NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
February 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 REP CO-CHAIRS
“What can I do?” That question echoes through my mind every day.
Personally, and professionally, we are all facing relentless challenges in our communities. Individuals and communities are being harmed and funding is threatened when we speak honestly and advocate boldly for those we serve. The current threats are countless, the pressure to stay silent is heavy… And the desire to do something is strong.
This is why we need each other. Collective support, courage, and action matter.
Represent, Engage, Persist (REP) exists to empower people through camaraderie, representation, community action —so our voices are not just heard, they are amplified. We create opportunities to bring people together around shared values and interests. We want to commune and educate ourselves with the intention to put our energy into action.
We need to understand each other’s experiences and expertise to move forward in a collectively beneficial way.
If you’re asking yourself, “What can I do?” The answer is this: a lot. And you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to be part of this work, reach out to Julia Rose at julia.rose1924@gmail.com
Julia Rose and Antonia Valadez
NASW-IA REP CO-CHAIRS
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Why Professional Designation in Social Work Is About More Than Respect
By Susin Bredice, LISW
Recently, we have heard growing concerns and complaints about the devaluation of our profession, alongside several others. It is not lost on us that this feels like an undermining of the education, training, supervised work experience, and critical roles we perform as social workers. While these feelings are valid, there is a far greater systemic threat looming—one that far surpasses issues of ego or professional recognition.
When we step back and examine this issue through a macro lens, we hear arguments suggesting that these changes will hold universities accountable and ultimately lower the cost of higher education. However, history and basic economics tell us this is highly unlikely. What is far more probable is a shift in who can access higher education.
Without professional designation students pursuing a graduate degree in social work face caps on what they can borrow in federal loans. Those who cannot afford graduate school without federal loans will either be unable to attend or will be forced to take on massive amounts of private loan debt—and we all know who benefits from private loan systems. The result is that our profession will lose talented, passionate professionals, particularly those not born into higher socioeconomic status. This loss will directly and disproportionately impact the communities we serve.
At no point in U.S. history has higher education become less expensive across the board. Tuition has consistently risen. Education has only become more accessible when financial aid has been used to subsidize the sticker price. Universities, recognizing this reality, have not lowered tuition; instead, they have fast-tracked education through 3+2 and 4+1 combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to attract tuition-paying students. Education has become faster—not cheaper. And it cannot get much faster than it already is.
The consequences for our profession are profound. We will see fewer providers overall, reduced diversity among practitioners, and a diminished capacity to meet the needs of our communities. Services will increasingly be prioritized for those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds—a trend that already exists far too often in social work. This will further entrench inequitable access to care for marginalized populations.
In turn, this inequity reinforces the same barriers to higher education that created the problem in the first place. The result is a backward spiral toward greater inequality—one that contradicts the very values social work is built upon.
This issue is not about titles or how the world perceives our profession. It is about access, equity, and justice. It is about who gets to become a social worker and who gets served. At its core, this is a systemic attack on social justice—and it demands our attention and response.
IOWA NASW NEWS
Information from PACE Committee
Opportunity to make your voice heard – Iowa Caucuses Mon. 2-2-26
The 2026 Iowa Caucuses are scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for both the Democratic and Republican parties, serving as local meetings where party members decide on candidates and party business.
What happens at a caucus? The caucus kicks off organizing for 2026. We hear from
candidates, elect delegates for county convention, elect county central committee members,
and start the party platform process. Caucus goers will also learn about volunteer opportunities
in their community.
Who can participate? The caucus is open to all registered voters who are affiliated with either
the Democratic or Republican parties. That includes anyone who is 17 but will be 18 on or by
November 3rd, 2026.
The Caucus Process begins the process for District and State Conventions for the respective
parties. Check the Party website for more information and dates of District and State
Conventions
To find locations for the Democratic Caucus sites in your County please go to:
https://iowademocrats.org/caucus-locations/
To find locations for the Republican Caucus sites in your County please go to:
https://www.iowagop.org/2026_iowa_caucus_to_convention
Call for CEU Trainers and Topic Ideas
Do you have expertise you’d like to share with fellow social workers? NASW Iowa is currently seeking trainers and topic ideas for upcoming CEU offerings. We are especially interested in trainings related to advocacy, ethics, supervision, clinical skills, policy updates, workforce sustainability, and equity-focused practice. Individuals interested in presenting—or members who would like to recommend a speaker or topic—are encouraged to reach out. Both experienced presenters and first-time trainers are welcome.
