NASW-Illinois Chapter President Grisel Rodriguez-Morales, MSW, LCSW
Our NASW Member Referral Campaign will be concluding at the end of this month! I encourage you to reach out to at least one or two colleagues and invite them to join NASW or renew their lapsed membership. You’ll be advocating for our beloved profession and ensuring that we have a stronger voice as we continue to avidly work toward improving equal access to resources and opportunities for all people.
This summer I had the great opportunity to visit several members of congress as part of the Association Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC. Bills discussed included the Improving Access to Mental Health Act (S. 782/H.R. 1533), the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (S. 851/ H.R. 1309), and the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1532).
I recognize that enjoying similar chances to support advocacy efforts at a state- or national-level or being closely involved in other impactful initiatives is not be instantly possible for everyone. It has therefore been encouraging for me to know that our professional association has dedicated leaders and resources to undertake major social problems and make possible the prioritization of pro–social work legislative agendas.
From building our professional brand and network to achieving social change, the NASW membership helps us accomplish meaningful goals. Click here to learn more about the Member Referral Campaign and access key materials.
I also would like to highlight that during the 2019 NASW-Illinois Chapter Statewide Conference: A Meeting of the Professions (November 5–7, 2019), we shall be recognizing the work of outstanding social workers and individuals that act as advocates and elevate our profession. I hope that you’ll join me for this celebration and that you take advantage of the numerous educational sessions and networking opportunities this conference has to offer!