Joel L. Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE
NASW-Illinois Chapter Executive Director
Happy Social Work Month! This year’s national NASW theme is, “The Time is Right for Social Work.” https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month. You may be asking, When isn’t the time right for social work? Please take some time this month to celebrate what we do as a profession as we help the state and country address vital issues such as economic inequality, systemic racism, the need for improved health and mental health care, and supporting individuals, families and communities navigate COVID-19.
Social Work Month in Illinois will include a range of events some of which include:
2022 Advocacy Day scheduled for Monday, March 21st: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030-032122-2022-virtual-advocacy-day/
The beginning of our Workforce Diversity Focus groups on March 8th. We are still seeking participants for the remaining four sessions during the months of April and May. Complete sign-up information can be found at https://www.naswil.org/post/group-participants-needed-for-nasw-il-workforce-diversity-focus-group
Several virtual district gatherings: Connect with colleagues in your area to celebrate the month: https://www.naswil.org/events
An update on the implementation of the No Surprises Act and good faith estimates by Joe Willuweit from Monahan Law Group LLC on March 24th: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/43030032422-no-surprises-act/
As Illinois begins easing the mask mandates up and down the state, the chapter will also begin its return to in-person events later in the coming months, following all necessary protocols. We have already put the call out for presenters our one day in-person conference later in the year: https://www.naswil.org/post/call-for-presenters-2022-nasw-illinois-chapter-conference
Stay tuned to announcements and posts on the NASW-IL Chapter website and social media.