March 2013 - Networker

From the Pen of the Executive Director: March 2013

March 1st, 2013

March 15: Northeastern District Awards and CEU Event (Northbrook) March 20: East Central District Awards Event (Normal) March 21: Southern District Awards Event (Mt. Vernon) For complete information about Social Work Month events, visit the NASW Illinois Chapter website calendar: http:// www.naswil.org/education-career-development/calendar/. As of the time of this writing, the NASW Illinois Chapter is preparing for Advocacy Day 2013 to take place on Thursday, February 28, 2013, down in Springfield, IL. With an advance registration of over 700 people, we expect to advocate on behalf of programs and services provided by social workers throughout the statethe programs and services that constitute much our safety net for the vulnerable in our society. This advocacy supports the primary mission of the social work profession: to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable. Watch for post on the NASW Illinois Chapter website about the event as well as legislative alerts. Joel L. Rubin, MSW, CAE, has served as executive director of the 7,000 member Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) since October 1999. He has over twenty-five years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience including extensive work with boards of directors, committees and volunteers, and advocacy around a wide variety of social work, human service, and international political issues. Joel is a graduate of the Wexner Heritage Fellowship Leadership Program and a current adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Work as well as Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.

Happy Social Work Month 2013! Before highlighting some of the upcoming activities that will celebrate our profession during the month of March, I wanted to note some significant events of this past month that reflect on the professions history and lessons for leadership. In mid-February, the NASW Illinois Chapter partnered with Illinois Public Media and Chicago Community Cinema to present advance screenings of the film, The Powerbroker: Whitney Youngs Fight for Civil Rights, in Champaign and Chicago. The film aired on PBS nationwide on February 18, 2013. In both venues, a panel followed each of the screenings. NASW Illinois Chapter President Yolanda Jordan served as a panelist following the Chicago screening. I had the opportunity to attend both of these screening. I would venture to say that if you asked most social workers if they knew of Whitney Young, they would respond by saying he was a great civil rights leader. What they might not know was that he was a social worker and that early in his career before joining the Urban League, Whitney served as dean of Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University). He also served as NASW President in 1969. The film is a tribute to a great social work leader and should be required viewing in every social work school throughout the country. For more information on the film, go to http://www.itvs.org/films/powerbroker. The NASW Illinois Chapter is near completion on a public awareness website that will help to highlight the work of social workers and the positive contributions they make to society. Check back with the chapter website (http://www.naswil.org) as it should launch in the early part of Social Work Month. If you are interested in submitting a profile, click here: https:// naswil.wufoo.com/forms/social-worker-spotlight/. This month, the March Networker highlights the district winners for Social Worker of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Public Citizen of the Year. I hope you will have an opportunity to attend one of eight district award events taking place during the month, not only to celebrate the awardees but the work all of you do. March 2: West Central District Awards Event (Peoria) March 5: Chicago District Awards and CEU Event (Chicago) March 7: Jane (Rockford) Addams District Awards Event

2013 NASW Illinois District Awards

March 1st, 2013

Congratulations to this year's 2012 NASW Illinois District Social Work Awards! The below individuals have exemplified in their professional and personal work the basic tenets of the social work professiongiving voice to those who are without voices. Award ceremonies will be held in the corresponding district across the state. To find out more information about the award ceremonies, be sure to check out district page: www.naswil.org/naswil/districts/. CALUMET DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Patricia Polk Social Worker of the Year: Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein (MSW, Baylor University; LSW) is assistant professor of social work and has worked at Trinity Christian College since 2008. Before concentrating her career
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March 7: Calumet District Awards Event (Bourbonnais) March 11: Three rivers District Awards and CEU Event (River Forest)

on social work education, Cini spent six years working in the field of social work in a variety of areas. Her areas of practice include child welfare, residential youth services, community development, and program development. She has most recently been involved in exploring sustainable food systems and the impact of nutritional food on youth and their communities.

calendar/events/2616/ and http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2608/. JANE ADDAMS DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Mary J. Nicholls

