Chapter News

The National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) announced its endorsed candidates for the March 17, 2026 Illinois Primary Election, highlighting the critical role state leadership will play as social workers and human service systems face growing uncertainty at the federal level.

Together, the organizations representing the Social Work Leadership Roundtable urge the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to include social work in its proposed definition of professional degrees. This reclassification is not a matter of semantics. This decision is far more than a semantic distinction—it carries significant consequences for students, communities, and public systems nationwide.

On October 31, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for calendar year (CY) 2026). This rule updates policies and payments for clinical social workers (CSWs) and other Medicare providers. It also affects health coverage for beneficiaries.

The NASW–Illinois Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) Committee is launching, "Courageous Care, Collective Power," a campaign rooted in a shared commitment to social justice, dignity, and human rights in a political climate that increasingly threatens them.

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 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has long warned against fear-based policies that rely on force instead of care.Force militarized responses being carried out by ICE result in significant trauma to the communities we serve.

he National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter (NASW-MS) opposes the violence against Beth Israel Congregation, and we join with Jackson Mayor John Horhn, local organizations, and congregational leaders to issue a statement against religious hatred and violence in all communities.

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. 

ational Association of Social Workers Minnesota Chapter stands with our community in mourning the violent death that occurred yesterday in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents. When events this horrific occur, it becomes more important than ever to seek truth, justice, and accountability.

Joining the NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors is a great way to implement change, share your knowledge, and voice your opinions! Consider getting involved in your professional association, or nominating a colleague for a leadership position.