Wednesday, September 1
From the Pen of the Executive Director: September 2010
As I write my first “From the Pen” for the chapter’s first FULLY online format of the Networker magazine, I am happy to see we have not missed a beat in continuing to provide quality articles on an array of subjects. We are increasing the frequency of Networker publications by returning to our traditional monthly schedule beginning with this issue. I would like to thank all those members who took the time during the summer to provide feedback about our newly renovated Web site. I encourage you to continue to provide input on our new and enhanced way of communicating to the membership. We take a great deal of pride in knowing that we are now able to provide a wide range of social work news and information as it happens to the social work community. My “From the Pen” article also coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina, which I recently discussed in a chapter update this past week. http://naswil.org/news/chapter-update/katrina-five-years-out/
We hope you will join us for our first NASW Illinois Virtual Symposium on Ethics. The law firm of Monahan & Cohen has prepared a quality presentation. You will be able move away from your computer screens in the evening by attending our district live networking events taking place all over the state. http://naswil.org/education-career-development/chapter-educational-events/symposium-locations/
As we head into the fall, the state of Illinois faces pivotal elections. NASW Illinois members have been busy all summer interviewing candidates in targeted Illinois House and Senate races. We will also be conducting candidate interviews with the two major party candidates, all in preparation for the NASW Illinois PAC (Political Action Committees) endorsement meeting that will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010. Immediately following that meeting, we will post our PAC’s endorsement on the chapter’s Web site. I have had the opportunity to participate in many of these interviews. They serve a dual purpose of gathering information about a candidate and their views on issues important to the social work professional. It also promotes the profession and provides candidates with a “real” connection if they are elected to consult on policy issues. On behalf of the chapter, I want to thank all those who volunteered their time to conduct candidate interviews.
Hi Joel, congratulations to you, your staff, and the NASW board on shepherding in this exciting new format! As an “aging” social worker, it is nice to have this combination of virtual and networking activities. The Internet format allows you to share so much information. I admit to being a little overwhelmed!