Land Acknowledgement

“We acknowledge that the NASW Iowa Chapter is located on the ancestral land of the Ioway and Meskwaki Nations. We recognize these Indigenous peoples long-standing presence and ongoing contributions to our community. As an institution, we are committed to decolonization and supporting Indigenous rights in our education programs and community partnerships.”

NOTE FROM THE 2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Hello NASW Iowa Members - 

 First, I want to say congratulations to our NASW Iowa Chapter President (Abe Goetz), his significant other, and their newest family addition!

It is now January 2025…

January is more than just the first month of the calendar year—it is a celebration of fresh starts, renewed energy, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: What can I do to make this world a better place?

The new year invites us to move beyond wishes and toward meaningful action. Change begins with intention but is fueled by participation. What steps will you take to contribute to positive change this year? Whether large or small, every action matters. It might mean standing up for a cause, helping a neighbor, supporting your community, or committing to your own personal growth.

 As we enter this new chapter, I encourage you to consider:

   •   How can you show up with purpose and make a difference?

   •     How will you challenge yourself to grow and act toward the changes you want to see?

 Together, through membership and shared commitment, we can take meaningful steps toward a better, stronger, and more inclusive future. This January, let us affirm our power to make a difference. Let us be present, proactive, and ready to create the kind of change we wish to see in our world.

 Here is to a year filled with action, growth, and hope. I look forward to seeing what we can carry out—together.

 With warmest wishes and excitement for the year ahead,

 Sharaine Webster

NASW IA 2nd Vice President

IOWA NASW NEWS

January 13th, 2025 is the first day of the Iowa Legislative session. Be an advocate by signing up for legislative action alerts at https://naswia.socialworkers.org/. Sign up for Voter Voice by entering your email address and zip code under the “Sign up for Alerts” heading in the middle of the page.

Another opportunity for advocacy

NOW is the time to consider how you can make a valuable contribution in the next election cycle.  Join us for a virtual workshop to learn how to work with campaigns, take a leadership role and the importance of Social Workers’ involvement in elections. Be certain to: 

SAVE THE DATE   February 15, 2025

Michigan’s NASW RISE Campaign School (Virtual) 9 am – 4 pm

The University of Michigan and Michigan NASW are offering all NASW members an opportunity to participate in the virtual portion of their two-day Campaign training.  The second day is an in-person session in Ann Arbor.

For more information go to:

https://www.nasw-michigan.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1904276&group=

The Iowa Chapter will soon have our own registration link.

REMINDERS

Remember to renew your NASW membership!

As an NASW member, you have access to tools and resources that will help you advance your career, protect your practice, connect with peers, and advocate for social work. The more you use your membership, the more you benefit. Renew today!! https://www.socialworkers.org/nasw/join

Chapter office hours

Because our executive director, Denise Rathman, is the Chapter’s only full-time employee, staffed office hours are somewhat irregular.  This is particularly true during the legislative session as she is also our registered lobbyist at the Iowa Statehouse.  The best way to reach her is to send an email and let her know the best times to call you.

Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org

MEMBER BENEFIT

Did you know that…When you join the National Association of Social Workers you also get membership in the Iowa Chapter? A portion of your dues go straight to supporting advocacy, CEUs and other programing at the state level. With your membership you are supporting social workers right here in Iowa!

NASW IOWA CHAPTER EVENTS

IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE

To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – Tammera Bibbins, LISW

Tammera Bibbins has been a licensed independent social worker (LISW) in the state of Iowa since 2002.  In her career Tammera has worked as a therapist in community mental health centers, as a Forensic Interviewer at a Child Protection Center, and off and on as an adjunct faculty member at DMACC in their Human Services program and at the University of Iowa in the Graduate School of Social Work.  Tammera is currently providing mental health services in her private practice, Grapevine Clinical, LLC.  Tammera also provides supervision for newly licensed therapists.  Tammera’s therapeutic focus is on helping clients heal from trauma and uses trauma-informed modalities in her practice.  Tammera’s focus has always been children, families, and the impact of trauma and has provided multiple trainings and presentations on those subjects. 

SEEKING LEADERSHIP

Serve your professional organization! We are currently accepting applications for multiple board positions for the FY 2025-2026. The following board positions will be open:

• President-Elect - three-year term: 1 year as president Elect (7/1/25 - 6/30/26) and 2 years as president (7/1/2026-6/30/2028).

• First Vice President for Education & Training - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27

• Central Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
• Southwest Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
• Southeast Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
• BSW Student Rep. - One year term - 7/1/25 - 6/30/26
• MSW Student Rep. - One year term - 7/1/25 - 6/30/26

One Non-board position is open:

• Committee Chair Leadership Identification and Nominations (LINC)- Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27

For more information contact Myke Selha, LINC chair at LINC.Naswia@socialworkers.org

SHOW YOUR SOCIAL WORK PRIDE

Check out our newest NASW IA Chapter Tshirt! It features the phrase “Social Workers: Where compassion meets action.” Screen Printed by Union Labor at RAYGUN.

Available in sizes S-4XL

Proceeds benefit the Iowa Chapter of the NASW.

Order yours here:

https://www.rayguncustom.com/collections/nasw-iowa-chapter

Contact Us      

515-277-1117

Nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org

Naswia.socialworkers.org

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