Joel L. Rubin, MSW, LSW, ACSW, CAE
NASW-Illinois Chapter Executive Director
Happy New Year!
With all the concerns entering the quarter of century mark, we have much to look ahead in the profession and the chapter. This year marks the 70th anniversary of NASW, and the NASW-Illinois Chapter looks forward to welcoming the NASW national conference to our city this year. This year’s theme is, “Social Work: Celebrating Our Legacy | Developing the Future,” and will take place June 15 through 19, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. This year would be a great time to get re-engaged with the profession and the chapter. Below are a list of some of the ways you can get involved:
Consider a Leadership Position on the Chapter Advisory Board
Engage with social work leadership across the state and the profession. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2025. Find out more at:
Get Involved Chapter Committees/Shared Interest Groups
The chapter has a range of shared interest groups (SIGs) and committees. E-mail the SIG or committees to find out more.
2025 NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day
Join us in Springfield on April 9, 2025, for our annual social work Advocacy Day. Check back as more information and registration info is to come at: https://www.naswil.org/advocacy-day
Social Work Month 2025
Our eight districts across the state will be holding events celebrating this year’s 2025 Social Work Month theme, Compassion + Action. Read more about this year’s theme at: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month
Share Expertise with Your Colleagues
The NASW-Illinois Chapter’s Continuing Education Program hosts training workshops throughout the state and online. Much of our learning is shared by your peers. If you are interested in speaking for the chapter, please complete our Volunteer Speaker Application here.
A couple of other notes:
Congratulations to NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board Member Anjanette Young who was recently selected for the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy’s (IWIL) class of 2025. IWIL prepares and trains Democratic, pro-choice women to run for elected office, seek public appointments, and govern effectively at all levels in Illinois.
President Biden Designates Frances Perkins National Monument. As many of you know, Frances Perkins was an important leader in our profession and played a key role in President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration and the New Deal and was instrumental in passing the Social Security Act of 1935 as Secretary of Labor.
The Chapter’s Education and Events Coordinator position is currently open. Please share this opportunity to join the NASW IL Chapter professional team with your colleagues. https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/nasw/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/1119
2024 was a year of many accomplishments. Please join us to work towards many more achievements in 2025!
Best wishes for the new year!