Michael Mallory, Chicago District Chair
Hello Chicago District, and happy summer!
I hope all of you are enjoying the warmth and the sunlight as of late. Hopefully, these sunny-warm days are helpful in offsetting the recent unconscionable Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. As a fellow social worker, I am beyond concerned about the ripple effect that is about to occur. It is more important than ever to keep informed about services and policies that may further impact folx. If you’re interested in reading the NASW’s official response, please click here. In the wake of this atrocity we, personally and professionally, are affected by this and share the collective mourning, distress, and anger with that of our communities and clients. That said, I encourage all of you to practice self-compassion and care and, if stirred, to take action to the extent of which you are comfortable as community organizing is within our spirit as social workers!
In regards to our district, I am sure some of you were anticipating a message from our newly elected chair but unfortunately, Kimberly had some unforeseen circumstances come up which prevented her from moving forward in her role. Therefore, I will carry on the role to humbly serve the members of our district.
Aside from this message, please feel free to review some of the updates from our chapter below.
NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Work Awards
Do you know someone who is deserving of recognition for their work and contributions to our field? If so, nominations are now being accepted for the annual NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Work Awards! This year, we are looking for outstanding individuals whose work has supported and promoted the social work profession and the people it serves. There are four award categories: Social Worker of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Public Citizen of the Year, and Emerging Leader. All nominations are due by July 31st. For more information click HERE.
Upcoming Events:
Chicago District CEU Event: Utilization of Group Psychosocial Support to Increase Transnational Caregiver Wellbeing
Join the Marjorie Kovler Center’s team in a discussion about the trauma of forced transnational immigration to learn more about how to support those being forced out of the home countries while gaining insight into the policies that impact this population. For more information and to register click HERE.
2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Hybrid Conference: Reconnecting Through Social Work
Mark your calendars! The NASW-Illinois Chapter will be back and meeting in person for this year’s conference! Taking place in a hybrid format, we’ll be offering in-person CEUs on November 17, 2022, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville in Lisle, IL, and running it back as a live virtual conference on Thursday, December 1, 2022. More info to come later this June, but stay tuned and circle those dates in your calendar! For more information click HERE.
2021–2023 LSW/LCSW Licensure News and Updates
It is important that you take the time to review the updates from IDFPR regarding NEW CEU requirements. Most importantly, the State has put forth a requirement for licensed folx to receive at least one CEU hour of Implicit Bias training. Additionally, starting in 2023 the State will also require a training on the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s. I encourage all of you to read about these new requirements HERE.
Interstate Licensure Compact
Many of us have been curious about how the NASW will be assisting licensed practitioners with out-of-state practice related to telehealth services. As of June 1st, the ASWB, CSWA, & NASW were in the works of releasing the draft while distributing a survey to various stakeholders for comment in early July. Additionally, the CSG will begin hosting webinars and other public review sessions throughout the summer into early Fall. For those who are interested in participating please read recent update located HERE.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the important work we all do.
Humbly yours,
Michael