Social Work / Social Welfare Committee Human Service Organizations
Based on Human Service Organizations and Their Publications: A Directory of Selected Sources, edited by Francine M. DeFranco and Donna L. Ferullo. Council on Social Work Education, Inc., 1996. Text extracted by permission of the editors to EBSS Social Work/Social Welfare Committee.
Last Updated July 2004, items marked with * still in update process.
Advocates for Youth
This agency works to reduce the incidence of unintended teenage pregnancy to prevent the spread of HIV among adolescents, and to assure minors' access to family planning information and services. It was established in 1980 and was previously called the Center for Population Options. The agency maintains a library and speaker's bureau and also compiles statistics.
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. This organization was founded in 1951.
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
This is the publishing division of Alcoholics Anonymous and it publishes and sells AA literature and audiovisual materials based on the Twelve Step recovery program. AA is a nonprofit organization that is supported by membership contribution and publication sales. The goal of AA is to help its members stay sober and to help others achieve sobriety.
Alan Guttmacher Institute
This nonprofit corporation, founded in 1968, is dedicated to public education, research, and policy analysis on reproductive health issues. The Institute compiles statistics, offers technical assistance, and conducts research.
Alexander Graham Bell Institute for the Deaf
This nonprofit membership organization was organized in 1890 to encourage the use of residual hearing and the teaching of speech and speech-reading. The Association seeks to promote better public understanding of hearing loss in adult and children, to provide training for teachers of the hearing impaired, and to encourage research on auditory/verbal communication.
Alliance for Children and Families
Formed by the 1998 merger of Family Service America and the National Association of Homes and Services for Children, the Alliance provides services to nonprofit child and family service organizations. The site features public policy issue briefs and fact sheets, collections of links to related organizations, information about Alliance programs, and publications and statistics. It includes conference information and press releases as well.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association was founded in 1980 to promote research on the treatment, cure, and causes of Alzheimer's disease. The Association provides educational programs and works to develop support for relatives of victims Alzheimer's disease.
American Association for Counseling and Development
The AACD was founded in 1952 by counseling professionals to promote the advancement of counseling in education, government, industry, and private practice. The Association conducts research, provides training, publishes extensively, and serves as an advocate for the profession.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
The AAMFT was founded in 1942 by marriage and family therapists and related professionals to advance the discipline of marriage and family therapy as a means of creating family and marital well-being. AAMFT seeks to establish standards in the field, provide training and referral, facilitate research, and represent the discipline to the government and the public.
American Association of Children's Residential Centers
The AARC is committed to ensure the highest standard of care for the treatment of the emotionally disturbed children and adolescents and for increasing the support and interests for both the children and their families. Founded in 1956, the Association provides a national, interdisciplinary exchange of research and development and serves as a source of current information in this area.
American Association of Retired Persons
Founded in 1958, the AARP, with a current membership of more than 32 million, has become a very viable and vocal advocate for the needs and right of older people. Major concerns of the AARP include health care, minority affairs, women's rights and equality for older employees.
American Association of State Social Work Boards
The AASSWB, founded in 1979, establishes national regulatory standards for the practice of social work. The Association provides uniform examinations to state boards, facilitates the exchange of information concerning the regulations for social work, and strives to educate the public regarding good social work practice.
American Association on Mental Retardation
The AAMR was founded in 1876. This is an interdisciplinary association that helps review and reshape public policy and encourage research and education regarding mental retardation issues. The AAMR promotes quality services for those with mental retardation and their families.
American Correctional Association
Founded in 1870, the American Correctional Association strives to improve correctional standards, including selection of personnel, care, supervision, education, training, employment, treatment, and post-release adjustment of inmates. They also provide information for non-association publications.
American Council on Alcoholism
Formed as a regional association in 1953, the Council was incorporated as a national organization in 1976. ACA advances the concept, at the national and state levels, that alcoholism is an identifiable, treatable illness. ACA advances the illness concept through its government relations and professional and educational outreach.
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
The Institute seeks to promote open and competitive enterprise and limited government. Since 1943, the AEI has done research in foreign policy, national defense, domestic and international economic policy and social and political issues.
American Foundation for the Blind
The AFB works for equality of opportunity and access for blind people. The foundation serves as an advisor and advocate on public policy, provides products and services, and makes information and educational programs available.
American Geriatrics Society
The AGS, founded in 1942, seeks to improve the health and well-being of older adults through promotion the practice of geriatrics, promotin g research which addresses the health care of older people, and lobbing for public policies which will focus on the improvement of health care for older people.
American Hospital Association
Founded in 1898, The AHA serves health care institutions, individuals and the public. It compiles statistics, conducts research, and provides education in the health care field.
American Humane Association
Founded in 1877, the AHA has two divisions. The Animal Protection Division is dedicated to the protection of animals. The American Association for Protecting Children works to improve services for children and families. The AAPC division offers in service training, provides expert assistance, conducts research on child abuse, and advocates legislation on the national and state level to protect children.
