Courageous Care, Collective Power: An NASW-IL DEIAB Campaign

NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB)

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.

Led by NASW-IL DEIAB Committee Chair Adana Cranfield, alongside Gabrielle Bretz, Jordan Dobrowski, Althia Gayle, Candace Gingrich, Lorraine Guerrero-Neumayer, Kathy Muloski, and Kristin Beckstrom-Radcliffe, the committee reflects a wide range of lived experiences, professional roles, and perspectives united by a deeply felt passion for justice and a refusal to let social workers face this moment alone.  

This campaign grew directly from what committee members have heard from NASW-IL members across the state: social workers are afraid. Afraid of retaliation, of punitive workplace policies, of being disciplined or dismissed for advocating for marginalized communities or naming harm. Many have described carrying moral distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue in isolation, wondering if the cost of speaking up is simply too high.

"Courageous Care, Collective Power," meets that fear with collective resolve. Grounded in the NASW Code of Ethics, this monthly series affirms that advancing human rights and equity is central to our professional identity and that the bravery required to do this work in hostile systems deserves recognition and protection. It names burnout and moral injury not as personal shortcomings, but as predictable outcomes of unjust systems that place social workers at risk. 

The campaign also answers NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet’s call for social workers to educate, advocate, and activate. Through shared stories, resources, and solidarity, the NASW-IL DEIAB Committee hopes to mobilize social workers across Illinois and beyond, reminding them that when we move together, we are stronger, safer, and far more powerful. In this moment, courageous care is resistance. Collective power is how we survive and create change.

Click here to download the NASW-IL DEIAB campaign carousel or view it on Instagram here.

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The NASW-Illinois Chapter Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Committee (NASW-IL DEIAB) works to promote the NASW programs and efforts that encourage awareness, respect, and appreciation of diversity in the social work profession and our society. Its particular focus includes race and ethnic diversity, social justice, women advancement, and sexual orientation (LGBTTQQIAAP) issues.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with over 120,000 members. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is one of the association's largest chapters representing over 20.000 licensed Illinois social workers and school social workers, with over 5,000 active members. NASW strives to advance social work careers, grow social work businesses, and protect the profession.