Diona Shelton, DSW, LCSW, CATP, CCTP
Southern District Chair
Happy New Year, Southern District!
Welcome to 2023! I hope everyone has had a fantastic holiday season and has had the opportunity to recharge and reset for the new year. I am looking forward to all that 2023 brings. January is often a time met with new dreams, new goals, and new beginnings. This is often the time of year when people consider making new year’s resolutions to better their lives. Whether you have made a new year resolution or are simply planning to be more intentional in developing positive habits in other areas of your lives, I wish you a joyous year filled with new hopes, good health, and endless possibilities. I have enjoyed serving the chapter in 2022 and look forward to continued service in the year ahead. As your district chair, I have been busy planning and securing our next CEU event, and I am pleased to announce our next event, which will take place in person. Please consider joining me in connection as we continue to learn and grow in our professional endeavors. I wish you all a happy and successful new year!
Best regards,
Dr. Diona Shelton, DSW, LCSW, CATP, CCTP
NASW-IL Southern District Chair
Upcoming Southern District CEU Event
Please mark your calendars! The Southern District is preparing for its next CEU event that will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.
NASW-IL Southern District CEU Event: Enhancing Resiliency & Self Care through Restorative Practices
Presenter: Rachel Yaw, LCSW, RPT
Description: Come join in this Southern District event by engaging in playful, restorative techniques to enhance your resiliency and self-care.
Location: Collinsville Library, 408 W. Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
Registration Link: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/zht30ok0nimvpa/
Cost: 3 CEUs/ $45 Nonmember/ FREE NASW Member
CHAPTER NEWS
Morgan State University Professor Anthony Estreet to be next CEO of NASW
Anthony Estreet, a professor and former chair of the Master of Social Work Program at Morgan State University and chief executive officer of a behavioral health company in Baltimore, will be the new chief executive officer of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) beginning February 6. Read more here: https://www.naswil.org/post/morgan-state-university-professor-anthony-estreet-to-be-next-ceo-of-nasw
Join the 2023 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors
DEADLINE: March 1, 2023
Want to make a difference for social workers in Illinois and beyond? Have expertise in a particular method or field of social work practice? Do you hold a unique perspective that you believe is under-represented? Joining the NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors is a great way to implement change, share your knowledge, and voice your opinions! Consider getting involved in your professional association, or nominating a colleague for a leadership position. Read more here: https://www.naswil.org/post/join-the-2023-nasw-illinois-chapter-board-of-directors
New Student Loan Repayment Program Launches for Community Behavioral Health Care Professionals
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has launched the application for a student loan repayment assistance program to support qualified mental health and substance abuse professionals. The Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program is designed as an incentive for recruitment and retention of those who practice in underserved or rural areas. Read more here: https://www.naswil.org/post/new-student-loan-repayment-program-launches-for-community-behavioral-health-care-professionals
Other Chapter News
· Ask NASW-IL: What do I need to renew my LSW/LCSW license in 2023? https://www.naswil.org/post/ask-nasw-il-what-do-i-need-to-renew-my-lsw-lcsw-license-in-2023
· IDFPR Waives License Restoration Fees for LCSWs through 01/01/28: https://www.naswil.org/post/idfpr-waives-license-restoration-fees-for-lcsws-through-01-01-28
· NASW-IL Full Statement on ASWB Test Analysis: https://www.naswil.org/post/nasw-il-full-statement-on-aswb-test-analysis
For more news, go to the NASW-Illinois Chapter News page: https://www.naswil.org/blog