American Public Health Association
Founded in 1872, APHA is an organization for public health professionals. Its primary goal is to set standards, develop policies, participate in research, and disseminate information on all matters concerning public health.
American Public Welfare Association
The American Public Welfare Association was founded in 1930 to serve public welfare agencies, their staff, and those interested in public welfare. The association publishes and conducts research.
The ARC
This Association, formerly called the Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States, was founded in 1950 to serve those interested in mental retardation. ARC works on all levels of government to promote research, services, and legislation which will serve the mentally retarded and their families.
Association for the Care of Children's Health
Founded in 1965, the association is a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization. Its primary focus is to ensure that all aspects of children's health are family-centered, psychosocially sound and developmentally supportive. ACCH membership represents health and social services professionals, educators, researches, parents, and community leaders.
BoardSource
Formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, BoardSource provides resources for nonprofit boards. Among these are a list of papers available to members, a list of frequently asked questions, and links to related web sites. There is also information about BoardSource’s telephone consulting service and case studies. Information about training courses and forums is provided. The site features a catalog of books, videos and audiotapes that can be purchased, and an events calendar of nonprofit organization events.
Bread for the World Institute
Bread for the World Institute strives to provide information to citizens on the condition of world hunger for the purpose of promoting activities to influence the politics and policies to deal with this concern. Maintained by Bread for the World, the Institute (the research/education arm) focuses on issues related to hunger such as employment, third world debt, financial assistance to needy countries, defense spending, and farming. Additionally, the Institute sponsors research and activities, such as workshops and seminars, as a means of educating those interested in the causes and effects of world hunger.
Brookings Institution
Founded in 1961, Brookings is an independent organization devoted to nonpartisan research, education, and publication in the fields of economics, government, and foreign policy. Brookings divisions include the Center for Public Policy Education; Economic Studies; External Affairs, Foreign Policy Studies; Government Studies; Public Affairs; and a Social Science Computation Center. Each division conducts numerous conferences, forums, and seminars.
Center for Foreign Policy Development
The Center was established in 1981 and conducts research on U.S national security policy, nuclear weapons issues, immigration, and world economics. The Center also provides reproducible curricular units.
Center for Law and Social Policy
CLASP was founded in 1969. The Center is a public-interest law organization involved with legal advocacy for the poor and underrepresented.
Center for Migration Studies
The Center was founded in 1964 and encourages the sociological, demographic, economic and historical study of the world's population and their movements.
>Center for the Study of Aging
The Center has provided leadership in the field of health and fitness for older people since 1957. The Center's services include consulting in program planning.
Center for the Study of Social Policy
The Center was founded in 1979 to assist federal, state, and local governments in improving human services for low-income and other disadvantaged populations. Its mission is to effect change through the analysis of existing policies and the development of new ones. It prepares publications in the areas of income maintenance, social services, health care, disability, long-term care, and services to children, youth, and families.
Center for Women Policy Studies
The Center for Women Policy Studies, founded in 1972, is an independent institution dedicated to researching policy and advocacy issues relating to the status, needs, and race and gender bias of women. Programs sponsored by the Center incorporate research, advocacy, policy, and education to address the issues of equity, empowerment, health, and economics that concern women today.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Since 1981 the Center has promoted public understanding of the impact of governmental spending policies and programs, and has conducted studies on minorities and poverty.
Center on Social Welfare Policy and Law
This organization was founded in 1965. It studies significant cases in welfare law, provides information on welfare issues, and develops materials for legal services attorney and for welfare recipient groups. The CSWPL also maintains a poverty law library.
Child Welfare League of America
Founded in 1920, CWLA focuses on the needs and care of abused, dependent, or neglected children and youth and their families.
Children's Defense Fund
CDF is a nonprofit organization that advocates for a strong and effective voice for the children of America, who cannot vote, lobby, or speak out for themselves. CDF pays particular attention to the needs of poor, minority, and disabled children. CDF's goal is to educate the nation about the needs of children and encourage preventive investment in children before they get sick, drop out of school, suffer family breakdown, or get into trouble.
Clinical Social Work Federation
Thirty one state societies have confederated to form the Clinical Social Work Federation. The goal of the Federation is to promote the highest standards of education and practice. The site includes the CSWF code of ethics and a list of publications of its members. There is information about conferences and workshops, and a collection of related web sites. Resources for social work education and family therapy can also be found here.
Coalition on Human Needs
Founded in 1981, the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an organization of more than 100 groups who are involved in meeting the needs of low-income families through public assistance, housing, education, medical care, and public policy advocacy. The organization keeps member groups and newsletter subscribers up-to-date with current legislative action concerning human needs and welfare. In addition, the CHN has a special interest in monitoring block grant proposals.