Lifetime Achievement Award: D. Frank Elam D. Frank Elam (MSW, University of Illinois at Chicago; LCSW) has been employed in many areas of social work since 1968 including public welfare, school, community mental health, child welfare, developmental disabilities, and domestic violence working with children and adults. He has been employed as a clinical supervisor, administrator, and consultant. He has been a field instructor for interns in the field of social work. He has taught at the college level for many years and presently teaches at Governors State University as adjunct faculty. He is also the clinical consultant at South Suburban Family Shelter, a domestic violence agency, and maintains a private practice. Click here for details about the Calumet District awards event in Bourbonnais: http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2593/. CHICAGO DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Karen Lewis Karen GJ Lewis is president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). A member of CTU since 1988, Karen taught high school chemistry in the Chicago Public Schools for twentytwo years. She received National Board Certification in 2002 and renewed in 2012. Karen is a vice president of the more than 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, and in 2010, Karen was elected executive vice president to the 70,000 member Illinois Federation of Teachers. She works tirelessly to effectuate excellence in the teaching/learning experience, guard against opportunistic self-interest groups who would eradicate public education, advocate for equal quality education for all students, and protect the rights of educators throughout the state of Illinois. Social Worker of the Year: Ellen J. Benjamin Ellen J. Benjamin (PhD, The University of Chicago; MSW, The University of Michigan) is associate professor emerita at DePaul University after serving as a full-time faculty member in The School for New Learning for eighteen years. For more than thirty-five years she has been involved in advocacy work on social causes, having served as an employee, cofounder, and trustee of nonprofit organizations such as The American Friends Service Committee, Planned Parenthood, and The Midwest Women's Center. She has also directed two philanthropic institutions within Chicago: the BorgWarner Foundation and The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation. Lifetime Achievement Award: Dan Rosenfeld Click here for details about the Chicago District awards and CEU event in Chicago: http://www.naswil.org/

Social Worker of the Year: Karen Haggard Karen Haggard (MSW, University of Illinois at Chicago; LCSW) is readjustment counselor at the Rockford Vet Center, specializing in the treatment of PTSD. She has many years of progressively responsible clinical and leadership experience, providing mental health services within a variety of settings including federal, state, and community agencies. Karen has sought to provide comprehensive and holistic services to her clients in an environment promoting teamwork among her colleagues and within the community. She provides professional trainings for educators, health and mental health professionals, and family members of veterans. Karen is also a Red Cross volunteer and mental health trainer. Click here for details about the Jane Addams District awards event in Rockford: http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2619/. NORTHEASTERN DISTRICT Social Worker of the Year: Justin Evan Tobin Justin Evan Tobin (MSW, Washington University in St. Louis; LCSW) is owner of Justin Tobin and Associates, a group psychotherapy practice in downtown Chicago. As therapist, he helps individuals, couples, and families manage depression, anxiety, stress, and work through trauma. He has helped couples improve their communication and build trust and honesty in their relationships. Prior to working in private practice, he provided individual and group therapy in residential care facilities, drug treatment centers, and community mental health agencies. His therapeutic style is blended with empathy, sincerity, and genuineness. He truly enjoys working with clients and helping them find the answers they seek. Lifetime Achievement Award: Nancylou M. Morgan Nancylou M. Morgan (MSW, University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign; LCSW; ACSW) has been with the Village of Mount Prospect Human Services Department since 1984 as human services director. She successfully led the department through continual growth and development, resulting in expanded nursing and social services for the village's at-risk residents of all ages. Nancy was a member of the Community Connections Center development team, a resource center located in an emerging immigrant and ethnically diverse area
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of town, and now oversees its operation. Nancy believes in giving back to her community. She has been active and taken a leadership role in Rotary, United Way, American Cancer Society, and other civic, educational, and social councils. Click here for details about the Northeastern District awards and CEU event in Northbrook: http://www.naswil.org/ calendar/events/2623/. SOUTHERN DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Rita Winkeler Social Worker of the Year: Carla Bauer Click here for details about the Southern District awards event in Mt. Vernon: http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2618/. WEST CENTRAL DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Ron Tyler and Aruna Mathur Ron Tyler has worked with at-risk youth and families for twenty years in the Peoria area in a variety of settings including residential, delinquency prevention and intervention, and community and school-based programming. He has served as director of outreach for FamilyCore in Peoria, IL, for the past fourteen years. He developed and implemented unique programming, such as the Day Respite Program, to serve the needs of youth and families in the tri-county area. Ron and his wife Jonna have two children and reside in Peoria.

