NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
SOCIAL WORK MONTH
March 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 CHAPTER PRESIDENT
Happy Social Work Month! 
This year’s theme, “Uplift. Defend. Transform.”, could not be more fitting at a time when there is an even greater need to empower individuals and communities with access to resources, defend human rights and social justice, and transform systems and policies to better promote equity. Please check out the events we have planned for this month below, and stay tuned for the A Day in the Life of Social Workers series from the National Association of Social Workers.
The Iowa Chapter will be giving away social work swag kits to three randomly selected NASW Iowa members who post a picture showing how they Uplift, Defend, and Transform this month using #SWMonth2026 and #UpliftDefendTransform and by tagging the NASW-Iowa Facebook page. I hope you take time this month to celebrate yourselves and this profession. While this calling can certainly take a toll, we can return to a term frequently highlighted during our 2025 symposium: compassion satisfaction—the fulfillment we receive from serving individuals and communities.
Thank you for being members!
Abe Goetz
NASW-IA President
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Social Work Month in Iowa: Ethics in Action
March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the impact of social workers across Iowa. This year’s theme—Uplift, Defend, and Transform—captures the heart of the profession and the powerful role social workers play in strengthening communities. In neighborhoods, schools, healthcare settings, and policy spaces, social workers uplift individuals and families, defend human dignity, and work to transform systems so they are more just, equitable, and responsive.
This year, Social Work Month coincides with heightened political unrest and community fear related to activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These moments underscore a core responsibility of the profession: ethical advocacy. Guided by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, social workers are called to challenge injustice, reduce harm, and protect the dignity and worth of all people—particularly those most vulnerable.
Across Iowa, social workers continue to serve as steady, compassionate leaders during times of uncertainty. They uplift communities through direct support, defend human rights through advocacy and education, and help transform policies and systems through informed, ethical engagement. Social Work Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate this essential work, but to recommit ourselves to the profession’s enduring mission: to uplift, defend, and transform.
Call to Action:
NASW Iowa encourages members to turn values into action by:
- Signing up for legislative updates to stay informed on Iowa policy developments https://naswia.socialworkers.org/
- Joining an advocacy committee, including:
- NASW-IA PACE (Political Action for Candidate Election) - tony.raymer@gmail.com
- Government Relations Advisory Committee - exec.naswia@socialworkers.org
- Represent, Engage, Persist - REP - julia.rose1924@gmail.com
- Engaging policymakers through ethical, values-based advocacy
As we celebrate Social Work Month, NASW Iowa thanks social workers at every level for their leadership, resilience, and continued commitment to Uplift, Defend and Transform.
NASW Iowa NEWS
Show Your Social Work Pride & Support NASW-IA
Grab your “Social Workers: Where Compassion Meets Action” tee!
Printed by RAYGUN with union labor. Proceeds support NASW‑IA advocacy & education. Don’t wait—get yours today! This is a limited edition t-shirt – there will be a new NASW-IA Raygun t-shirt soon!
Order here - Available in S–4XL, heather burgundy/black ink - $25.
Get involved in PACE and make a difference in Iowa politics
The NASW Iowa PACE committee does work every year to help elect candidates to political office at the state and local level that reflect the policy priorities and values of NASW.
What we do:
- Research and endorse candidates
- Donate to some of those candidates’ campaigns
- Encourage Social Workers to get involved with endorsed candidates
- Postcard campaigns
- Voter registration efforts
- Door knocking
- Encourage Social Workers to run for office and more...
How can you help:
- Join the committee, we would love more folks across the state. We meet the third Tuesday of every month over zoom from 6-7 pm
- Tell us about candidates you think we should consider, though we don't endorse in the primaries we are starting our research for this fall's elections now
- Host an event this summer and early fall with our endorsed candidates
- Volunteer with one of their campaigns
- Run for office yourself
You can also always help with a donation to Iowa PACE, any amount helps us do our part to make Iowa's legislature more reflective of our Social Work values
Donate here: PACE Donations
If you have candidate ideas or want to get involved reach out to Iowa PACE Chair, Tony Raymer, tony.raymer@gmail.com
Reminder: 
The National Association of Social Workers Iowa Chapter is giving away three social work swag kits!
Share how you Uplift, Defend, and Transform using #SWMonth2026 and #UpliftDefendTransform, and tag the NASW-Iowa Facebook page to be entered. Don’t forget to celebrate the compassion satisfaction that comes with this meaningful work.
Getting ready for your licensure test?
NASW Iowa Chapter has partnered with AATBS, a leading provider of exam prep and continuing education for behavioral and mental health students and professionals, to offer you discounted access to their industry-leading products and services. This benefit is being provided to you based on our relationship with AATBS, and is available to you exclusively because you are a member of the NASW Iowa Chapter. To see available products and access your discount,
https://behavioral-science.aatbs.com/naswia/
MEMBER BENEFIT
Did you know…
NASW advocates for social justice, equity, and better working conditions for social workers at the local, state, and national level — your membership helps shape the policies that impact your work!
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events
March 10, 2026 - 6:30p - 7:30p - Southeast Branch Event - Accessing Support: How Families, Inc. can help - by Amy Gosnell, LISW
March 31, 2026 - 12-1p - Central Branch Event - Peer Supports for Mental Health and Substance Use
More CE events to be added to NASW-IA website soon, including supervision and ethics!
Social Work Social Events
All Month - Share an image of how you #UpliftDefendTransform during #SWMonth2026 and tag NASWIA Facebook page.
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
Madeline "Maddie" True-Canales
University of Iowa - MSW Student
Maddie True-Canales (she/her) lives in Des Moines and is completing her MSW degree at University of Iowa’s Des Moines location with an expected graduation of May 2027. Maddie is currently working at Invest DSM, a nonprofit organization working to revitalize neighborhoods with grant programs focused on middle-market areas without displacing existing residents.
Having grown up in poverty, Maddie received support from local individuals and institutions that invested in her education and professional journey. This experience has given her firsthand knowledge of seeking and using social services to become a first-generation college graduate. After graduation, she hopes to pursue career opportunities that combine micro and mezzo social work. Although she loves the work she does on the mezzo level, she also feels drawn to micro social work and is struggling with this dissonance as she prepares for her Specialized Practicum in Fall 2026.
She became an active member of the NASW Student Committee since 2025 and has greatly appreciated the varied experiences and open discussions within the committee. She looks forward to what the future may hold for her personally and professionally as she builds relationships and continues to connect within the community.
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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https://www.facebook.com/naswiowa
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NEW! NASW Iowa Chapter has a LinkedIn group!
https://bit.ly/NASW-IowaChapterLinkedin