NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
APRIL 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 SECRETARY
I was recently reflecting on the challenges of parenting today compared to the early ’90s—a time when kids could run freely in the neighborhood, screentime wasn’t a hazard, and social media wasn’t a daily concern because it didn’t exist. How do we, as parents and caregivers, set healthy boundaries for children when many of us don’t have prior experience with these modern challenges?
It raises an important question: is the world really less safe, or are we simply more aware of its risks? Our constant access to global news, tragedies, and daily human challenges is unprecedented. In the ’90s, protection often meant simply turning off the 6 p.m. news or skipping the paper. Today, it’s about containment—knowing when to turn down the tap rather than trying to turn it off entirely.
This work—of protecting ourselves and guiding those we care for—is exhausting. It’s what we face as parents, social workers, and humans navigating a complex world. Remember to take small breaks, find moments of joy, and let yourself breathe. Watch those pandas playing in the snow. Step back from the feed that increases cortisol. Take care of yourself—because when you do, you can better care for others.
You got this,
Rebecca Williams, LISW, RPT, IMH-E
NASW-IA Chapter Secretary
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Advocacy and Self-Care in Uncertain Times
Social workers practice within the realities of the world around us. In recent months, many communities have been navigating heightened public debate and uncertainty from immigration enforcement actions to international tensions involving countries such as Iran. These issues do not exist only in headlines; they affect the lived experiences of the individuals and families social workers serve.
During times like these, the work can feel especially heavy. Yet the profession itself was built in moments of social challenge and change. Throughout history, social workers have continued to advocate for dignity, justice, and human well-being even during periods of uncertainty.
Moments of disruption can also create opportunities for advocacy, growth, and systemic change. Social workers help communities navigate fear, instability, and complexity while continuing to elevate policies and practices that support human dignity.
Sustaining this work requires care for ourselves as well as for others. When social workers balance advocacy with self-care and connection, they strengthen both their own resilience and the profession’s ability to continue advancing justice.
Even in times of uncertainty, the commitment of social workers to justice, dignity, and human connection creates spaces of hope and opportunity—reminding us that the work we do matters now more than ever.
IOWA NASW NEWS
Social Work Month Proclamations Across Iowa
During March, communities across Iowa joined the celebration of Social Work Month by issuing local proclamations recognizing the impact of social workers in their communities. Through the advocacy and outreach efforts of members of the National Association of Social Workers Iowa Chapter, several cities formally acknowledged the contributions of the profession.
This year, proclamations were issued by the cities of Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, and Storm Lake. These proclamations highlight the important role social workers play in supporting individuals, strengthening families, and advocating for healthier communities.
Public recognition from local governments helps raise awareness of the profession and reinforces the value social workers bring to schools, healthcare systems, community agencies, and private practice settings throughout Iowa.
NASW-IA extends appreciation to the members and community partners who helped coordinate these recognitions and continue to advocate for the visibility and impact of social work across the state.
NASW Iowa 2026 Symposium — Call for Proposals
The NASW Iowa Chapter invites scholars, researchers, practitioners, and professionals to submit abstracts for our upcoming symposium!
Date: Thursday–Friday, September 17–18, 2026
Location: DMACC FFA Building, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
We're pleased to announce Jonathan Singer, PhD, LCSW as our keynote speaker on Friday, September 18. The symposium focuses on compassion, diversity, ethics, innovation, and advocacy in social work.
We welcome submissions on social work practice, research, practitioner skill development, and self-care.
Presenter Benefits:
- Free registration and CEUs for September 17
- Platform to share your research and insights with peers
- Opportunity to contribute to the advancement of social work knowledge and practice
Abstract deadline: 9am, Monday, April 20, 2026
Submit at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KPdNY4Tp60ChGaxjr89tRp0OC2uPJnFHnh8Rgaph1zJUNjY2WDFMSjEyWEZQOUVERzI5Sk1TOU9JSC4u
Questions? Contact Kessie Silas, MSW at education.naswia@socialworkers.org.
Please share with interested colleagues. We look forward to your submissions! — NASW-Iowa Professional Development Committee
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/
Live Webinar Exam Prep with Dawn Apgar PhD, LSW, ACSW. Upcoming Dates:
4-14-26 ~ 5-19-26 ~ 6-4-26 ~ 6-17-26 ~ 7-14-26 ~ 8-25-26. For more information and registration go to https://tinyurl.com/2026SWExamPrep
MEMBER BENEFIT
Did you know…
NASW connects you with job opportunities and networking events in your area — helping you build connections and find your next role in the field.
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events
April 29, 2026 – 1 pm to 4:15 pm – 3.0 CE Clinical Supervision with Dr. Sophia Dziegielewski, LCSW a.k.a. Dr. D. - Enhancing Skills in Clinical Supervision: The Secret to Successful Mentoring and Documentation
April 30, 2026 – 9 am to 4:30 pm – 6.0 Initial Clinical Supervision with Joe Nemmers, LISW
May 4, 2026 - 11:30 am to 1 pm - Fluid Identities: Non-structuralist methods for aligning actions and beliefs with one’s preferred narrative –
Presented by Gregory L. Nooney, MSW, ACSW, LISW, LCSW
May 27, 2026 - 12 - 1p - Northwest Branch Event - Balancing Protection and Autonomy: Ethical Practice with Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Virtual Event.
Social Work Social Events
April, 16 2026 - 7p - 8p - Student Committee Meeting (Macro practice)
May 11, 2026 - 6:30 - 7:30p - Southeast Branch Event
**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
Danielle Workman, LMSW
Advocate and Outreach Coordinator Disability Rights Iowa
Danielle Workman is an Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Disability Rights Iowa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Social Work Concentration from Simpson College. Additionally, Danielle obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa and is licensed in the State of Iowa. Prior to joining Disability Rights Iowa, Danielle’s human services career started at Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) working in Home and Community Based Services. Danielle has worked as Direct Support Professional, Caseworker, Program Supervisor, and Service Coordinator while at LSI. This progression in her career has helped Danielle develop into a strong advocate for Iowans with Disabilities. Danielle is able to bring a wide range of experiences to her advocacy work at Disability Rights Iowa and engages in systems change work on behalf of Iowans with Disabilities. Disability Rights Iowa is a non-profit law firm that promotes and defends the legal and human rights of Iowans with disabilities. Danielle served on the NASW-IA Training & Development Committee from 2024-2026. Danielle’s favorite part of being an NASW member is the annual symposium and having a network of Social Work colleagues to reach out to any time for assistance and support.
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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