2026 Social Work Month Voices: David Zverow, LCSW

As the NASW celebrates 70 years of advocacy and advancement, this upcoming Social Work Month we want to continue to collect stories from across the profession. Read David’s story and see how this year’s Social Work Month Theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” resonates with them.

David Zverow, LCSW

He/Him

Where did you get your degree(s)?

Masters-University of Illinois

Current occupation/practice area

Consultant

In what ways are you involved with NASW-IL?

Co-convenor of the Retired Social Worker group.

How did you choose the social work path? What inspired you?

I wanted a degree that would offer diverse opportunities, and not require a doctorate for reasonable salary and advancement prospects. Also, social work is historically in touch with and includes political, economic, and sociological action items and action channels.

What are some of essential skills needed to be an effective social worker?

Empathy, social and political awareness, good listening skills, ability focus and organize oneself and others.

What changes or innovations do you see coming to the social work profession?

The present administration is threatening to "deprofessionalize" the category. This of course is major. The profession has become more individual-oriented. I imagine this will continue, though I hope it continues to advocate for broad progressive social, political and economic issues.

Does the 2026 SW month theme "Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform." resonate to you? Is it already integrated in your work?

Definitely resonates. Definitely integrated into my work with refugees and immigrants.

Words of wisdom for someone considering the SW profession?

I get a lot of satisfaction both from assisting individuals to "be their best selves" and to push for social change in the greater society.

Anything else we should know about you or NASW-IL or social work?

This is a wide umbrella profession that has a place for persons with very different interests and abilities. The over-spreading characteristic of those in social work is a strong interest in people, in general, and in working to improve living conditions for all in our society and our world. This includes individual functioning, but also that of social conditions and institutions.