In addition to helping people directly, she has managed departments, provided clinical supervision to students, and conducted mental health trainings to the community. Malinda finds her work rewarding and will continue to serve others. Click here for details about the Three Rivers District awards and CEU event in River Forest: http://www.naswil.org/ calendar/events/2626/. EAST CENTRAL DISTRICT Public Citizen of the Year: Larry and Vivian Lefferts Larry and Vivian Lefferts raised John and Eleanor in central Illinois. After John died from an aortic dissecting aneurysm on October 11, 2004, John's eyes, bones, and tissues were donated. To honor him, Larry and Vivian are tireless advocates for donation, John's story, volunteering for Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (GOH), Illinois Eye Bank, Donate Life, and Secretary of State Jesse White's office. To honor them, GOH sponsored them on the Donate Life Float at the 2013 Rose Bowl Parade. When facing tragic loss, their message is one of hope, emphasizing the benefits of donation for donor families. They know, through donation, that life goes on! Click here for details about the East Central District awards event in Normal: http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2628/.

Social Worker Spotlight Launched

March 1st, 2013

Aruna Mathur (MS, Agra University India; ASCP) and her husband Ravi Mathur have lived in Springfield, IL, since 1969. They have two children and five grandchildren. Aruna worked at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine from 1976 to 2001. In 1991 Aruna started the Asian Indian Women's Organization (AIWO) with the objective of giving back to the Springfield community. Her goal was accomplished through volunteering and donating to charities locally, nationally, and internationally. The biannual fundraisers held for the local Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC), has raised over $150,000.00. She is founding and past president of AIWO and is now a board member of RMHC of central Illinois. Social Worker of the Year: Dennis Crowell Click here for details about the West Central District awards event in Peoria: http://www.naswil.org/calendar/ events/2624/. THREE RIVERS DISTRICT Social Worker of the Year: Malinda Dobyne Malinda Dobyne (MSW, Florida State University; LCSW; QCSW; CMFSW) has always had a passion for helping people. She began her career twenty years ago working with military members and their families. Over the past eighteen years, she has worked with culturally diverse individuals experiencing an array of mental and/or behavioral health problems. Malinda has provided services in the home, hospital, and office settings.

In time for Social work Month 2013, the NASW Illinois Chapter is launching a public awareness website that highlights the work of social workers and the positive contributions they make to society. Social Worker Spotlight (http://ilsocialwork.com/) features profiles of social workers in a wide array of fieldsfrom private practice to public policy, administration to educationand discusses the valuable work they each contribute to their communities. Click here to view the Social Worker Spotlight website: http:// ilsocialwork.com/. To add your own profile to the site, please submit a profile here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/social-workerspotlight/.

Private Practice: Boundary and Other Complex Issues Involved in Conducting Psychotherapy Groups
March 1st, 2013

The NASW Illinois Chapter is starting a shared interest group (SIG) devoted to the issues of private practitioners around the state. To be become involved in this group, please contact NASW Illinois Chapter Executive Director Joel L. Rubin at office [at] naswil [dot] org.

Conducting psychotherapy groups in private practice presents the clinical social worker with many complex issues affecting the success of this undertaking. In an era when insurance dilemmas permeate, time-limited and technique-focused therapies are emphasized, and little training in groups is available, it is difficult to deal with the many factors which make conducting an interactional, interpersonally-focused group especially challenging. In particular, the boundary issues involved in conducting such a group can be difficult hurdles which must be comprehended before attempting to provide this especially valuable form of therapy. What often is underappreciated is how satisfying an experience it can be to evolve a highly functioning, effective group where much can be accomplished. Unfortunately, the inaccurate notion of groups being only utilized in in-patient settings or with regressed populations has prevented sufficient use of therapy groups, but this perspective appears to be changing. One very significant issue is the requirement for understanding the differences between individual and group psychotherapy and receiving the necessary training and supervision which enables one to effectively conduct groups. Unfortunately, many therapists mistakenly conclude that group psychotherapy is ineffectual or only for the most regressed patients because of lacking an understanding of issues involved in preparation for and the evolution of phases of a group's development. The issue of preparing a potential member for a psychotherapy group is ideally addressed in individual sessions during which an assessment is made of the individual and his/her problems. Additionally, a beginning therapeutic alliance is established with the potential member, a formulation regarding the individual's needs and dynamics is made, and the potential member contracts (not a legally binding decision) to utilize the group in ways agreed upon during the preparatory sessions. Each member agrees to uphold the group contract to 1) regularity and timeliness of attendance, 2) work on problems actively, 3) put feelings into words not actions, 4) stay in the group until problems are resolved; 5) use group contacts therapeutically and not socially, 6) be responsible for fees, and 7) protect the identities of fellow group members (Rutan, Stone, & Shay, p.110). Actually in Illinois, the latter is written into law. It is important to remember that the group contract is not a legally binding document but an understanding of how the group needs to operate effectively. Obviously, the initial sessions must also involve gaining diagnostic perspective and a historical picture of the client which is more available over time in individual psychotherapy. One of the most significant boundary issues regarding group treatment is the effective and ethical collaboration with an individual therapist who refers the patient to group (called conjoint treatment). What needs to be clarified with the patient as well as the referring therapist (with the patient's permission) is the importance of mutual communication. The therapeutic work must be coordinated so that two therapists are not working at cross-purposes. Sometimes a group referral is made when there is a negative countertransferential issue in the individual treatment which makes the decision to relate to the new therapist and join the group a complex one. These are obviously not concerns when the individual work is being done

