
Welcome to Richmond, VA
The Richmond Association of Black Social Workers (RABSW) was founded in 1971 and is an affiliate chapter of The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc.
We are comprised of professional social workers and others of African ancestry who are committed to advocating for social change, justice, and enhancing the well-being of black people throughout the City of Richmond and surrounding counties.
RABSW Membership
The work of our organization is guided by our code of ethics and grounded in African-centered principles. Our aim is to build a network of practitioners, researchers, scholars, and community members that will leverage relationships, share knowledge, and utilize their skills for the benefit of those we serve.
We appreciate your interest in our organization and encourage you to learn more on how to become a member and join us in serving the Greater Richmond Community.
Harambee! (Let us pull together)

Code of Ethics
We are ensuring that our work is centered on the rights of Black people and our communities. We promote cultural competence in our work by upholding the highest standards of professional conduct. Our Code of Ethics serves to ensure that we are working to improve the lives of those we serve.
![]() RABSW chapter members at The Macro Brew in support of Bob Peay and his scholarship fund for VCU SWAPPP students (left to right: Dr. Renata Hendrington-Jones, Laurenia Mangum, Bob Peay, Tina Bowman, and Kevin Holder). | ![]() The Enstoolment Ceremony for our chapter founders and pioneers on December 2nd, 2017. (pictured above from top left to right: Clinton Strane, James "Jim" Ryan, Aubrey Flippen, Francis “Frank” Nelson, John Purnell, and Robert "Bob" Peay. (pictured bottom left to right: Dr. Sandra Mitchell, Dr. Mabel Wells, Willie Dell, and Elmer Seay. Honoree not present: Dr. Norma Goode Posthumous honorees: Thomas Baynham, Ed Brown, Oliver Epps, and Hilda Warden | ![]() The Enstoolment Ceremony for our chapter founders and pioneers on December 2nd, 2017. (pictured above from top left to right: Clinton Strane, James "Jim" Ryan, Aubrey Flippen, Francis “Frank” Nelson, John Purnell, and Robert "Bob" Peay. (pictured bottom left to right: Dr. Sandra Mitchell, Dr. Mabel Wells, Willie Dell, and Elmer Seay. Honoree not present: Dr. Norma Goode Posthumous honorees: Thomas Baynham, Ed Brown, Oliver Epps, and Hilda Warden |
---|---|---|
![]() RABSW chapter members at Virginia Union University panel discussion (left to right: Lashawnda Singleton, Jackie Washington, Laurenia Mangum, Silka Steele, Dr. Renata Hendrington-Jones, and Olufemi Shepsu). | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() |

Our Annual
Get Registered to Vote in the 2023 Election!
Many people that live in your city, young and old have never registered to vote. To help get their voices heard in the next election, sign up to take the voter registration drive training at the link below. The deadline to register to vote is October 16th so please take the training as soon as possible and then find voter drives in your city to register new voters. RABSW labels are to be affixed to all registration forms, contact Latisha Washington at 804-928-0234.

Upcoming Events
- Time is TBDNew OrleansTime is TBDNew Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA