Michael Mallory, Chicago District Chair
Hello Chicago Social Workers!
I hope all of you are enjoying the warm-up in temperatures throughout the city. It sure does feel revitalizing to know that we can emerge out of hibernation! Hopefully this can provide some comfort during this uncertain time.
Like many of you, I have been closely monitoring the terrible humanitarian crisis and atrocities that are occurring in Ukraine. This is a time where our profession is needed the most as we are tasked with comforting and supporting those impacted. As tweeted by the national NASW President: “Social workers know firsthand the devastating impact war has on people’s lives.” That said, I extend my deepest gratitude and admiration to all the social workers who are directly working with those impacted by this war. Please let this month reflect everything we do to help our communities and the world. As much as all of us have weathered the last several years, our work is still needed as there are many battles ahead to aide those in need.
In lighter news, please join me in welcoming Renee Facchini as our newest addition to the NASW-Illinois Chapter’s team. Renee will be serving as the chapter’s Event & Education Coordinator. We are excited to have her, and those of you attending the upcoming Chicago event will have the opportunity to meet her as this will be her first event!
For those of you who are interested in getting more involved with the work of the NASW, there are several opportunities available:
NASW-Illinois Workforce Diversity Focus Group:
In our continued efforts regarding strengthening the social work workforce in Illinois, the NASW-Illinois Chapter received additional funding to develop, Strategies to Strengthen the Social Work Workforce Diversity Pipeline in Illinois, from the Telligen Community Initiative (TCI). Part of this wide ranging grant will be examining barriers to entry to the social work profession by establishing five focus groups across the state of Illinois with under-represented communities (Black Latinx, Asian, Native American) social workers. Those interested in learning more or signing up please click HERE.
NASW-Illinois Chapter Conference: Call for Presenters
Those passionate about sharing knowledge to your fellow colleagues are encouraged to consider presenting at our upcoming conference. The chapter is seeking presentations to reflect the following areas: Effects of COVID on social workers/ social work profession; Telehealth for Social Workers; & Self-care for Social Workers. Deadline for submission is May 2nd. Please learn more about this opportunity HERE.
Upcoming Events:
2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Virtual Advocacy Day
Join us on March 21st for a day of advocacy education with other social work professionals and students as we virtually descend upon the state capital in Springfield! The day will include a morning educational session on emerging issues and updates on up-to-the-minute legislation currently up for vote in the Capitol. Unite your voices with hundreds of other social work colleagues on issues that affect the social work profession in Illinois by taking part in in this virtual day of advocacy. If you’re interested in attending please register HERE.
Chicago District Networking Event: Alternative Crisis Response Services
Please join your fellow Chicago Social Workers to learn more about how Trilogy and the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health are piloting new alternative crisis response models. This session will focus on how these pilots were developed to address a trauma informed approach in aiding those in a mental health crisis to avoid the use of Law Enforcement. If you’re interested in attending please register HERE.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the important work we all do.
Warmly,
Michael
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