with the group psychotherapist (called combined treatment). However, even in this situation clarity must be established about whether the therapist assumes the therapeutic authority to bring individual material into the group sessions. Therapists differ on this issue but most often the patient, with the therapist's guidance, reserves the right to decide about what is shared and when. Despite these concerns, it is important to note that the addition of group psychotherapy often provides an opportunity to work on relationship issues that have been addressed individually but require a peer arena for further examination. Another significant boundary issue in group therapy is the recognition of the phases of group development. Often in a beginning group, the therapist is seduced by the disclosures of one group member and begins prematurely to work with this identified patient. This bodes badly for the individual as well as the group in that this person can become a scapegoat and, most importantly, it avoids the opportunity for all group members to deal with the necessary examination of connection issues (i.e., how to make the group a safe arena for everyone) without premature sharing of intimate secrets. Tuckman (1965) is credited with formulating the phases of a team's development, and his perspective has tended to inform the view of an evolving therapy group: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Forming has to do with creating a safe environment which involves all members exploring their anxiety about connection and the sharing of significant personal material. The second phase, storming, often accompanies some feelings of dissatisfaction when, having established safety, unrealistic expectations regarding progress have not been met. This allows for the examination of negative feelings regarding the members and the leader. As this phase is traversed, the group comes to recognize that positive and negative feelings can be expressed productively, and that it is normal to consider all of these in the group (called norming). Subsequently, the group moves into a phase that involves the most therapeutic work (performing). As individual patients make progress, the issue of termination is most effectively contemplated when group members are able to provide feedback and deal with the feelings involved in ending the relationships. It is important for the group therapist to keep in mind the notion of phases so that expectations of the group's process are realistic which in turns helps the group therapist to utilize phase-appropriate interventions. One of the complex boundary issues with which groups struggle is the issue of contact outside the group. In certain settings it is impossible for individuals to avoid seeing each other outside of the group session. Even in a private practice setting, there are opportunities for contact outsidewalking to a parking area, meeting in the waiting room, and so forth. Subgrouping (making connections with like-minded or supportive members) can be a form of secondary gratification. In the preparatory process, members need to recognize the significance of their contact with others and to understand that anything that happens between group members is part of the here-and-now of the group; it therefore needs to be examined as an element of the group process. Groups have floundered when two members develop close outside contact
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the relationship affects their ability to be open in the group and to be confrontational when necessary. The therapist's role is to help the individuals discuss occurrences and to explore their feelings without maintaining a critical, punitive stance. Another highly significant issue is the utilization of cotherapists. In many training settings, individuals are paired as co-therapists to meet training requirements, and often seasoned therapists are paired with inexperienced ones. This can result in an effective collaboration if the individuals are able to deal with the potential power and experience differences effectively. There is an opportunity to recapitulate the family group with two co-leaders, but consultation should be available to enable the partnership to evolve effectively. The issues of fee splitting and responsibilities for recording and other administrative tasks must be discussed as well. All of the issues involved in creating a good marriage must be considered. Most importantly, beginning a successful private practice psychotherapy group involves evolving a reasonable source of referrals since groups require membership replacement as people make gains and terminate their therapy. It can be advisable to use one's own individual patients as a core membership base. However, the mixing of combined, conjoint, or patients without individual therapy is another complexity with which to deal. What one cannot overlook is the satisfying and engaging experience which an effective psychotherapy group can provide its leaderwith significant opportunity for individual patient growth. BIBLIOGRAPHY Cohen, B. (2005). Creating the group envelope. In Motherwell, L. & Shay J. (Eds.), Complex dilemmas in group therapy: Pathways to resolution (pp. 312). New York, NY: BrunnerRoutledge. Cooper, E. (2005). Sizing up the group. In Motherwell, L. & Shay, J. (Eds.), Couples dilemmas in group therapy: Pathways to resolution (pp. 1725). New York, NY: BrunnerRoutledge. Dies, R. & MacKenzie, K. (Eds.). (1983). Advances in group psychotherapy: Integrating research and practice. New York, NY: International Universities Press. Dublin, H. (2005) Complex defenses. In Motherwell, L. & Shay, J. (Eds.), Complex dilemmas in group therapy: Pathways to resolution (pp. 8792). New York, NY: BrunnerRoutledge. Hawkins, D. (2005). All for one and one for some. In Motherwell, L. & Shay, J. (Eds.), Complex dilemmas in group therapy: Pathways to resolution (pp. 3033). New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge. Rutan, J., Stone, W., & Shay, J. (Eds.). (2007). Psychodynamic group psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press. Schermer, V. (2005). All for one and one for some. In Motherwell, L. & Shay, J. (Eds.) Complex dilemmas in group therapy: Pathways to resolution (pp. 3337). New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge. Tuckman, B. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384399.

Hylene S. Dublin, LCSW, BCD, CGP, LFAGPA, is currently in private practice in downtown Evanston, Illinois, working with individuals, couples, and groups, and provides consultation to other cliniciansparticularly group psychotherapists. As an American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) Life Fellow, Hylene has recently completed a four-year assignment as institute co-chair with the responsibility for planning and maintaining the two-day experiential Institute Program at AGPA's annual conferences. Formerly on the faculties of Evanston Hospital/Northwestern Department of Psychiatry, the University of Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of Chicago Department of Psychiatry and School of Social Service Administration, Summer Programs, Hylene has published numerous book chapters and articles on issues in psychodynamic group psychotherapy. She is currently visiting professor at the Institute for Clinical Social Work.