CO-Dependents Anonymous
Founded in 1986 ,Co-Dependents Anonymous provides support and recovery programs for persons who are co-dependents. The program is similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Committee for Single Adoptive Parents
Founded in 1973, the Committee for Single Adoptive Parents provides information to adoption agencies, single adoptive parents and to those who would like to become an adoptive parent.
The Commonwealth Fund
This philanthropic foundation was created in 1918 by Anna M. Harkness with the goal of enhancing the common good. Today, this is accomplished by trying to help Americans to live healthy and productive lives and to aid specific groups in trying to solve serious problems. The fund has focused on improving health care, advocating for the aged, educating young people, promoting wellness, and improving the health of minorities. The fund accomplishes these goals by providing grants and fellowships.
Community Service Society of New York
Founded in 1930 by the merger of two older organizations, the Society works to identify the needs of the poor in New York City and to provide programs to meet their needs. The CSS also acts as an advocate for those in poverty by keeping the state and federal lawmakers aware of their needs.
Computer Use in Social Services Network
The Computer Use in Social Services Network, founded in 1981, provides a forum for the exchange of information and resources in the use of computers among professionals working in the social services.
Concerned United Birthparents
Founded in 1976, the Concerned United Birthparents is an organization of birthparents and others who are interested in reforming adoption laws and in guaranteeing that every mother has an opportunity to make an informed decision concerning whether or not to put her child up for adoption. The CUB would like to change laws related to opening up birth records and to make it easier for birthparents to find relatives lost due to adoption.
Council for Exceptional Children
Established in 1922, the CEC is devoted to the improvement of special education. Among its roles is the delivery of information, both printed and online, through the CEC Information Center.
Council on Social Work Education
This nonprofit national organization was founded in 1952 and is recognized as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. CSWE provides national leadership and a collective voice in ensuring quality social work educational programs. Two main goals are to prepare competent human service professionals and to develop new programs to meet the demands of changing service delivery systems. They sponsor an annual conference and an annual membership meeting.
Council on Social Work Education Commission on Gay Men and Lesbian Women
Founded in 1988, The Council of Social Work Education Commission on Gay Men and Lesbian Women develops, reviews, and assesses curriculum materials in relation to gay and lesbian content. The Commission plans and carries out educational programs at the annual conference of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and consults with social work programs and other CSWE commissions and committees on addressing the needs of sexual minorities through social work education.
Ethics and Public Policy Center
Founded in 1976, the Center has a program of research, writing, publications and conferences whose purpose is to emphasize the importance of the relationship between Judeo-Christian moral values and the formation of domestic and international public policy decisions. The organization recognizes those who demonstrate integrity, morality, and ethical values in making their decisions.
Families U.S.A Foundation
Families USA, originally known as the Villers Foundation, was founded by Phillippe Villers in 1981 both as a grant-making foundation and a health care advocacy group. Their mission is to work towards reforming the health care system in the United States so that universal access to health care is assured for all Americans.
Family Pride Coalition
The Family Pride Coalition seeks to promote the well-being of gay, lesbian and transgendered parents by fostering support networks, community advocacy, and public acceptance. This site features an online newsletter, upcoming events, and information on local gay/lesbian parenting groups.
Family Research Council
The Family Research Council, an independent, nonprofit advocacy organization is dedicated to promoting and strengthening family issues on federal, state, and local levels. Founded in 1980 as a social policy research and educational organization, it merged with Focus on the Family, a nonprofit Christian media and counseling ministry in 1988. Since that time it has labored to promote its pro-family concerns to policy and legislative leaders.
Family Resource Coalition
Established in 1981, FRC is comprised of community-based family support organization concerned with parenting, child development and family issues. It seeks to educate public, government and cooperate leaders about the needs of families, and to provide resource and referral services to social service professionals dealing with families.
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
Founded in 1922, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies coordinates the work of more than 250 Protestant human service agencies in the New York City area. The organization provides consultation and assistance to member agencies, helping them to provide the necessary services and programs to meet the needs of their constituencies. It also provides a unified voice for making social welfare needs known to policymakers.
Ford Foundation
Established in 1936 by Henry and Edsel Ford, the Ford Foundation supports a program of serving the welfare of society with a national and international perspective by funding institutions organizations that seek to solve public problems. A private, nonprofit institution, the Foundation has funded individuals and institutions both nationally and internationally. The Catalog of Publication, Films, and Videos, supplies bibliographic and order information for Foundation, and non-foundation publications, working papers, reports to the Foundation, and noteworthy videos, films, and radio programs.
The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education
The GADE is comprised of a group of social work educators whose purpose is the advancement of doctoral education in the area of social work and to provide information on the social work doctoral programs currently in existence in the United States.
Hazelden Foundation
Established in 1949, the Hazelden Foundation provides treatment and counseling services for individuals and families who are suffering an addiction. The foundation also provides training and information for professional who work with individuals suffering from and addiction. The site features a virtual library and online store.
