It was just over a year ago that I recognized the need for a network for Brevard County social workers who are Florida State University graduates and current students. Here in Brevard, we might love FSU but are far from the main campus and that community sense of 'Nole pride is often overshadowed by the larger presence of other universities.
I started reaching out to FSU alumni and social workers here in Brevard, locating people on LinkedIn, Facebook, and via word of mouth. Bit by bit, person by person, the network grew. Now the Network has 48 members, and the Facebook Brevard Network group has 35 members. If you know anyone interested, send them my way!
Forming during a pandemic has its challenges. The very first Brevard Network meeting was scheduled for the end of July 2022, but the Delta variant of COVID-19 had other plans. The restaurant we booked closed down due to COVID, and we waited to gather until it was safer. After a year of planning, the Brevard Network held its first meeting at Pizza Gallery in Viera in April 2022.
Eleven of us gathered around a long table in a private room and we shared FSU pride shared our FSU and social work journeys, talked about issues needed addressing in Brevard, and compared roles pre-and-post pandemic. We also welcomed a new member of the FSU College of Social Work community, who will be starting her MSW journey through the Part-Time Online MSW Program, this summer!
While sharing Brevard Network’s plans and goals at the meeting, two desired focal points of the group stood out.The first was socializing. It was a fun and laughter-filled night, many of the attendees stated how refreshing it was to be in a room with people who love social work and FSU. It honestly didn't feel like a first meeting, it felt familiar, comfortable.
I reached out to several of the members after the meeting, to plan our direction in the future. We decided to try a rotating event every other month with a different host each time. The second desired focus involved continuing education credits. We already have the support of the FSU College of Social Work to help us develop continuing education opportunities for Brevard Network members.
And the Brevard Network has also been in contact with the National Association of Social Workers, Space Coast Chapter to partner so those opportunities are available to a larger number of local social workers. More will be released on all of these initiative as they develop.
It feels great to have has a presence as we have banded together to celebrate FSU, social work, and our mission to make our county the best it can be. If you missed the first meeting, we would love to see you at the next one! I also have t-shirts available for members!