletes and professionals in the athletic community.
ASWIS is a voice for social workers as a collective to advocate and educate administrators and organizations about the breadth and depth social workers can uniquely bring to athletes and athletic culture. It provides a base for networking, educating, seeking consultation, and collaborating with this subspecialized group of professionals.
ASWIS provides an opportunity for social workers to develop a professional network of colleagues who can create a national (and international) movement to promote the safety and well-being of athletes of all ages and abilities. ASWIS will advocate for athlete rights, promote safety standards, and ensure that all athletes receive the recognition and help they need to shine light on the positives of athletic competition.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1 The Dignity and Worth of Individual Athletes
2 The Pursuit of Social and Economic Justice
3 The Self-Determination and Empowerment of Athletes
4 The Importance of Human Relationships
5 The Need for Competency and Integrity in Practice, Research, and Advocacy
6 The Ethical Treatment of Athletes
7 The Promotion of Athlete Strengths
8 The Use of Ecological and Person-in-Environment Models
9 The Quest for Cultural Competencey
10 The Development of Athletes as Global Leaders