Hemlock Society
Established in 1980, the Society is a national organization supporting the rights of terminally ill people to self-determination for all end-of-life decisions. The Society advocates physical-assisted dying as an option for the terminally ill. The society's activities include education, legal and legislative activity, crisis intervention and dissemination of information.
Hispanic Policy Development Project
HPDP is a nonprofit organization devoted to the analysis and evaluation of public policies affecting Hispanic youth in the United States. Special efforts are directed at the problems of Hispanic youth in the areas of education, employment, and family. HPDP also sponsors conferences and seminars, and support the work of Hispanic organizations through its research and policy studies.
Housing Assistance Council
HAC was created in 1971 to increase the availability of decent housing for rural low-income people. The Council provides seed money loans, technical assistance, program and policy analysis, research and demonstration projects, training, and information services to public, nonprofit, and private organizations.
HUD USER
The department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research makes this site available as a clearinghouse for research resources having to do with housing, community and economic development. It provides datasets, recent publications of HUD, and a bibliographic database containing over 10,000 citations and abstracts related to construction, housing and community planning studies. A series of links to ongoing studies and information about HUD-sponsored listservs can also be found here.
Human Rights Watch
Founded in 1987, Human Rights Watch is composed of five regional divisions: Africa Watch, Americas Watch, Asia Watch, Helsinki Watch, and Middle East Watch, plus four thematic projects: the Arms Project, Prison Project, Women's Rights Project, and the Fund for Free Expression. Human Rights Watch conducts regular, systematic investigations of human rights abuses in approximately seventy countries around the world. The Watch addresses the human rights practices of governments, geographical alignments, and ethnic and religious persuasions.
Independent Sector
Independent Sector was founded in 1980 for the purpose of serving as a national forum to develop, support and increase the commitment of volunteering among Americans. Included in the goals of the organization are the achievement of greater public awareness of volunteering, effective governmental relationships, research, increasing financial support for social concerns, and the support of excellence in the leadership of voluntary organization.
Institute for Research on Poverty
Founded in 1966 at the University of Wisconsin at Madison by the United States Office of Economic Opportunity, The Institute for Research on Poverty is a university-based national, nonprofit, nonpartisan research center whose purpose is to investigate the reasons and results, trends and policies of poverty, and related issues in the United States. The site includes discussion papers and other full-text publications.
Institute for Social Research
Founded in 1948, the Institute for Social Research, using three research centers (Survey Research Center, Research Center for Group Dynamics and Center for Political Studies), conducts studies, based primarily on interview surveys of the social science aspects of both national and international populations. The site includes research data and teaching materials.
Institute for Women's Policy Research
Founded in 1987, the Institute examines the causes and consequences of women's poverty. They concentrate on minority women, the costs of benefits of family work policies, pay equity, wages and development opportunities, the impact of tax policy on women and families, and access to and costs of health care. The site includes links to the institutes publications and reports.
Interagency Council on the Homeless
Established in July 1987 by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the Council is a federal interagency group designed to deal with the homeless situation. The major activities include planning, coordinating and monitoring programs, providing and disseminating information on federal resources.
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
Through test-case litigation and public education, Lambda works nationally to defend and extend the rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV in areas including education, employment, housing, child custody, health care delivery, and social services delivery. Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1973.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
This site provides resources not only to those with learning disabilities, but to parents, teachers, and those involved with helping the learning disabled. It provides current information about learning disabilities, along with a variety of resources for solving problems. Information regarding recent legislation affecting people with learning disabilities can be found here, along with information about state chapters, an annual conference, and a calendar of events.
Milton S. Eisenhower Foundation
Founded in 1981, the Foundation is concerned with improving the conditions for inner-city youth and reducing drug and crime related violence. The Foundation acts as an intermediary between organizations to facilitate public advocacy, financial assistance to various neighborhood and nonprofit organizations, self-help programs, international exchange programs, and providing employment and education opportunities for youth. The Foundation has a primary interest in reaching high- risk youth and providing them with viable options to dropping out of school or turning to drugs and crime.
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) is the Nation's oldest and largest network of Hispanic health and human services providers. Alliance members deliver quality services to over 12 million persons annually. This is achieved through informing and mobilizing consumers, providing support in the delivery of quality care, and the promotion of technology and philanthropy.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
Founded in 1983, this national nonprofit organization is dedicated to the principle that no individual in America should be homeless. To this end, members of the Alliance have provided the leaders to coordinate the efforts of individuals and organizations from the private, public, and nonprofit sector to end homelessness through the implementation of policies and programs. Formerly known as the National Citizen Committee for Food and Shelter (1984) and Committee for Food and Shelter (1988), Alliance members are committed to seeking solutions that will reduce and prevent homelessness in America.
