Newsletters

Nov 01, 2024

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.”

 

NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hi everyone,

I hope you found the October newsletter informative. In this newsletter we hope to highlight land acknowledgement, spread awareness to Native American Heritage Month as well as Alzheimer’s month, highlight our upcoming events, provide an update on our new NASW-IA Mentorship Program, invite you all to run for the NASW-IA board, and we’re excited to start sharing the Member Spotlight! 

I would also like to make a quick note regarding some of the concerns noted about the Preferra lawsuit as well as allegations of unethical conduct at the national level. The Iowa Chapter Board is following up on   [Image: Abe Goetz]    this and calling for more transparency and unbiased investigation into        these matters.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions: abevysocky@gmail.com. NASW-IA staff and volunteers remain  committed in continuing to serve the needs of our members.

LOCAL EVENTS AROUND THE STATE:

  • Central Branch Roundtable Discussion - 11/6/2024 5:30p
  • NW Branch Roundtable Discussion - 11/7/2024 Noon - 1p
  • Navigating Abuse with Survivors - 11/13/2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Quad Cities Social Event 11/14/24 - 5:30-7:30pm - more info to come (in person)
  • SW branch event: Holiday Grief and Roundtable 11/14/24 - Noon to 1p (via zoom)
  • Clinical Supervision for Social Work: Monitoring and Mentoring Mental Health Professionals - Initial 6.0 Supervision - 11/15/2024 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Iowa City Social Event - 11/18/2024 - 5:30-7:30 - In person & more to come!
  • Traditional Chinese medicine: traditional medicine in the modern world -   11/20/2024 5-7pm (via zoom)
  • What's Always Been at Stake: Examining the Impact of the Socio-Political Climate on the Social Work Practice - 12/2/2024 5:30 PM - 8:45 PM
  • Three Secrets to Successful Supervision - 3.0 Supervision - 12/6/2024 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM
  •  Addressing Implicit Bias: The Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities - 12/10/2024 - 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM

To register and find more events visit: https://naswia.socialworkers.org/Events/Events-List-View

 

   •        Email: sbredice@nbcsiowa.com

   •        Phone: 515-450-8908

   •        Website: nbcsiowa.com

 

CELEBRATING

Honoring Native American Heritage Month: A Call to Action for Iowa Social Workers

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. November also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples and the challenges they continue to face.  As social workers in Iowa, we have a unique opportunity to engage with these communities, deepen our understanding, and advocate for their rights and needs.

Learn and Educate: Take time to learn about the history and culture of Native American tribes in Iowa, such as the Meskwaki and Sioux. The Smithsonian has several online exhibits to explore - https://www.si.edu/events/native-american-heritage-month

Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and lectures that celebrate Native American heritage. Several Iowa colleges and universities are hosting events around the state. Check out your local school for what’s going on near you.

Support Indigenous Organizations: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that support Native American communities.

Reflect on Your Practice: Consider how you can incorporate culturally competent practices into your work.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, let’s commit to honoring the rich traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Together, we can promote justice, equity, and respect in our communities.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate ourselves about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on millions of individuals and families. Understanding this condition is essential for fostering compassion and support within our communities.

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

What is a Land Acknowledgment?

A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples who have historically and currently lived on the land where an event or activity takes place. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence of Native communities and the colonial history that displaced them. Land acknowledgments are becoming more common in institutions, educational settings, and public events as part of efforts toward reconciliation and decolonization.

For a comprehensive understanding of land acknowledgments, refer to the article - Beyond Tokenism: The Importance of Proper Land Acknowledgement by Sharaine Webster, LISW, IADC. This article explores the origins and purpose of land acknowledgments, outlines respectful approaches to crafting them, and discusses both the benefits and potential pitfalls of such statements. Local resources are also provided to support meaningful engagement and foster genuine connections with Indigenous communities.

(link)                                                                          

IOWA NASW NEWS -

In October, the NASW Iowa Student Committee successfully launched a pilot project for their Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs current or recent MSW/DSW graduates with experienced social workers who have at least two years of professional practice, facilitating a structured mentoring experience.

This program is the culmination of several years of dedicated effort from committee members and students, whose commitment has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The committee will evaluate the pilot’s outcomes with the aim of expanding the program statewide in the future.

MEMBER BENEFIT -

Did you know that…

NASW members have access to Social Work, the premiere scholarly journal of the social work profession and the official journal of NASW. Keep up on your professional knowledge by accessing the up-to-date research on a variety of topics as well as all the archived articles https://academic.oup.com/sw

 

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT –

Member Spotlight:

Susin Bredice, LISW, RPT-S

 

Role and Practice

Susin Bredice is the Co-owner and Outpatient Therapist at New Beginnings Counseling Service in Urbandale, Iowa. With 24 years of experience, she brings dedication and a wealth of knowledge to her work with children, adolescents, adults, and families across various settings, including residential, home & community-based, and outpatient clinical mental health.

