Founded in 2023, the Student Association for Macro Social Work (SAMSW) developed a strategic plan to elevate the voices of social work students who are passionate about systems-level change, community empowerment, and social justice. During the 2025 Fall semester, SAMSW became a tax-exempt organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for leadership, advocacy, fellowship, and professional development within the macro social work field.

With a revived commitment and dedication to macro social work, SAMSW emerged from a shared belief that students should have meaningful platforms to engage in policy work, grassroots organizing, community partnerships, and public discourse while attaining their education. Recognizing a gap in resources and representation for macro-focused students, the founders established SAMSW to bridge academic learning with real-world advocacy and impact.

Since its founding, the organization has fostered collaborative relationships with community agencies, nonprofit leaders, and social work professionals while supporting students across diverse career pathways. Through intentional student engagement, active involvement with MavEngage—UTA’s student organization platform—and the development of community partnerships, the organization strengthens connections between students and the university.

Advocacy is a key practice in social work, and SAMSW and other organizations and universities participated in the Social Work Advocacy Day in Austin since inception. Last year, we hosted a networking event to increase awareness and network with other advocates and practitioners through support from the grant department and School of Social Work at UTA.

Rooted in its mission to empower future changemakers, SAMSW continues to grow each year, providing students with the tools, experiences, and networks needed to pursue transformative macro-level social work. As a young and innovative organization, SAMSW remains committed to creating lasting, sustainable change within the communities it serves.