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APSWDP: Promoting Social Work Education for Sustainable Development and Transformative Change

Promoting volunteerism to professionalism

In the vibrant city of Chandigarh, the Association of Professional Social Workers and Development Practitioners (APSWDP) stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. This non-profit think tank and civil society organization, deeply committed to promoting ‘Social Work Education for Sustainable Development’ social action and community-driven development, has made significant strides in empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable development and made a global presence. This article highlights APSWDP's mission, vision, key initiatives, and impact, showcasing the profound difference they are making in the lives of many. Mission and Vision Mission: APSWDP is dedicated to uniting social work professionals and development practitioners to address societal issues collaboratively. The association aims to empower and build capacities of professionals, individuals, and communities, promote social justice, and foster inclusive development through professional social work and development initiatives.

Vision: APSWDP's vision is to create a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being. The organization strives to build a just, equitable, and inclusive society through its various programs and initiatives. Key Focus Areas 1. Community-Driven Development: APSWDP works closely with local, marginalized communities to understand their needs and implement sustainable development projects. These initiatives include livelihood-linked programs, capacity building & training, and community-based resource management aimed at improving the quality of life for the community members.

2. Inclusive Development: The association empowers persons with disabilities, and targeted minorities through advocacy, sports, inclusive education, and livelihood-linked opportunities. APSWDP ensures that marginalized and vulnerable communities have equal access to resources and opportunities, fostering their independence and social integration.

3. Social Action: APSWDP actively engages in social action to address pressing issues such as urban poverty, gender inequality, climate change mitigation & adaptation, and social exclusion. The association educates and mobilizes communities through awareness campaigns, workshops, conferences, and seminars to drive social change.

4. Capacity Building & Training: APSWDP focuses on enhancing social work professionals' and development practitioners' skills and competencies. The organization offers training programs, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms to build the capacity of its members and stakeholders. Major Initiatives and Programs: 1. Economic Empowerment of Marginalized Women - APSWDP under the aegis of USHA Social Affairs Division, USHA International under CSR support completed project at fifteen locations in Chandigarh U.T. The project was aimed at the economic empowerment of women by opening fifteen ‘USHA Silai Schools’ and extending training & sewing machines at various locations including villages and rehabilitation colonies in the city. 2. COVID-19 Social Solidarity Response Relief Campaign- 2020 - In Chandigarh Union Territory, the APSWDP came forward in conceiving an initiative – “COVID-19 – Solidarity Response Relief Campaign” during COVID-19 Pandemic and the lockdown in Chandigarh tri-city region. The APSWDP executed 65 + days of the sustainable campaign including awareness generation and sensitization of communities and volunteers on COVID-19 guidelines, identifying and engaging volunteers and relief distribution in addition to mobilization of resources from philanthropists, civil society, religious & youth organizations and corporates under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for extending support to worst hit communities with essential commodities for living. 3. Targeted Intervention (TI) Composite for High-Risk Groups (MSMs, FSWs and TGs) Project - APSWDP under the aegis of Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society (CSACS) with the support from National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been implementing Targeted Intervention Composite Project in Chandigarh for creating awareness, testing, diagnosis, behavior change and treatment of High-Risk Communities (TGs, MSMs, and FSWs). 4. Link Worker Scheme (LWS) Project - APSWDP under the aegis of Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS) with support from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been implementing the project in rural areas of Ludhiana in Punjab for linking High-Risk Communities (TGs, Migrants, MSMs, IVDUs, and FSWs) to the health facility. 5. Climate Change Education and Educating Youth & Educator- APSWDP under the aegis of The Climate Reality Project-India and South Asia initiated a project on creating awareness of Climate Change Adaptation through a fleet of nine trained climate leaders from Honourable Al Gore Noble Laureate and Former Vice-President USA. The objective of this ongoing project is to train school teachers, college educators, and university academicians under the Teachers Training Programme and to work with educational institutions to develop green campuses under the Green Campus Programme (GCP) since 2015. 6. Strengthening, Capacity Building of youth-led NGOs and organizations- APSWDP is providing free of-cost consultation to NGOs on POSDCORB and its strengthening. Impact and Achievements APSWDP’s efforts have had a profound impact on the communities it serves. The association has successfully implemented numerous projects that have significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of individuals. Notable achievements include: • Capacity building and training of more than 18,000 individuals, youth, university students, educators, and NGO representatives leading to sustainable development. • Facilitating inclusive development of more than 1,000 youth including PWDs, TGs, and other vulnerable peoples, ensuring they have access to quality life. • Conducting health check-up camps and linkages to government health setup has benefited over 10,000 community members, improving their overall health and well-being. • Empowering women and marginalized communities including TGs through entrepreneurship programs, resulted in several social enterprises. • Regular contribution in the form of Written Statement on various global issues and agendas in UN High-Level segments.

Award: State Award-2020 (Commendation Certificate for Meritorious Services during COVID-19 Pandemic) by Chandigarh Administration. Partnerships and Collaborations – Think Global and Act Local APSWDP believes in the power of collaboration and has partnered with various national and international organizations to further its mission. These partnerships have enabled the organization to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to maximize its impact. Presently, APSWDP is associated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), UNESCO MIL Alliance in various capacities viz. Consultative Status and Observer.

Such collaborations have given impetus to APSWDP members in having representations and secured fellowships in COP 27, COP 28 organized by UNFCCC, Asia Pacific Climate Week by UNESCAP, UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, and in various workshops on sustainable agenda organized by CIFAL/UNITAR.