NASW – Iowa Chapter

Newsletter

April 2025 EDITION

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 NASW IA CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Hi all,

I hope you had a great Social Work Month!

As we progress through the Iowa legislative session I want to communicate about the efforts of our Chapter Executive Director and lobbyist Denise Rathman to represent social workers and the communities we serve.  Sometimes it may seem puzzling that NASW-IA isn't vocal or registered on certain bills.  There are a lot of reasons that are considered in this regard such as if this lines with NASW-IA's top legislative priorities from the survey sent to our members, if there is risk (such as retaliation) to the profession or association by speaking out on the issue (as evidenced by the library association bill), if our lobbying and advocacy will make a difference and is a good use of time and resources, who is affected by the bill, and if there is an opportunity for us to educate folks about our profession (among many other reasons). 

Overall, if you are interested in being part of this conversation, please join us for the Government Relations Working Group on Fridays at 3 PM during the legislative session. 

Lastly, it is more important than ever to prioritize our DEI efforts within the profession, our association, and in our state.  One area where we could especially benefit from assistance from the members would be on the Diversity Committee.  Please let us know if you would be interested in joining the committee or attending a  meeting to see what it's all about.

Thank you for your continued advocacy during this legislative session and for your continued membership in NASW!

Abe Goetz, LISW, CADC

NASW-IA Chapter President

IOWA NASW NEWS -

Tapestry of Social Work:

In honor of Social Work Month, we invited you to create a tapestry of social work by designing a ribbon of what Social Work means to you. There were wonderful contributions to this amazing expression of what our work can mean. Keep an eye on social media to vote for your favorite.

State Elections:

The NASW IA chapter will hold board elections in May! Keep an eye out for your ballot!

Available Board positions are:

President-Elect

First Vice President for Education & Training

Central Branch Chair

Southwest Branch Chair

Southeast Branch Chair

BSW Student Rep.

MSW Student Rep.

One Non-board position is open:

Committee Chair Leadership Identification and Nominations (LINC)

Chapter office hours:

Our executive director, Denise Rathman, is the Chapter’s only full-time employee, and registered lobbyist. Because of this our staffed office hours are somewhat irregular.  This is particularly true during the legislative session because Denise is often 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…a portion of your dues goes to support Voter Voice? A legislative action alert tool that puts urgent alerts at your fingertips so you can take action when it matters most. Register for Legislative Action Alerts at https://naswia.socialworkers.org/. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for “Sign Up for Legislative Action Alerts”.

IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE

Iowa Social Work CEU Events

4/24/25 - 5:30-8:45p - Leading by Example: Navigating the Internal Work of Being a Social Work Supervisor - Virtual

4/25/25 - 8:30a-12:15p - Introduction to Adlerian Play Therapy - Virtual

4/25/25 - 12:00 - 1:00p - Identity (Clear up myths about DID and other identity information) - Virtual

5/7/25 - 12:00 - 1:00p - The Session is Over, Now What? Skills for Ethical and Professional Documentation – Virtual

6/13/25 - 8:30a - 4:30p - Clinical Supervision in Social Work: Monitoring and Mentoring Social Work Practitioners - Virtual

 **This course has been designed to meet the 6 hour requirements of the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals for LISWs, LMHCs and LMFTS who are providing clinical supervision to LMSWs, t-LMHCs and t-LMFTS working towards their clinical licensure. **

Iowa Social Work Social Events

4/5/25 - 5-9pm - NW Branch Social Event - Salty Suz in Fort Dodge

5/1/25 - 11:00a - 1:00p - NW Branch Social Event - Spencer Public Library

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

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sharaine Webster, LISW, IADC

Clinical Social Worker & Therapist

Sharaine Webster (she/her) has a rich background in mental health advocacy, specializing in behavioral and substance use addictions, sexual health and wellness, LGBTQ+, and relationship issues. Her work encompasses teaching as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, operating her own mental health therapy practice, conducting assessments for the Iowa Department of Corrections and providing supervision and consultation to others in the field of helping professions. Sharaine is an independently licensed clinical social worker, certified substance abuse counselor, and holds equitable care certification for working with sex workers.

Beyond her clinical practice and academia, Sharaine provides clinical, ethical and equality trainings for practitioners and students, and she holds significant roles in professional organizations. She serves as the 2nd VP of Iowa Chapter of the NASW (formerly as the Central Branch Chair), as well as Iowa Representative for AASECT, and as a Board member of the Iowa Board of Certification and the Iowa Club of Des Moines. Her multifaceted engagements demonstrate a commitment to promoting equity, well-being, and social justice within the social work field.

*Land acknowledgement for the traditional territories of the Ioway and Meskwaki. 

SEEKING YOUR NOMINATIONS -

Honor your fellow Social Workers (or a non-social worker who supports social work values) by nominating them for an award. We are currently accepting nominations for:

• Emerging Social Worker - an individual who has been a social worker for 5 years or less.
• Catherine G Williams Diversity Award -an individual social worker who has demonstrated and made a commitment to the advancement of diversity in the social work profession.
• Social Worker of Excellence Award - an individual who demonstrates exceptional professional qualities, which make them stand out beyond the expectations of their job.
• Public Citizen of Excellence Award - someone who, though not a social worker, has an understanding of social work and a personal commitment to support social work goals and ideals.

More information on who may qualify and how to make a nomination can be found at: NASW Award Nominations. Or contact Myke Selha, LINC chair at LINC.Naswia@socialworkers.org.

2024 Award Winners

Contact Us:              

515-277-1117

Nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org

Naswia.socialworkers.org

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