 

    [Image: Susin Bredice]

 

Professional Involvement

Susin is also an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa, teaching advanced clinical practice courses in the MSW program for the past five years. She’s a former NASW-IA Executive Board member, having served as VP for Education and Training, and provides national training on topics such as Attachment and Play Therapy.

 

Community Impact

Susin’s passion lies in supporting children and families, especially those who are often overlooked by society. She actively participates in the social work community by training interns, offering training for various organizations, advocating for policies, and engaging in committee work.

 

Personal Insight

“For me, this work is about creating a better future—for clients, the community, and our profession. I love learning and growing and am grateful for the lessons my clients and colleagues continue to teach me.”

 

About New Beginnings Counseling Service

Founded in 2007, New Beginnings Counseling Service has served the Urbandale community by providing outpatient therapy, behavioral health intervention services in clients’ homes, and habilitation services. They are committed to accessibility and do not turn clients away based on socioeconomic status.

 

Contact Information

   •        Email: sbredice@nbcsiowa.com

   •        Phone: 515-450-8908

   •        Website: nbcsiowa.com

 

CELEBRATING

Honoring Native American Heritage Month: A Call to Action for Iowa Social Workers[image: Native American Heritage Month]

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American communities across the United States. November also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples and the challenges they continue to face.  As social workers in Iowa, we have a unique opportunity to engage with these communities, deepen our understanding, and advocate for their rights and needs.

Learn and Educate: Take time to learn about the history and culture of Native American tribes in Iowa, such as the Meskwaki and Sioux. The Smithsonian has several online exhibits to explore - https://www.si.edu/events/native-american-heritage-month

Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and lectures that celebrate Native American heritage. Several Iowa colleges and universities are hosting events around the state. Check out your local school for what’s going on near you.

Support Indigenous Organizations: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that support Native American communities.

Reflect on Your Practice: Consider how you can incorporate culturally competent practices into your work.

As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, let’s commit to honoring the rich traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Together, we can promote justice, equity, and respect in our communities.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate ourselves about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on millions of individuals and families. Understanding this condition is essential for fostering compassion and support within our communities.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting memory, thinking, behavior and daily living activities. Visit the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website for more information on risk factors, early diagnosis and supporting those affected including families and loved ones visit https://alzfdn.org/

SEEKING LEADERSHIP -

Serve your professional organization! We are currently accepting applications for multiple board positions for the FY 2025-2026. The following board positions will be open:

  • President-Elect - three-year term: 1 year as president Elect (7/1/25 - 6/30/26) and 2 years as president (7/1/2026-6/30/2028).
  • First Vice President for Education & Training - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
  • Central Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
  • Southwest Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
  • Southeast Branch Chair - Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27
  • BSW Student Rep. - One year term - 7/1/25 - 6/30/26
  • MSW Student Rep. - One year term - 7/1/25 - 6/30/26

One Non-board position is open:

  • Committee Chair Leadership Identification and Nominations (LINC)- Two year term 7/1/25-6/30/27

For more information contact Myke Selha, LINC chair at LINC.Naswia@socialworkers.org

Follow us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/naswiowa

Contact Us                           

515-277-1117

Nasw.naswia@socialworkers.org

Naswia.socialworkers.org

 

 

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Oct 31, 2024

Hi everyone, My name is Abe Goetz and I'm the chapter president of NASW-IA.  I would like to briefly introduce myself and the return of the monthly newsletter.  Prior to becoming chapter president, I volunteered in a number of roles including president-elect, secretary, delegate to two NASW Delegate Assemblies, and have served on the Education Committee, Student Committee, Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE), and the Government Relations Working Group.  In addition to my volunteering with NASW-IA, I work full-time as a clinical social worker in my solo private practice.  The following month's newsl...

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Oct 21, 2024

The National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter (NASW-IA) is pleased to announce that Iowa Political Action for Candidate Election (Iowa PACE), the political action arm of NASW-IA, has endorsed the following candidates for the Iowa Legislature in the 2024 General Election. Iowa Senate SD 10 Steve Gorman, Council Bluffs  SD 14 Sarah Trone Garriott, Waukee SD 16 Claire Celsi, West Des Moines     SD 18 Janet Peterson, Des Moines SD 20 Nate Boulton, Des Moines SD 22 Matt Blake, Urbandale SD 24 Margaret Liston, Ogden SD 25 Mike Wolf, Maxwell SD 28 Cynthia O...

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Oct 07, 2024

Call to Action How to help NASW-NC and those in NC impacted by Hurricane Helene  From our colleagues in NC:  “We are looking for disaster, trauma, grief speakers that we can ask to present for the membership. We can pay them for their time. Most of the disaster-trained social workers in North Carolina have been deployed to western NC.” Please reach out to the NASW-IA office with your name, email address, phone number and a few sentences about your training experience in Disaster, Trauma and Grief.  Exec.naswia@socialworkers.org 515-277-1117 We will compile responses and send them on to NASW-NC. ...