For School Social Workers: Q&A with Karen Lewis

March 1st, 2013

This month, the NASW Illinois Chapter features a Q & A with Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis. Karen is also the recipient of the Public Citizen Award for the NASW Illinois Chicago District. The Chicago District will be hosting an awards ceremony for awardees on March 5, 2013. For more details about the awards ceremony, please click here: http:// www.naswil.org/calendar/events/2616/. On the evening before the Chicago Public School (CPS) strike began, you called for more social workers to serve the children of Chicago by noting the following: In the third largest school district in Illinois there are only 350 social workersputting their caseloads at nearly 1,000 students each. Our children are exposed to unprecedented levels of neighborhood violence and other social issues, so the fight for wraparound services is critically important to all of us." At that time, the NASW Illinois Chapter lauded your statements, noting that the NASW Standards for School Social Work Services recommends the following: [S]chool social work services should be provided at a ratio of one school social worker to each school building serving up to 250 general education students, or a ratio of 1:250 students [italics added]. When a school social worker is providing services to students with intensive needs, a lower ratio, such as 1:50, is suggested. What efforts have been made at CPS to work towards this goal? At this moment, not anything that I know of, but this is really a question for CPS. The union still has concerns about violence and other issues in our neighborhoods and the ratio of students to social workers remains severely disproportionate.

During your years of teaching, can you provide an example of a school social work intervention that made a difference in the classroom? Absolutely. I had a student at King College Prep who was very, very bright and was doing extremely well at the beginning of school when all of a sudden his attention and his grades just dropped. I was trying to get to him, but I had just started teaching at King so personally, I didn't know the kids that well. I asked the social worker if could she talk to him, and she found out that his kid's mother had died and he hadn't told anyone. He was living with his grandmother, his mother, and his sister, and he was feeling extremely isolated in terms of sharing his feelings about losing his mother. But he was such a great student, so I had him talk to the social worker and she was literally able to bring him back. She showed him that if he worked on certain things not that it would take his mind off or distract himit would allow him to work through his problems. During the current Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, a revised anti-bullying bill will be introduced once again. Can you describe CPS efforts to deter bullying behavior? I think CPS understands the nature of bullying among children, although the CTU did have to put a Respectful Working Environment article in our contract to address the issue of bullying among adults. Please describe your biggest success vis--vis social work services at CPS? Personally, my biggest success was helping to get the previously mentioned student back on track after his mother's death, but in terms of social work services at CPS, I think our biggest success as a union has been bringing the inadequacies of the social work numbers in CPS to the public's attention. What are the top three challenges the CPS faces in the next five years? Some stability in leadership; a real educational plan that addresses core problems instead of providing Band-Aid solutions; and, like any other governmental body, shoring up the challenges that come with a lack of resources, and gaining a real understanding of how resources should be equitably delivered. Karen GJ Lewis is president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). A member of CTU since 1988, Karen taught high school chemistry in the Chicago Public Schools for twentytwo years. She received National Board Certification in 2002 and renewed in 2012. Karen is a vice president of the more than 1.7 million-member American Federation of Teachers, and in 2010, Karen was elected executive vice president to the 70,000 member Illinois Federation of Teachers. She works tirelessly to effectuate excellence in the teaching/learning experience, guard against opportunistic self-interest groups who would eradicate public education, advocate for equal quality education for all students, and protect the rights of educators throughout the state of Illinois.

Book Reviews - The Sympathetic State: Disaster Relief and the Origins of the American Welfare State
March 1st, 2013