If you want to teach a CEU event, complete this form on our website: CEU Workshop Application
Topic proposals may be sent to nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org
NASW Iowa Elections
The NASW Iowa Chapter will hold Board elections in Spring 2026 for the FY 2026–2027 term. This is an opportunity for members to step into leadership roles that shape advocacy efforts, strengthen our profession, and amplify the voice of social work across Iowa.
The following positions will be open:
1. BSW Student Representative (one-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-27)
2. MSW Student Representative (one-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-27)
3. Second V.P (two-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-28)
4. Secretary (two-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-28)
5. Northeast Branch Chair (two-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-28)
6. Northwest Branch Chair (two-year term, 7-1-26 to 6-30-28)
All candidates must be members of the NASW Iowa Chapter. Members are encouraged to nominate themselves or a colleague committed to advancing ethical practice, policy advocacy, and professional solidarity.
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
Nominations may be submitted at
https://naswia.socialworkers.org/About/Board-of-Directors/Chapter-Nominations
For more information contact:
Judy Nemmers, Chair
Chapter Leadership Identification and Nominations Committee (LINC)
LINC.naswia@socialworkers.org
Or
NASW IA Chapter Office
Denise Rathman, NASW-IA Executive Director
Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org ~ 515-277-1117
NASW-IA T-SHIRT
Grab your “Social Workers: Where Compassion Meets Action” tee!
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MEMBER BENEFIT
Did you know…
Your NASW membership includes discounted access to CEU courses through the Social Work Online CE Institute — so you can stay licensed and keep learning from anywhere.
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events 
February 7 - 8, 2026 - 9a - Exam Prep with Dr. D - This will be a virtual class for those preparing to take a licensing exam. (Registration closed on 1-30-26)
Social Work Social Events
February 12, 2026 - 12 - 1p - Northeast Branch Meeting
February 19, 2026 - 7p - 8p - Student Committee Meeting (Micro practice)
March 6, 2026 - 6:30p - 7:30p - Southeast Branch Meeting
March 12, 2026 - 7p - 8p - Student Committee Meeting (mezzo practice)
**Be on the lookout 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
Antonia Valadez, LISW
Clinical Social Worker
Hello colleagues! My name is Antonia L. Valadez, LISW, and I work in private practice in Des Moines, Iowa. I was born and raised in Des Moines by my first-generation father and immigrant mother, both of Mexican descent. I am deeply grateful to my family for instilling in me the importance of family, community, and service—values that strongly influenced my decision to pursue social work and continue to shape how I show up in my professional relationships.
I received my BA in Psychology from Drake University and later earned my MSW from the University of Iowa, Des Moines extension, in 2013. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults, with a clinical focus on the treatment of complex trauma. I strive to provide care that is culturally responsive, affirming, and grounded in an understanding of how lived experience, identity, and systemic inequities influence emotional health. My clinical approach is integrative and flexible, guided by careful attunement to each client. I frequently incorporate Brainspotting, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness to support trauma processing, emotional integration, and nervous system regulation. Because trauma work can be intensive, I intentionally bring humor, warmth, and my genuine self into the therapeutic space, so clients feel safe enough to do the same as we work toward their goals.
Equity and social justice are central to my identity as a social worker and clinician. I am particularly interested in exploring how structural oppression, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers impact marginalized communities. I aim to hold these realities alongside clients as we engage in the healing work that takes place in therapy.
Since 2021, I have also enjoyed hosting MSW practicum students and find great meaning in supervision and mentorship. I am especially invested in supporting emerging clinicians as they develop strong clinical judgment, ethical grounding, and critical thinking skills. Teaching and learning are important parts of my professional identity, and I hope to continue expanding my role in clinical supervision and mentorship.
Ultimately, what I want you to know is that I am someone who enjoys new challenges and ongoing growth. Whether through future opportunities to teach as an adjunct professor or the possibility of pursuing medical school to become a psychiatrist, my motivation remains the same: a deep love of learning and a desire to continue finding meaningful ways to serve my community. I hope our paths may one day cross as we work together toward a collective positive impact.
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
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https://bit.ly/NASW-IowaChapterLinkedin