Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Du, BSW '2020
Ashley is running for the position of Delegate to the NASW Delegate Assembly! NASW members will receive an election ballot by email in the next few weeks.
"I received my BSW from Stony Brook University in May 2020. I served as a class representative for the School of Social Welfare’s Undergraduate Planning Committee, in which I collaborated with faculty and staff to redesign curriculum and address student concerns. I contributed to reforming the structure and content for specific courses. From this experience, I have gained knowledge in program development, cross-team collaboration, and fluid communication. I have also interned at WellLife Network, providing services for people experiencing chronic mental illness. There, I learned to set my boundaries but also work with individuals to further their recoveries. This duality of skill has proven effective for me in mediating different types of conflict. Currently, I am on a Fulbright grant in Taiwan, teaching English to second and third grade students in a local elementary school. As a Taiwanese American woman, I am fueled by my dedication to restorative care."
Platform Statement: The social work field, in constant evolution, is guided by individuals who are passionate about justice and change. Now, more than ever, collective voice is necessary for meaningful progress. As a Delegate Assembly Member for the NASW-NYS, I will collaborate with others to inform state-wide advocacy and further the impact of the chapter. I am confident that my experiences in micro- and mezzo- work will translate over well to the macro-level world. My participation in non-profit programs gives me a clear idea of what kind of institutional support is needed in order to be successful, for both social workers and the communities they work with. In today’s technologically-driven society, leveraging social media is extremely important. My experience in social media outreach could help the Delegate Assembly disseminate information regarding resource access and equity to a wider audience. I am eager to contribute to the Delegate Assembly’s goal of setting policy statements. All fields of social work intersect with each other; local and grassroots activism often form the cornerstones for policy creation and implementation. Being a Delegate Assembly Member would allow me to advocate on a macro scale, as part of a diverse professional body.
