Sociology, Social Work & Social Welfare  Division Annual Business Meeting, 8/8/25

Attendees: Erica Jablonski, Miriam Landsman, Agata Pacha, Stephen Monroe Tomczak, Denae Cook, Nick Payton, Clay Awsumb

Item 1: Division consolidation progress

•	In anticipation of potential board action for Divisions with fewer than 75 members, the Chairs of the Sociology, Social Work & Social Welfare Division had been in discussions with the Chair of the Community, Research & Practice Division, the Division with whom the majority of members  foresaw a natural alliance about potential consolidation if needed.
•	The CRP leadership and members  in attendance at their meeting agreed that our divisions shared a lot of overlapping interests and were willing to consider a combined Division that would enable us to maintain our distinct identity if needed.

Item 2: Preliminary 2026 session ideas

•	After reading aloud the theme for next year’s annual meeting (https://www.sssp1.org/index.cfm/m/1044/2026_Annual_Meeting/), discussions of potential sessions occurred.
•	Because both Divisional business meetings (SSWSW & CRP) were held in the same room, a number of sessions, many of which could be co-sponsored if the divisions did not merge, arose. Please see our SSWSW 2026 session survey to ID your favorites! https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9X3yxvFWNA37bUi

Item 3: Division budget allocations

•	Members attending supported the idea of merging the newsletter editor and social media (Facebook) manager positions.
•	Because there was no Student Paper award this year, those funds ($150), can be used towards the Newsletter Editor/Social Media Manager this year.
•  Members did not feel the need for any additional awards, such  as an Outstanding Scholar Award being offered next year.

Item 4: Volunteers  for Division positions and remaining opportunities:

•  Chair or Co-chair of the Division (August of 2026 - August of 2008): Padmore Amoah volunteered, but this position has traditionally had a co-chair as well.
•	Graduate Student Paper Award Committee: Nick Payton volunteered, but others are welcome  to join him
•  Newsletter and/or social media editor (stipend up to $150 per year)

As always,  if you have any questions about our annual division meeting notes, please contact  Erica (e.jablonski@unh.edu) and/or Miriam (miriam-landsman@uiowa.edu)