National Assembly of National Voluntary Health and Social Welfare Organization
An association of national voluntary health and human service organizations. Through member collaboration and networking, the Assembly provided opportunities for the ongoing development of skills needed to effectively lead and manage national organizations. Members must be tax-exempt nonprofit national organizations with programs that relate to health, social welfare, and human service delivery. The organization works to advance the effectiveness of members and provides collective leadership in the areas of health and human services. It promotes public policies, programs and the development of resources which are responsive to health and human service organizations and those they serve. The Assembly helps increase public understanding of the importance of meeting human needs and furthers the development of a high workforce within health and human service organizations.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
This Association was founded in 1983. They provide educational information and advocacy services to children of alcoholics (COA) and the public at large. One goal is to increase awareness of the special needs of COAs. They also create networks in order to exchange resources and information.
National Association for Community Health Centers
This organization was founded in 1970 with the mission of improving health care policies and access to health care for uninsured and the underserved populations of the US NACHC regularly holds conferences, provides education, training, and technical assistance, disseminates information, conducts research, provides shared services, monitors, and lobbies Congress at the policy level, and functions as an information clearinghouse. These activities are partially funded by the federal government, but NACHC also relies on grants and membership dues to maintain operations.
National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)
Established in 1968, the organizational goals are to sponsor community welfare projects and programs serving the interests of the Black community.
National Association of Community Health Centers
The NACHC is the national trade association serving and representing the interests of America's community health centers. Health centers, federal and state policymakers, clinicians, and state and regional primary care associations can use this site for valuable resources.
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
The organization was established in 1978 as the National Association of Latino Appointed Democratic Officials. Their goals are to develop a leadership network dedicated to the advancement of the Hispanic people and to articulate Hispanic needs in Washington, DC and throughout the Southwest.
National Association of Social Workers
The organization's purposes are to create professional standards for social work practice, advocate sound public social policies through political and legislative action, and provide a wide range of services to social workers including continuing education opportunities.
National Association of Social Workers National Committee on Lesbian and Gay and Bisexual Issues
In 1977 the National Association of Social Workers Delegate Assembly adopted the Public Policy statement on Gay Issues. In 1979 the NASW Task Force on Lesbian and Gay Issues was appointed. By 1982 this committee was created as a standing unit of the association. In 1993 the NASW Delegate Assembly passed an amendment to make the National Committee on Lesbian and Gay Issues (NCOLGI) a by-laws mandated committee effective July 1994. NCOLGI promotes inclusion of gay, lesbian and bisexual issues in all aspects of the association; develops knowledge, theory and practice related to LGB issues; review, monitors and advises on association policies, to support LGB-affirmative legislation and policy, and to participate with coalitions of related organizations.
National Association of State Budget Officers
Founded in 1945, the association's mission is to encourage study and research in state budgeting and to promote cooperation and efficiency in budget programs. They conduct educational seminars and legislative briefings.
National Association of the Deaf
The National Association of the Deaf web site features an extensive collection of resources for deaf individuals and those who work with the deaf. The links that are available include news about the association, NAD advocacy issues, and information about recent legislation. The site also contains a series of frequently asked questions and information about employment, legal concerns, education, sign language, and technology.
National Black Child Development Institute
The NBCDI web site offers information about a variety of programs that the organization is involved in. These include the Cross Cultural Partnership Program, the Love to Read Program, and SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids). The site also contains information about recent conferences that NBCDI has held, and employment listings related to the child development field. There is a message board that can be browsed, and a calendar of current events.
National Center for Children in Poverty
The NationalCenter for Children in Poverty makes available on its web site the full text of recent NCCP studies. Among the categories of studies available are economic security, early child care and learning, family stability, and demographics. A series of facts about child poverty are available for use by the media. State data on the condition of children can be found here and the site allows users to create statistical tables. Information about child policies is also available on this site.
National Center for Economic & Security Alternatives
Those seeking information regarding the development of communities and local economies may find this site useful. It provides information about a variety of community building models, as well as policy and theory. Security and disarmament is another topic that is addressed. A list of articles and publications related to community building is available, as well as a listing of online resources covering community and economic development, security and disarmament.
National Center for Juvenile Justice
The National Center for Juvenile Justice is a private, non-profit organization which serves as a resource for independent and original research related to Juvenile Justice. This site features the full text of newly released reports on juvenile justice, frequently asked questions, and services offered by the Center. An extensive list of publications is available in full text or for purchase. There is a list of current and past projects the Center is involved in, listed by state. A list of employment opportunities is provided.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Founded in 1984, the NCMEC aids parents and law enforcement agencies in preventing child exploitation and in locating missing children. It serves as a national clearinghouse of information on effective state and federal legislation directed at the protection of children. The site offers a CyberTipline that the public may use to alert authorities to Internet-related child sexual exploitation. It features information about AMBER plans, and a current awareness service that users can subscribe to. The site includes advice, faqs and statistics for parents and guardians on how to prevent child abduction and exploitation and a series of related full-text publications. Information for law enforcement, attorneys, and the press is also provided.
National Center for Nonprofit Boards
Formed in 1988 to advance the effectiveness of the governing boards of American nonprofit organizations, the Center offers programs, workshops, and services to board members, directors, development directors, and other nonprofit staff.
