Greetings ASGW Members,

It is an honor and a privilege to address our valued ASGW community. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your unwavering commitment to group work, your dedication to your clients and students, and your engagement with ASGW.

I first joined ASGW in 2013, inspired by my professor and advisor, Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, who was a leader within the association at the time. As an international student new to the United States, I found in ASGW a professional home, a place where I could grow, contribute, and belong. I began my service as a student volunteer at conferences, later became newsletter editor, then chair of the Strategic Communications Committee, and most recently served as secretary. Today, as I step into the role of ASGW President for 2025–2026, I am both humbled and honored to continue this journey alongside each of you.

For decades, ASGW has been a leader in advancing group work through excellence in practice, research, training, and advocacy. Together, we can continue to elevate our field to meet the evolving needs of the diverse communities we serve, both locally and globally.

Recognizing that this year will pass quickly, I have identified three key priorities that I believe will leave a lasting impact: promoting innovation in group counseling, strengthening leadership development within our profession, and elevating the 2026 conference experience. These priorities align with ASGW’s mission and reflect the input and aspirations of our members.

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Key Initiatives for 2025–2026

Expanding Innovative Resources and Products for Group Work

• Develop a series of group counseling tools and resources centered on innovation and emerging trends, to be made available on the ASGW website and featured at our 2026 conference.
• Provide educational materials and practice guidelines to help group practitioners ethically and effectively integrate artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies into their work.

Strengthening Leadership Training and Development

• Enhance and streamline ASGW’s Leadership Training Institute to create a more equitable, structured, and impactful pathway for cultivating future leaders in group work.
• Revitalize existing state branches and support the establishment of new ones to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and extend ASGW’s reach to more professionals and communities.

Elevating the 2026 Conference Experience

• Ensure the 2026 ASGW Conference (February 5–7, 2026) is among the most impactful, memorable, and valuable professional experiences for all attendees.
  
  • Preserve the intimate, collegial atmosphere of our conference while creating new opportunities for meaningful professional connections, collaboration, and community building.
  • Deliver a program that inspires, equips, and energizes group work professionals to meet the evolving needs of the diverse communities they serve.
• Showcase the conference theme “New Frontiers in Group Work Practice and Research” by highlighting innovative, evidence-based approaches and emerging trends shaping the future of group counseling.

Our dynamic committees including Membership, Product Development, Strategic Communications, Research, and Special Initiatives, play an instrumental role in advancing ASGW’s mission and realizing the President’s vision for the year. The successful implementation of these initiatives depends on the collective efforts of our dedicated members serving within these committees. We are fortunate to have deeply committed chairs leading each committee, whose expertise, creativity, and dedication drive the ongoing success of ASGW.

I encourage each of you to actively engage with these initiatives by volunteering your time and talents whether by joining a committee, contributing at the conference, or sharing your insights as we move forward together. Your participation strengthens our community and amplifies our impact.

Thank you for the critical work you do every day to advance the practice and influence of group work. As we continue to care for others, let us also remember to care for ourselves and know that your contributions to our profession are deeply valued.

It is a privilege to serve as your president this year, and I look forward to collaborating with you in making this a year of innovation, growth, and excellence for ASGW and the field of group counseling.

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Warm regards,
Dr. Priscilla Rose Prasath
President, ASGW 2025–2026

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