The New Social Worker Vol. 20, No. 3, Summer 2013 | Page 15

A very memorable session focused last sessions. I learned that although it is on gay/lesbian co-workers. Kate helped good to write down detailed notes after Paul express his feelings and unrealistic each group session, to prepare for group concerns. One of the most beautiful by reading the prior week’s notes, and things that Kate said that I can never to have possible topics ready for discusforget was, “They are people just like sion, it is rarely needed, because group you and me. You know, I don’t care if members will usually find topics to talk they are heterosexual, bisexual, or gay, about on their own. I also learned that or if they are the color pink, green, or the group leader has to be a good listener blue, but if they treat me with respect, and always be ready to intervene at that’s all that matters to me.” The fact any time, if conflict arises among group that Kate said this to Paul was so much members. more meaningful because it came from Moreover, leading a first group her and not the group leader, because helped me experience the power of the peer group is very important for groups, which exceeded my expectaadolescents. tions. After getting through the first few In addition, the group succeeded sessions, which were a bit stressful to me, in talking Kate out of an unrealistic idea I saw the amazing personal growth of to bring a significant other to deal with each of my clients and the impact of peer a dif ficult boss in the workplace. They influence with adolescents. The group discussed proper behavior of superviprocess was especially rewarding, as I sors, role played job interviews and saw group members helping each other, how to act at job fairs, and discussed sharing information, and taking on leadfeelings about Eve leaving the program ership roles. I was proud of myself for without completion. They talked about learning this awesome new skill to help Bill’s graduation and new job, expressed people to help themselves and make a feelings about the group ending, and difference in people’s lives. reviewed their progress. In conclusion, I graduated with my In leading my first group, I learned MSW in 1995 (DSW, 2002) and went many things. I learned the leader is on to lead many groups at a nonprofit NSW2013NewPrograms_Layout 1 3/28/13 most active in structuring the first and 10:02 AM Page 1 and in government. Group organization skills are seen by agencies as a valuable asset to save time and money, and to address high caseloads, reduced funding, and staffing shortages. Since 2008, I have been teaching part-time in a pre-social work program at a community college, where I enjoy using group skills with 25 students. I am glad that I “got my feet wet” in group work as a student, and I recommend that all social work students experience the challenges and rewards of running a group. Suggested Readings Malekoff, A. (1994). A guideline for group work with adolescents. Social Work with Groups, 17 (1), 5-19. Rooney, R. H. (1988). Socialization strategies for involuntary clients. Social Casework, 69 (3), 131-140. Shulman, L. (1992). The skills of helping individuals, families, and groups (3rd ed.) Istasca, IL: Peacock. (Rose) Rosalie J. Russo-Gleicher, DSW, LMSW, is an adjunct Assistant Professor of Human Services at the Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York. MASTERS OF SOCIAL WORK • CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE • MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Convenient evening and weekend course work for the adult learner Locations: Dallas Mansfield DuBois Harrisburg Poconos NEW! Schuylkill Co. Huntingdon York NEW! Lancaster For more information and a complete list of programs offered at Temple University Harrisburg, call 717-232-6400 or 1-866-769-1860 (toll-free), email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.temple.edu/harrisburg LEARN. LEAD. INSPIRE. The New Social Worker Summer 2013 13