National Center on Elder Abuse
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) is a national resource for elder rights, law enforcement and legal professionals, public policy leaders, researchers, and the public. The Center's mission is to promote understanding, knowledge sharing, and action on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
This site showcases a wide variety of prevention programs arranged into several broad categories: family, youth, school, workplace and community. Resources can be searched by drug name, audience, and by alcohol and drug-related issue. News stories and press releases related to alcohol and drug abuse are also available, as is a calendar of events and conferences. Links are also provided to major alcohol and drug-related databases.
National Clearinghouse for Legal Services See Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
The Clearinghouse is a resource center and legal research system that offers a complete source of civil poverty law publications. It also makes available information on case law with respect to issues relating to poor people. The Clearinghouse operates an extensive brief bank of cases and publications relating to poverty law and the consumer.
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Extensive information about child abuse and neglect is available at this site in topical arrangement. There is an alphabetical index to topics and a keyword search function that includes a thesaurus. General resources available for non-professional audiences include law and legal issues, lists of publications and related organizations, statistical information, and state-specific information. There is also a glossary and a list of FAQs. A separate group of resources is available for professionals, consisting of grant resources, best practices, and training and development resources.
National Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape
This site is no longer actively maintained but may be valuable for historical purposes.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
*Formed in 1978, this nonprofit membership organization was created with the primary goal of eliminating violence and the threat of violence from the lives of women and children. The site contains information about a project the Coalition is working on to create a national registry of names of women who have been killed as a result of domestic violence. Information is also available about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and about a catalog of promotional materials that is available from NCADV to raise awareness of domestic violence.
National Coalition for The Homeless
This site includes a series of fact sheets about homelessness, and a section devoted to current news and archival news about the homeless. There is a section on hot topics related to the homeless, as well as material on policy and legislation. A list of legislative alerts can also be found here, along with stories of personal experiences of homelessness. The site also offers a calendar of events, technical assistance, directories, internet resources, K-12 educational materials, and a list of publications available from the Coalition.
National Coalition of Hispanic Mental Health and Human Services Organizations
Founded in 1973, the coalition claims to be the only national organization which strives to improve health and public services to Hispanics by helping Hispanic organizations develop programs. This organization also produces books and videos.
National Committee for Adoption
Founded in 1980, the National Committee for Adoption (NCFA) works to promote the positive option of adoption. NCFA promotes sound adoption policy, serves as a resource for officials and policy makers in matters of adoption initiatives and reform. NCFA also a source for adoption facts and education.
National Conference of State Legislatures
NCSL services the legislators and staffs of the nation's fifty states, its commonwealths, and territories. Created in 1975, the Conference is a nonpartisan organization with three objectives: (1) to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures; (2) to foster interstate communication and cooperation; (3) and to ensure states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.
National Council for Adoption
This Council, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization, serves as a national advocate for adopted children, adoptive parents, and birth parents. Founded in 1980, the Council works to protect adopted children and ensure confidentiality of all involved parties. The Council also serves as an information clearinghouse, provides technical assistance, compiles statistics, and offers counseling services.
National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care
Information about public policy issues, including congressional updates, grassroots initiatives, positions statements, and reports related to community behavioral health care, is available at this site. There are also resources regarding conferences, jobs, training, and industry trends. A list of Council publications is available, and information about state associations.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
This site features extensive information about the NCADD, its history and affiliations. There are fact sheets about alcohol and drug abuse, as well as information about the social and medical effects of abuse. A list of program and services can be found here, along with NCADD publications. Conference information and links to legislative resources are also featured.
National Council on Crime and Delinquency
NCCD was originally organized in 1907 as the National Probation Association. NCCD develops model legislation, provides professional training, conducts research, and formulates policies related to issues of crime control and corrections.
National Council on Family Relations
This site is primarily aimed at family life educators and professionals, and contains information about current research, conferences, and employment. It features current news about family life issues and offers full-text access for its members to journals published by the Council. The site offers information about obtaining certification as a family life educator, a database of family-related information, and a series of links to other family-related web sites.
National Council on the Aging
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a network of organization and individual that seek to promote the health and well-being of older persons. Advocacy, innovation, and public and private partnerships are among the areas that NCOA is actively involved in.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
News and current events related to gay and lesbian issues are listed at this site, arranged in reverse chronological order. An archive of press releases dating back to 1995 is available as well. A list of legislative and political issues important to the gay and lesbian community is included, along with information about federal, state, and local organizing efforts. The site also features a library of publications consisting of research and reports, many of which are available in full-text. A national listing of events and conference and institute information are included as well.
National Governor's Association
The National Governor’s Association represents the interests of state government to federal policy makers and promotes best practices in state government. Information about the Association’s annual meetings can be found here, along with a list of issues of concern to state government. Educational, health, environmental, and economic initiatives undertaken on the state level are also available.
