Samantha Allen, MSW, LCSW, Calumet District Chair
Greetings Calumet District,
Welcome to the beautiful month of November! I hope you are all well and in good spirits. We are well into the fall season and preparing for the upcoming holidays. We are also looking forward to the upcoming 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Hybrid Conference. I am so excited to be participating in person. Hopefully you all have registered and are eager to take advantage of this opportunity to network and gain more knowledge, information, and skills. It is my hope to see and connect with you all there.
This month we also acknowledge National Family Caregivers Month, Native American Heritage Month, and National Gratitude Month. Woot Woot! Shout out to all caregivers! Be sure to show your appreciation for caregivers that you know. In observance of Native American Heritage Month, please see https://t7kids.wordpress.com for information on stories and events. In observance of National Gratitude Month, please take time highlight the good things, compliments, and appreciate them. In addition, take time to express your gratitude to yourself, write it down, and show gratitude to someone else as well. Remember we need each other to survive.
As we are approaching the holiday season, we know that this can be fun times for many but rough times for some. Let us remember to be mindful to check on those that may be experiencing challenges during this time. Check in on
your family, friends, and loved ones that may have suffered a loss. Provide support by listening and sending a thoughtful card or gift or provide options for activities so that they are not isolated.
As always, I look forward to meeting and working with as many of you as I can during my time as the district chair. Have a wonderful month! Be safe and be good to yourselves!
Please see below for chapter updates.
All the best,
Samantha Allen, LCSW
Calumet District Chair
CHAPTER NEWS
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 the full article here: https://www.naswil.org/post/new-student-loan-repayment-program-launches-for-community-behavioral-health-care-professionals.
NASW-Illinois Chapter Announces 2022 Illinois General Election Endorsements
While every election seems pivotal, the upcoming election will greatly determine the future of social work and human services in Illinois. Many of the crucial decisions that impact funding for human services, reforms for DCFS and DOC, and protections for our clients in the state will be made by leaders elected by Illinois citizens on November 8th. Therefore, it is crucial to endorse candidates who support legislation and policies consistent with the goals of the social work profession. Read the full list of NASW-IL endorsements for the 2022 Illinois General Election here: https://www.naswil.org/post/nasw-illinois-chapter-announces-2022-illinois-general-election-endorsements
Ask NASW-IL: What do I need to renew my LSW/LCSW license in 2023?
Read the full article here: https://www.naswil.org/post/ask-nasw-il-what-do-i-need-to-renew-my-lsw-lcsw-license-in-2023
2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Hybrid Conference
Registration is SOLD OUT for our in-person and hybrid registrations! There’s still slots open for the live virtual conference though. Earn up to 6.0 CEUs for live virtual participants! Read more at http://naswmeets.org/.
Other Chapter News
• 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
• 2022 NASW-Illinois Chapter Statewide Awards: https://www.naswil.org/post/2022-nasw-illinois-chapter-statewide-awards
• Ethical Out-of-State Telehealth Practice: National and International Considerations: https://www.naswil.org/post/ethical-out-of-state-telehealth-practice-national-and-international-considerations
• Effects of ASWB Report Results on Interstate Licensure Compact: https://www.naswil.org/post/effects-of-aswb-report-results-on-interstate-licensure-compact
• 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