Chapter News

The challenging year of 2025 is now over, with many more challenges ahead in 2026. Our profession and our values have been under a great deal of scrutiny, but we continue to persevere here in Illinois and nationally. It is important to not lose sight of that. 

I lead with the belief that presence, courage, and care change outcomes. Across Illinois, I continue to see social workers do what this moment requires. You steady families, navigate complex systems, and keep moving because people are counting on you. This month, I want to share how we have been strengthening our tools so we can serve with even more clarity and impact in the months ahead.

As NASW celebrates its seventieth anniversary, no one could have predicted that we would be in the midst of the second longest government shutdown in the nation’s history, and that funding for major programs such as SNAP would end on November 1st. It takes tremendous efforts to continue to practice and serve individuals, families, and communities against this backdrop. We have done this over our 70-year history and will continue our important work for years to come.

Lately, the ground has been shifting faster than we can find footing. You feel it. I feel it. Our clients live it. In the last few weeks, I’ve led beside social workers across Illinois who are exhausted by the emotional whiplash of serving through another season of instability.