Michael Mallory, Chicago District Chair
Happy May Chicago,
I hope all of you are faring well during one of the cloudiest months in Chicago! Apparently, all of us have only been able to enjoy 1 day of sunshine out of 42 days! Here’s to wishing for some sunny days ahead so that we can all replenish our much-needed vitamin D. As we near the official start of spring and start the cycle of nature’s refresh, our new chapter board of directors may also go through a refresh as the results of our election will be released later this month. This is an exciting time for the board and for our constituents as we look forward to what the new terms will bring. Please stay tuned for the chapter’s announcement.
While we continue onward into the month of May, please review the list of updates below.
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 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:
NASW National Conference
Join more than 2,000 social workers, like-minded professionals, and social work thought leaders at NASW’s 2022 National Conference. Take advantage of unparalleled opportunities in professional development, continuing education, and networking. Engage in thought-provoking conversations tackling the most pressing issues facing the social work profession across the world. To learn more about this event please click HERE.
2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Hybrid Conference
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 those of us who are anxious about this year’s CEU requirements, please keep an eye on our website as our office posts crucial updates regarding licensure renewals. This website also provides critical updates regarding any changes to our CEU requirements put forth through the IDFPR.
2021–2023 LSW/LCSW Licensure News and Updates
While February 28th marked the deadline for renewing licenses for some, some of you already know that December 1, 2021, marked the first day of the next licensure cycle. We announced changes in IDFPR licensure renewal requirements in an article published on November 30, 2021, and updated it with frequently asked questions. We’ve been getting questions from members about whether the in-person CEU waiver will be repeated for the new cycle. Read about that and more HERE.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to the important work we all do.
Warmly,
Michael