Michael Mallory, MSW, LCSW, Chicago District Chair
Hello Chicago,
I hope all of you were able to enjoy the preview of spring we had the other day with the sunshine and warmer temperatures! I don’t know about you all, but it was nice to see the sun after what seemed to have been ages! As we venture onward to warmer months, we have some exciting NASW-IL events coming up such as the return of Advocacy Day, NASW-Illinois Chapter Social Work Awards, and a new board election. Below are some insights into these upcoming chapter events.
NASW-IL is excited to return to an in-person Advocacy Day; this day has not been hosted in person since 2019! This year, we will be hosting our annual day of social work advocacy on April 16, 2024. Our team has restructured how we approach Advocacy Day by implementing a one-day program to train individuals on effective lobbying techniques, getting folx familiar with their local senators and representatives, and to equip them with advocacy tools to effectively represent our work and our priorities. I don’t know about you all, but I feel like we have a lot to advocate for during this legislative session. Those interested in participating in this event, please click here.
While we look at advocating and advancing our field of work, we must also take time to reflect on who we know in the field and to recognize their contributions and commitment to our work and those we serve. The annual Social Work Awards are the opportunity to recognize those leaders in our field. We have several awards: Social Worker of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Public Citizen of the Year, and Emerging Leader. I encourage you to read more about these award categories and invite you to nominate someone who you feel best represents that award. Click here to read more.
Speaking of contributions to our field, we are looking for motivated and innovative leaders to join the board of directors of our chapter. My term as the NASW-IL Chicago District Chair is coming to an end at the end of this board year, and I am hoping to pass on this opportunity. Serving on the board awards great professional development opportunity and potential to connect with marvelous colleagues in the field. I highly recommend this experience to others, and look forward to seeing who comes to the table next. Please read more about the board roles in our Leadership Recruitment Packet. Don’t be shy as you will be part of an incredibly supportive team of social workers.
… and….while I have your attention… Don’t forget about our premier training opportunity that is being hosted by the Chicago District. This event will have author and clinician Barbara Griswold, LMFT, facilitating training on clinical documentation and insurance expectations. If you are intrigued, please check out the event page HERE.
Humbly yours,
Michael
ADVOCACY/LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:
Ask NASW-IL: How can I utilize the alternative to the ASWB exam to get my LCSW?
An updated version of the social work license application utilizing the alternative to the ASWB clinical exam for clinical (LCSW) licensure in Illinois has now been released by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). This updated application incorporates an allowance provided by House Bill 2365, and provides a way for applicants who were unable to pass the ASWB clinical exam an alternative path to obtaining their LCSW. Read more about how to utilize the alternative to the ASWB exam for getting your LCSW by clicking here.
LICENSURE RENEWAL UPDATES
IDFPR Licensure Renewal Requirements for 2023–2025
This renewal period already has some confirmed changes and like other cycles there will be more to come. I highly encourage all of you to check out the changes. There are some new CE requirements including implicit bias awareness and mandated reporting with implicit bias. Also, with the removal of the in-person CE requirement the state is now requiring any virtual training program to include an examination. Please check out the more detailed article about these changes HERE.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Want to make a difference for social workers in Illinois and beyond? Have expertise in a particular method or field of social work practice? 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! Getting involved in your professional association or considering nominating a colleague for a leadership position. Read more about the board responsibilities in the 2024 NASW-Illinois Chapter Board Leadership Recruitment Packet or our NASW Delegate Assembly flyer, or contact us to request a nomination form.
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