NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
January 2026 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.”
LETTER FROM NASW IA SECRETARY
Dear Iowa Social Workers,
As we begin the new year, I want to briefly address a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education that has important implications for the future of the social work profession.
In late 2025, the Department of Education finalized changes affecting how certain graduate degrees are classified for federal student loan purposes. Under this decision, social work degrees — including the MSW — are no longer categorized as “professional degrees,” resulting in lower federal loan limits for future students beginning in July 2026. While this change does not impact licensure or scope of practice, it may create new financial barriers for those seeking to enter the profession.
Through my work with our Student Committee, I have heard directly from current social work students who are concerned about how these changes may affect their educational pathways and long-term plans. These concerns reinforce what we already know: access to social work education is essential to sustaining a strong and diverse workforce.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has strongly opposed this decision and continues to advocate for policies that recognize social work education as rigorous, professional, and essential. As we move into 2026, NASW remains committed to protecting students, strengthening our profession, and advancing our shared values of service, equity, and dignity.
Warm Regards,
Rebecca Williams, LISW, IMH-E®
NASW-IA Secretary
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Call for Nominations: NASW–IA Board Elections
This January, the NASW Iowa Chapter invites members to consider leadership as a way to advance our shared commitment to service, integrity, and professional excellence. Nominations are now being accepted for the Spring 2026 NASW–IA Board of Directors election for the FY 2026–2027 term.
Open positions include:
- BSW Student Representative (one-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/27)
- MSW Student Representative (one-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/27)
- Second Vice President (two-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/28)
- Secretary (two-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/28)
- Northeast Branch Chair (two-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/28)
- Northwest Branch Chair (two-year term: 7/1/26–6/30/28)
All nominees must be current members of the NASW Iowa Chapter. Members are encouraged to nominate themselves or colleagues who demonstrate ethical leadership and a commitment to strengthening the social work profession in Iowa.
To learn more or submit a nomination:
- To learn more: Contact Judy Nemmers, Chair, Chapter Leadership Identification and Nominations Committee (LINC): LINC.naswia@socialworkers.org
- To submit a nomination: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/About/Board-of-Directors/Chapter-Nominations
Start the year by shaping the future of social work in Iowa—consider submitting a nomination.
IOWA NASW NEWS
Final Month for Submission to the 2026 National Poetry Contest 
The University of Iowa School of Social Work is once again celebrating the creativity and compassion of our profession through the 2026 National Poetry Contest for Social Workers.
This annual contest invites social work students, faculty, and alumni from CSWE-accredited programs nationwide to share their stories, struggles, and hopes through poetry. Each entry—one original, unpublished poem of up to 15 lines—offers a glimpse into the heart of what it means to serve others.
Submissions open November 1, 2025, and close January 31, 2026.
Winners receive cash prizes of $200, $100, and $50, with poems featured during National Poetry Month in April.
Join a tradition that honors the artistry and empathy of social work.
Learn more or submit your poem at socialwork.uiowa.edu.
NASW-IA T-SHIRT
Grab your “Social Workers: Where Compassion Meets Action” tee!
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MEMBER BENEFIT
Did you know…
Students can join NASW at a deeply discounted rate and get access to career prep tools, networking, and mentorship to help launch their social work careers!
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events 
February 7 - 8, 2026 - 9a - Exam Prep with Dr. D - Save the Date! This will be a virtual class for those preparing to take a licensing exam.
Social Work Social Events
January 13, 2026 - 7p - 8p - Student Committee Meeting
February 12, 2026 - 12 - 1p - Northeast Branch Meeting
March 6, 2026 - 6:30p - 7:30p - Southeast Branch Meeting
**Be on the look out for more social events coming soon in your branch!**
To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Tony Raymer, LISW, RPT-S
Director of Brain Health
“My journey with NASW has been invaluable. It has connected me to a network of professionals who are committed to advancing the field of social work and advocating for the well-being of our communities. I value my membership as it supports political and policy advocacy and I choose every day to be a social worker because we are a values-based profession.”
Meet Tony Raymer, LISW, RPT-S, an experienced leader and advocate in the mental health and disability support in Polk County since 2007. A graduate of Wartburg College and the University of Iowa with a Master’s in Social Work, Tony is dedicated to supporting children, families, and adults with disabilities through therapy, group interventions, and community programs aimed at fostering independence.
As the Director of Brain Health at Easterseals Iowa, Tony oversees critical programs, including:
- Brain/Mental Health Therapy: Focused on individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and their support networks, offering individual, family, and group therapy both in-person at Camp Sunnyside and statewide through telehealth.
- Crisis Stabilization Services: Providing short-term therapeutic support, including skill building, for children and families in a residential setting, and people of all ages in our community-based services. This service is available for up to five days to create sustainable crisis prevention strategies.
- Multisystemic Therapy: An intensive, evidence-based family therapy for adolescents facing behavioral and conduct challenges.
Tony's dedication is further reflected in his previous leadership roles as Chair of the Iowa Board of Social Work, and President of the NASW Iowa Chapter and his current roles as NASW Region IX Representative, NASW HR Committee Chair, member of the NASW Finance Committee and on the Social Work Advisory Committee for the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals. Tony also received the Iowa Chapter Social Worker of Excellence award in 2025. When not championing Social Work and social workers, Tony enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking with his family, and he is still trying to learn woodturning.
Thank you, Tony, for your unwavering commitment to the field and the communities you serve!
CHAPTER OFFICE HOURS
The NASW-IA Chapter is staffed by 2 employees, neither of whom are full-time. This means our staffed office hours are somewhat irregular. This is particularly true during the legislative session. The best way to reach our executive director, Denise Rathman, is to send an email and let her know the best times to call you.
Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org
If you call and get voicemail, please be sure to leave a message, so she knows how she can be of assistance.
Contact Us:
515-277-1117
nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org
Naswia.socialworkers.org
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