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Sep 27, 2024

From the National Association of Social Workers Board of Directors The NASW Board is aware that our former professional liability insurance provider, Preferra, has filed a lawsuit against NASW, NASW Assurance Services Inc (ASI) and NASW Insurance Company (NASWIC).   NASW intends to vigorously defend against all false and unsubstantiated allegations. We are sorry that malicious misinformation about our organization and its insurance enterprise is being shared in public. This is not the experience we want our members to have, and we apologize for the ongoing disruption. As this matter is actively being litigated, we regret that we...

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Sep 08, 2024

The 2nd Official NASW Iowa Chapter Raygun  T-Shirt Now Available! The Professional Development Committee of the NASW Iowa Chapter invites you to wear your favorite social work-related t-shirt to Symposium Fri. 9-20-24.  Order your 2nd Edition NASW Iowa Chapter Official Raygun T-Shirt and wear it to Casual Friday at Symposium. A portion of the proceeds goes to support the NASW Iowa Chapter! https://bit.ly/NASWiowaTshirt  

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Aug 27, 2024

NASW-IA Members Member Survey in your email Inbox! Your voice matters! Help us improve your membership experience by taking a quick survey. Please see the inbox of the email address that you have on file with NASW for a link to a quick Chapter Survey. Survey Deadline – noon, Tues. 9-10-24 If you have already completed the survey, THANK YOU!

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Jun 28, 2024

Immediate need for mental health professionals in Clay County. CALL TO ACTION Professional organizations are working together. The Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA), Iowa Psychological Association (IPA), and the National Association of Social Work Iowa Chapter (NASW, Iowa Chapter) are calling our members and all mental health professionals across the state to action. We are in need of volunteers in Clay County due to the recent flooding to assist the Iowa Department of Human Services Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team (DBHRT). There are currently 200+ people in shelters and we need volunteers to just listen t...

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Apr 22, 2024

The National Association of Social Workers, Iowa Chapter (NASW-IA) is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Social Work. The release of the disparity rates in Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) testing confirmed there are barriers to building a diverse workforce. After the report, NASW-IA shared a statement from NASW on the need to address these disparities. Additionally, the Chapter wanted to do our due diligence of examining the impact on Iowans who faced financial, language, and other barriers to joining the workforce. We developed a workgroup and over a year we sought feedback, had conversations with other N...

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Apr 14, 2024

NASW has put together a new “Tips and Tools,” Optum United Behavioral Health Responds to NASW Letter, highlighting areas in which NASW successfully advocated https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Tips-and-Tools-for-Social-Workers/Optum-United-Behavioral-Health-Responds-to-NASW-Letter . As we move forward, NASW will be working closely with Optum on social work provider issues.

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Jan 17, 2024

The National Association of Social Workers Iowa Chapter (NASW IA) is proud to announce the five recipients of the Spring 2024 Community Leaders Project. The goal of this project is to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized individuals in our community. We hope to help develop the next generation of public service leadership and create a more just, equitable and inclusive community. These five individuals, carefully selected by a committee of highly respected social workers in the community, are doing the work and advocating for change in the community. This award will support the students as they learn and grow throughou...

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Jan 12, 2024

Here are links to platform planks that you can print out and submit at your precinct caucus on Mon., 1-15-24. For information on the precinct caucuses see our newsletter dated 1-11-24 below this entry. Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention Workforce Development for Mental Health Professionals Responsible Gun Ownership Healthcare Robust Medicaid Program

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Jan 11, 2024

We hope you are planning to attend your precinct caucus on Monday, January 15.  It is important for your voice to be heard by our political leaders. One of the activities at both the Republican and the Democratic caucuses is building the party policy platform.  Submitting platform planks at your precinct caucus will give you an opportunity to help shape the party’s policy platform and influence your neighbors and party leaders. Democrats may wonder why they should attend their precinct caucuses on January 15, as they will not be selecting their preferred presidential candidate.  One of the primary activities for their...

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Sep 12, 2023

Below is a version of what Abe Goetz, LMSW, CADC, our chapter board president-elect, said at the public hearing last week. He also emailed it to the public comments email address. He was also quoted in the Iowa Capital Dispatch NASW-IA statement on proposal to Eliminate and Consolidate Boards and Commissions The Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-IA) works to advance our members' professional development and to promote the social work profession. NASW-IA is opposed to the consolidation/merging of the Board of Social Work. The Board of Social Work oversees the largest amount of licensees available...

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Aug 30, 2023

Iowans will have the chance to weigh in at a public hearing Sept. 6, 2023, where they can share their thoughts about whether certain boards should be kept the same, modified or eliminated, including the Iowa Board of Social Work. The Iowa Boards and Commissions Review Committee has released the recommendation to “Consolidate/Merge” the Iowa Board of Social Work. Please consider sharing your thoughts with the committee.    The public meeting will be held  Tues. 9-6-23  12 pm to 2pm  Iowa State Capitol  Room 103  Speakers will be given 2 minutes each. ·   Iowans int...

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