AFUM and Group Work

Paul Johnson; Lydia Savage

doi:10.1921/gpwk20252367

Authors

Paul Johnson University of Southern Maine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-7388
Lydia Savage University of Southern Maine https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0686-0752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/gpwk20252367

Keywords:

group work, mutual aid, AFUM, University of Maine System, union work, groupwork

Abstract

Over the past decade, both authors have been members of the AFUM statewide executive committee. The group holds regular monthly meetings during the academic year. It has become apparent to both authors that undertaking this responsibility successfully requires a great deal of support. The AFUM executive committee has utilized the concepts identified by Sulman in his seminal work identifying the dynamics of mutual aid group work. Instead of remaining a mere theoretical concept, the mutual aid group work model holds substantial practical implications that have been integrated into the AFUM executive committee's efforts. This paper demonstrates the application of this modality and proposes its potential adoption by other union organizations.

Author Biographies

Paul Johnson, University of Southern Maine

Dr. Paul Johnson is a professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Southern Maine, where he has been a faculty member for twenty-six years. He has published research in the areas of group work, fieldwork, and trauma and grief. A member of (IASWG) since 1997, Dr. Johnson has served as the grievance representative for the Associated Faculties of the University of Maine at the University of Southern Maine for the past eleven years. Additionally, he is the chair of the statewide university grievance committee.

Lydia Savage, University of Southern Maine

Dr. Lydia Savage is a geography professor in the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine, where she has been a faculty member for twenty-nine years. She has published research in the areas of feminist geography, union organizing, and healthcare. Dr. Savage was elected statewide President of the Associated Faculties of the Universities of Maine in 2024 after serving as Co-Vice President and chapter president at the University for Southern Maine. Additionally, she serves on the statewide negotiating team.

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