Patricia Schofield, Jane Addams District Chair
Hello Jane Addams District Members
Happy New Year!
January has arrived bringing the start of a new decade. I hope everyone is feeling hopeful and looking forward to new beginnings this year. May it bring hope, comfort, and peace to all.
As you know Social Work Month is March and the theme this year is, “Social Workers: Generations Strong.” I’m wishing everyone a month of celebrating yourself and knowing you are valued and appreciated.
April 2020 brings us to Advocacy Day (exact date TBA). This event takes place at the state capital, in Springfield, Illinois. Join an anticipated 900+ social workers and social work students from across the state to attend a half day of educational seminars followed by lobbying in the state capital.
New to this year's 2020 Advocacy Day, we will be offering a full-day training to develop lobby leaders (LL) who will be trained to serve as leaders on Advocacy Day. Lobby leaders will be trained on the following: effective lobbying techniques; identifying their local state senate and house representatives; and how to navigate the Illinois State Capitol buildings. On Advocacy Day, lobby leaders will help to lead social workers from their senate districts through the capitol and into meetings with legislators.
If you would be interested in applying to become an NASW-Illinois Chapter Lobby Leader (NASW-IL LL), contact NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Work Policy Intern Renee Facchini. Email: rfacchini [dot] naswil [at] socialworkers [dot] org.
Do you read news on NASW-Illinois Chapter site? One will find lots of things of interest. I like the Illinois Action Alerts and information on current bills to watch. I find this very informative. Check it out!
Plans are in the works for a workshop in March so watch for an email from me. As always, I’m open to any and all suggestions so please feel confident to express your wants or needs.
Best regards
Patricia Schofield
Jane Addams District Chair
Cell: 309-540-9915