Chapter News

So what does it mean to truly use a seat? It means moving beyond ideas into action, making decisions that may not be popular but are necessary, and being willing to disrupt, name, and shift even when there is risk. It also means being clear on why we move, because action without intention can cause harm, and silence disguised as strategy can do the same. 

The engagement of social workers and social work students around this issue reflects the 2026 Social Work Month theme of "Uplift, Defend. Transform." By submitting a public comment, we are advocating to ensure social work retains its professional degree status and continued access to federal financial aid.

Families are changing how they move through the world. People are delaying care, disengaging from systems, or withdrawing entirely out of fear. Immigration enforcement continues to harm communities of color here and beyond our state, including devastating violence tied to racialized targeting in places like Minnesota.

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.