National Health Information Center
The National Health Information Center is a service of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, US Public Health Service. The Center serves primarily as a health information referral service answering questions and referring people to the appropriate sources. The Center also develops publications on health-related topics of interest to health professionals, the media, and the public.
National League of Cities
The National League of Cities (NLC) is an organization that represents municipal governments across the United States. Founded in 1924, NLC works with 49 state municipal leagues. The organization serves as a resource and advocate for more than 18,000 villages, cities, and towns.
National Network for Social Work Managers.
The National Network for Social Work Managers provides resources for those involved in social work administration. At this site can be found information about obtaining certification as a social work manager, as well as a listing of standards and competencies for social work managers. Visitors to the site can find out about the annual institute sponsored by the Network and about awards that it gives. There is a list of articles available about social work and the Network, and employment listings as well.
The Network originally began advocating for runaway and homeless youth, and subsequently its concerns to other problems of young people such as abuse, neglect, family conflicts, and community prejudice. Information about accreditation, meetings and conferences, and seminars and training are provided here. There are links to organizations involved in treating HIV/Aids and a runaway switchboard that the network sponsors. Information about public policy and legislative issues are included at this site.
National Rural Health Association
The goal of the National Rural Health Association is to improve the quality of rural health services through advocacy, education and research. An extensive set of links to advocacy, policy, and legislation is available, along with lists of rural health clinics and rural health associations. The full text of some Association papers and policy briefs can be accessed at the site, as well as an index to articles published in the Journal of Rural Health, an NRHA publication. There is also a series of links to grants and funding opportunities, conferences and events, and other web resources for rural health.
National Rural Housing Coalition
The NRHC was formed in 1969 by a concerned group of rural and community activists, public officials, and nonprofit developers to fight for better housing and community facilities for low income and rural people. This organization lobbies Congress directly and through a network of rural housing advocates to address the needs of rural areas. The coalition regularly sponsors conferences and are entirely supported by donations and subscriptions. The chief goal of the NHRC is to serve the rural poor.
North American Association of Christians in Social Work
The NACSW developed out of a series of annual conferences which began in 1950 and was incorporated in 1954. It exists as an interdenominational and international organization of people committed to integrating the Christian faith and social work practice. The Association's main objectives are to provide Christian social workers with opportunities for education, personal growth, and fellowship; to promote a Christian world view through social work; and to encourage awareness of contemporary human need which the profession of social work can address. The NACSW holds an annual conference and has approximately 1,000 members.
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Founded in 1974 by adoptive parents, the North American Council on Adoptable Children is committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them. The Council works toward achieving their mission, "Every child has a right to a permanent family."
Older Women's League
This national organization focuses solely on women as they age and it has created an effective grassroots network of over 60 chapters. The main advocacy goals of OWL are to achieve economic, health and social equity for midlife and older women. Its Mother's Day Reports spotlight issues of critical importance to women such as health care coverage, pension reform, long term care, etc., and are available online.
Pan American Health Organization
This organization is part of the United Nations system serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. Its principle mission is to strengthen national and local health systems and improve the health of the peoples of the Americas. It promotes primary health care strategies and targets the most vulnerable groups including mothers and children, workers, the poor, the elderly and refugees and misplaced persons. Many of the Organization's publications are in English as well as Spanish.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
The PFLAG site features a set of links to alerts about political and social issues of concern to PFLAG members. It features a list of frequently asked questions, a guide to local chapters, and a catalog of publications and resources. There is news about advocacy and legislative issues, information about starting a local chapter, and about the PFLAG national conference.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Planned Parenthood, founded in 1916 by Margaret Sanger, is one of the largest voluntary reproductive health care organizations in the United States. The Federation's guiding belief is the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. The activities of Planned Parenthood include providing for comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services to all, advocating public policies which guarantee reproductive rights and access to services, developing educational programs on human sexuality, and promoting research and advancement of technology in reproductive health care. The Federation also works to provide international family planning services in over 100 countries. Publications include books, pamphlets, and videotapes.
The Population Council
This international, nonprofit organization was established in 1952 and conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research focusing on problems related to reproductive health and population growth. It also provides technical assistance and improves the research capacity of reproductive and population scientists in developing countries through grants, fellowships, and support of research centers. A variety of publications and working papers are available online.
Population Reference Bureau
The Population Reference Bureau was established in 1929 and is a private, nonprofit organization that gathers, interprets and disseminates information about U.S. and international population trends and their policy implications. Focus areas include the environment, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and population trends. Many materials are available electronically including PRB Reports on America, World Population Data Sheet, Population Bulletin, and working papers.
Poverty and Race Research Action Council
PRACC was begun in 1990 to generate, gather and disseminate information regarding the relationship between race and poverty. It promotes and advocates the development and implementation of policies and practices that alleviate conditions caused by the interaction of race and poverty. The Council funds social science research tied to local, state, and national advocacy strategies and publishes a variety of materials.
