Joel L. Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE
NASW-Illinois Chapter Executive Director
Happy New Year!
As 2024 has arrived, over 300 new laws in the state have taken effect. January 1, 2024, also marks changes in the requirements for LCSW licensure in the state of Illinois. A complete update on this landmark legislation can be found on our website.
Rather than make predictions for the social work profession in 2024, I encourage all members to make a resolution to become more involved in the chapter. The following are some ways to get involved:
Run for a leadership position: The nominations process for the 2024–25 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors is now under way. Former NASW-IL Member At-Large Adana Cranfield will be chairing this year’s nomination committee. Complete information can be found on the chapter website: https://www.naswil.org/post/join-the-2024-nasw-illinois-chapter-board-of-directors.
Share your expertise or questions:
Posting on the MyNASW community
As a member, you can post questions or contribute to important social work professional questions in the MyNASW Illinois Community at https://mynasw.socialworkers.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer?communitykey=7ee6439c-eb8f-40b3-8903-4943da2218af&tab=digestviewer
Presenting for NASW-IL
As a membership association, much of our trainings/professional education is provided by members. Learn more at: https://www.naswil.org/present-at-nasw-il.
Participate in the NASW-IL Student Liaison Network
As the spring semester begins, please consider joining the NASW-IL Student Liaison Network by completing the following application: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z14a7g6v02lwmks/.
Attend the 2024 Social Work Advocacy Day
We are currently planning for this year’s Social Work Advocacy Day that will take place person in early spring. Stay tuned!
Respond to Legislative Alert Requests
The spring session of the 103rd Illinois General Assembly begins later this month, and the NASW-IL will be active in Springfield. It is incredibly important for members to reach out to their elected officials. If you do receive a legislative alert from NASW-IL, please submit it to your legislators. It has never been easier and more important to do so.
Attend a District or Chapter Continuing Education Event
Get a head start on the 2023–2025 licensure cycle. A complete list of events can be found at https://www.naswil.org/events
A couple of reminders….
Social Work Month 2024 is right around the corner. This year’s national theme is Empowering Social Workers. The national NASW Social Work Month 2024 online toolkit is now active at www.socialworkmonth.org.
National Clinical Practice Information (CPI) Survey to improve reimbursement rates for clinical social workers. Beginning January 2024, NASW will be participating in a national Clinical Practice Information (CPI) survey, to improve reimbursement rates for clinical social workers. The primary goal of the survey is to gather current and accurate data on practice expenses and hours spent providing patient care. Additional information is available at the following link: www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Clinical-Social-Work/... We encourage participation in the survey to ensure that updated data is gathered to improve clinical social work reimbursement. If you have any questions, please contact national NASW Director of Clinical Practice, Mirean Coleman, LICSW, CT at MColeman.nasw@socialworkers.org.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly with any questions or comments.
A happy and healthy 2024 to all of you!