NASW – Iowa Chapter
Newsletter
SEPTEMBER 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.”
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH AND REFLECTING ON 25 YEARS SINCE 9/11
September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, remembering lives lost, and recognizing the care social workers provide daily across our communities. With over 48,000 lives lost to suicide annually in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024), social workers serve as anchors in crisis intervention, clinical practice, community-based advocacy, and more.
This month also brings a somber milestone - the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. As we pause nationally to remember the thousands of lives lost that morning - including social workers, first responders, and civil servants. In the years following 9/11, social workers were leaders in community healing. Through nationwide mental health efforts and FEMA-backed programs like Project Liberty in New York, social workers provided crisis counseling, psychological first-aid, and long-term grief support as communities processed unimaginable trauma and took the first steps towards collective healing.
Key Observances:
- National Suicide Prevention Week is observed September 6-12, with World Suicide Prevention Day of September 10th
- Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance are observed on September 11th
Resources & Support:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7, free, and confidential)
- Your Life Iowa: Call 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398 for free, 24/7 statewide crisis support
Trauma and suicidality is emotionally demanding work. To foster resilience in others, we must begin with setting healthy, professional boundaries, seeking peer consultation, and practicing proactive self-care. We cannot pour from an empty cup, nor should we.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Social Work Licensure Compact Expansion: Conversations continue across the country, allowing for better continuity of care and enhanced telehealth capabilities for clients, multi-state clinicians, and practices. With 35 states now having enacted legislation, the Compact Commission will convene for its Fall 2026 governance meeting on Tuesday, September 17th to push for data system and operational rules and development.
Social workers interested in submitting written or oral comments, may do so via the Public Comment Form by September 15th.
IOWA NASW NEWS
Leadership Openings: NASW-IA is seeking interested individuals to fill the remaining leadership roles - Northeast and Southwest Branch Chairs. Serving as a Branch Chair is an ideal opportunity to shape local networking opportunities, organize 1-hour CEU lunch-and-learns, and represent regional social work needs. Email Denise Rathman for more information at exec.naswia@socialworkers.org.
NASW Iowa 2026 Symposium: The full two-day schedule is live! Sessions will cover a broad range of topics including clinical supervision, trauma recovery, ethics and community advocacy, and more, offering up to 12 CEUs for full conference attendees. Click here to learn more.
Date: Thursday–Friday, September 17–18, 2026
Location: DMACC FFA Building, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
Preparing for Your Licensure Exam?
NASW-IA Has You Covered.
Live webinar prep sessions with Dawn Apgar, PhD, LSW, ACSW are scheduled for Wed., September 16 and November 13. Register here.
NASW Iowa Chapter has partnered with several trusted resources to help members prepare for licensure exams:
AATBS — As an NASW-IA member, you have exclusive access to discounted exam prep and continuing education through AATBS, a leading provider for behavioral and mental health professionals. Access your member discount here.
PassItPro — Highly recommended by colleagues in Ohio, this online exam prep provider is another great option — and registrations from Iowa directly support the NASW-IA Chapter. Visit PassItPro.
For More Resources
MEMBER BENEFITS: Fall Savings & Workplace Essentials
Did you know…
Your NASW membership can save you money in your office and on the road! Take advantage of your member benefits as you organize your workspace and plan for Fall travel.
- Office Depot and OfficeMax: Save up to 75% on office supplies, printing services (including holiday cards, wedding invites, etc.), furniture, and more.
- Book travel through the NASW Travel Savings Center for exclusive hotel and rental car savings!
IOWA EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Social Work CEU Events
September 17 and 18, 2026 - Symposium - DMACC FFA Building, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023 - 9/18/26 is also available virtually
December 4, 2026 - The Art of Clinical Supervision: The Secret to Successful Mentoring and Communication Webinar - With Dr. D.
More events to be scheduled soon!
Social Work Social Events
September 16, 2026, 11:00 AM CT - Tax Tips for Social Workers: Tax Deductions, Hosted by Heard (Accounting Platform for Social Worker Entrepreneurs) - Virtual - FREE!
To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View
Third edition of the official NASW Iowa Chapter Raygun t-shirt now available!
A portion of the proceeds support the efforts of NASW-IA. Order yours TODAY!
Wear it to casual Friday at the NASW IA Symposium, 9-18-26
$25, extended sizes available!
https://tinyurl.com/NASWiowa2026tshirt
NASW-IA Committee Meetings
Iowa PACE - Third Tuesday of every month from 6-7p of every Month via Zoom. Topics covered: State candidate endorsement and elections. Contact Tony Raymer at Tony.Raymer@gmail.com for additional information.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Bryon Little, LISW
Clinical Manager & Mental Health Therapist
NASW Central Branch Chair
Bryon decided to step into the Central Branch Chair role to advocate for fellow professionals and ensure that social workers have the support needed to thrive. “I really want to focus on building up the profession and creating an environment that lets social workers do their best work - from practical education and strong working conditions to advocating for our clients.”
Currently serving as the Clinical Manager at House of Mercy, Bryon understands firsthand the daily complexities, emotional investment, and structural demands that community mental health therapists face - especially those who support individuals navigating substance use, trauma, and justice-system involvement. His team works with community members who may have substance use disorders, socioeconomic barriers, and involvement with DHS or the legal system.
Working with these populations has deepened Bryon’s grounding in the concepts of clinical philosophy regarding long-term change and trustbuilding in the therapeutic relationship. “I view clients as being on their own journey, and we’re passengers on that journey. If a breakthrough doesn’t happen right away, that doesn’t mean it’s lost—sometimes our role is simply laying a few solid bricks in the foundation to support them down the road.”
To navigate the emotional weight and high demands of his work in the mental health field, Bryon prioritizes boundary setting, intentional time off, and peer consultation to decompress and stay balanced.
In his new board role, Bryon aims to make NASW Iowa an accessible, practical resource hub for local clinicians. He is focused on rolling out one-hour CEU opportunities that spotlight innovative community programs and resources across the region, while planning casual networking events to help Central Iowa social workers connect and unwind together.
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://bit.ly/NASW-IowaChapterLinkedin