Research and Training Center On Family Support and Children's Mental Health
The Center was created in 1984 and is funded through government grants. Its focus is to promote effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are, or may be affected by mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. This goal is accomplished through collaborative research partnerships with family members, service providers, policy makers, and other concerned persons. Monographs, articles, and other publications are available electronically. The Center also provides an extensive list of resources for youth http://www.rtc.pdx.edu/pgYouthResources.shtml.
The Roper Center Public Opinion
The Roper Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public opinion data archive that maintains a collection of domestic and international public opinion surveys. A variety of materials are freely available, but access to data sets is through subscription.
SAGE: Senior Action In a Gay Environment
SAGE, or Senior Action in a Gay Environment, was founded in 1977 and is the nation's oldest and largest social service and advocacy organization dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) senior citizens.
Samual Sadin Institute on Law
The Institute was established in 1977 to ensure that the elderly poor receive access to public benefits and entitlements. The Institute offers legal support to those professionals such as social workers, attorneys, and others who are assisting the elderly. The kinds of services provided include the following : professional training, telephone case consultation, assistance at administrative hearings, public policy analysis, and conference sponsorship.
Save The Children Federation
Save the Children is an international relief and community development organization founded in 1932. The Federation works with families and countries throughout the world. Community- based self-help programs are designed by the Federation to improve living conditions and increase opportunities for children and families to live healthy, productive lives.
Sex Information and Education Council of The US (SIECUS)
Founded in 1964, SIECUS includes educators, social workers, physicians, clergy, youth organizations, parents groups, and others concerned about human sexuality education and sexual health care. Goals are to support and examine scientific research on human sexuality; disseminate data and provide education, training and leadership programs in the field of human sexuality, and to identify, develop, and promote social policies that foster positive attitudes, values, and practices related to human sexuality. The Council conducts seminars and internship programs, offers technical assistance, operators an information service and a library.
Stone Center (Now part of the Wellesley Centers for Women
The Stone Center was created by an endowment in 1981 with the charge of preventing mental illness through education, research, community outreach, and counseling programs. The Center sponsors free public lectures, conducts workshops, provides training seminars, holds conferences, disseminates a newsletter, and publishes and sells conference reports, audio tapes, videotapes, and working papers.
Study Circles Resources Center
Founded in 1990 and sponsored by Topsfield Foundation, Inc., Study Circles Resources Center promotes the discussion of significant social and political issues. These issues are explored through the use of study circles, a method whereby a group of 5-20 people gather together to share their viewpoints. Additionally, the Center publishes discussions, programs and how-to materials on topics such as racism, the environment, health and welfare reform, and provides a clearinghouse list of organizations that have developed study circle materials.
United States Committee For Refugees
Founded in 1958, the United States Committee for refugees, through its regional affiliates, helps immigrants and refugees adapt to American life. The Committee also assists immigrants through practical means, such as assistance with language learning and immigration laws, and also by working to improve immigration and naturalization laws.
United States Conference of Mayors
This nonpartisan organization was established in 1932 and represents cities with populations of 30,000 or more people. The Conference of Mayors works to improve city government and aids in the development of national urban policy. The Conference also works to help mayors to gain leadership and management experience. The Mayors adopt urban policy positions, lobby Congress, and hold an annual conference.
Urban Institute
Urban Institute is a nonprofit policy research educational organization established in 1968. Its staff investigates the social and economic problems confronting the national and government policies and programs designed to alleviate such problems. The Institute's two goals are to help shape thinking about societal problems and efforts to solve them, and to improve government decisions and performance by providing better information and analysis tools.
William Monroe Trotter Institute
This Institute was founded in 1984 with the charge of addressing the issues of the black community in Massachusetts through public service and research. The Institute regularly sponsors public forums to present research findings and to involve the Black community in public policy discussions. The Institute also provides technical assistance to community groups and organizations.
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
The W.E Upjohn Institute was established in 1945 as a nonprofit research organization with the mission of finding solutions to employment-related problems at local, state, and national levels. The Institute provides grants and conducts and supports policy-oriented research in many areas. The institute's main objectives are to combine scholarship and experimentation with issues of public and private employment and unemployment policy, and to apply new knowledge to find solutions to employment and unemployment problems.
Women Work! The National Network for Women’s Employment
This is an organization that advocates training for women to compete in the workforce, particularly information technology and nontraditional occupations. It offers information about legislation and policy issues related to women and work. Information about projects and initiatives such as RITA (Recruiting for the Information Technology Age) and about Network’s annual conference are available at this site, along with highlights and transcripts from previous conferences. The site includes a list of publications, and resources for both individuals and professionals. A National Directory of Women’s Education and Training Programs features a clickable map of programs by state.
Created on 6/22/00 by Nadia Badr ELsayed
Send corrections and suggestions to the EBSS Social Work/Social Welfare Committee Chair