The Sympathetic State: Disaster Relief and the Origins of the American Welfare State Author: Michele Landis Dauber Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2012 It is fitting to be reviewing a book about the American welfare state almost eighty years to the day of President Franklin Roosevelts inauguration for his first term in office (March 4, 1933). Fast forward almost a hundred years, and we are still debating the fundamental questions of the breadth of federal power in providing relief. And dare I mention that the impact of sequestration is possibly only days away? As an adjunct instructor for the past twelve years, teaching social welfare policy to social work students, Michele Landis Dauber's The Sympathetic State: Disaster Relif and the Origins of the American Welfare State has provided a deeper perspective on the tradition of providing federal relief. Several themes in her book will certainly weave their way into my social welfare policy classes. Dauber, a professor of law at Stanford University, has contributed significantly to the literature on the evolution of our welfare state. Her books major premise is that federal relief has had a longer history than many of us realize, with precedents going back to the early nineteenth century. As Dauber notes, requests for government relief of loss began in the earliest days of the American republic, with initial requests coming from individual citizens who lacked sufficient resources to pay their debts or taxes. The history of disaster relief has been driven by two intertwined logics: appeals to precedents that governed settled practices of federal aid and efforts to expand the scope of that precedent to cover funding for new eventualities. Dauber also notes that the constitutionality of providing relief throughout our countrys history is rooted in the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution. She cites examples as far back as the massive relief outlays following the War of 1812 and the Alexandria, Virginia, fire of 1827. Daubers detailed discussion of the debate over maintaining short-lived Freedmans Bureau (the federal governments response to the disaster that had befallen blacks at the end of the Civil War) was yet another example used by later New Deal advocates such as Senator Robert La Follette Jr., Frances Perkins, and others who needed authorizing precedents for the relief of unemployment. I was especially intrigued by this since my understanding of the lack of federal response to relief was that the Freedmans Bureau was just a blip on the radar until the federal government assumed a great role in the welfare state. The concept that there had been significant federal precedent of relief for well over a hundred years prior to the New Deal was enlightening.

By the 1930s it was widely (although not universally) accepted that the General Welfare Clause gave congress a broad power to spend as it saw fit. The army of New Deal lawyers in the Roosevelt administration learned that the federal governments spending was clearly established. The plain fact is that the U.S. Supreme Court has never struck down a federal lawneither before, during, or after the New Dealbecause congress has exceeded its constitutional authority to spend. One of more compelling chapters of Daubers extremely wellresearched book was her chapter on crafting the Depression. Whether in the photography of Dorothea Lange, Ben Shahn, Walker Evans, or the fiction of John Steinbeck, the message of disaster and how the message of need was conveyed was definitely crafted. All kinds of relief were described as being disasters, whether they be the effects of industrialization, farm foreclosure, or even the aging process (as pertains specifically to old age insurance promised in the Social Security Act). In her postscript, Living in a Sympathetic State, Dauber notes that disaster turns on its head the ordinary American moral economy of individualism and fate in which we feel comfortable leaving people to the circumstances in which they find themselves, no matter how deprived. Perhaps this formula should have been provided to members of the U.S. Congress during the recent debate of disaster funding for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Moreover, it is a formula that should be heeded as we continue the experience the effects of the greatest recession since the 1930s.

March 2013 - State Legislative Update

March 1st, 2013

The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly is fully underway. The Illinois Senate has filed over 2,400 bills and Illinois House members have introduced close to 3,000 bills. The bill filing deadline in the Illinois House is today. Of those bills, two are NASW Illinois Chapter initiatives. SB 1609 (Koehler) would make it a criminal offense to threaten a social worker, caseworker, or investigator in connection with their work on behalf of a human services provider that is funded by grant or contract with DCFS, DHS, or DHFS. The bill has yet to be assigned to a committee. Senate Bill 1455 (Delgado) would implement new continuing education policy sought by the NASW Illinois Chapter and recommended by a task force convened by NASW Illinois. The bill would require that at least three (3) hours of continuing education relate to cultural competence in the practice of social work. Furthermore, the bill would limit the number of hours of continuing education credits earned by means other than face-to-face instruction or experience to 50% of the required number of hours unless a waiver or variance is allowed. This bill has been assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee. Of the other bills we are supporting, SB 10 (Freedom to Marry) has advanced from the Senate to the House. The Senate passed the bill on Valentine's Day by a vote of 3421 with two members voting present. The bill is now assigned to the House Executive Committee and is scheduled to be heard at 3:00pm today. Sponsors of the bill are Sen. Heather Steans (DChicago) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago). We are also supporting HB 1017/SB 1186. These bills are an initiative of the Illinois State's Office of Health Information Technology would change the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act by incorporating provisions that align the Act with the Illinois Health Information Exchange and HIPAA. There are concerns on the part of some mental health advocates regarding the consumer opt-out provisions of the bill and an amendment to HB 1017 has been filed this week to address those concerns. NASW Illinois has been promised a role in the development of rules and policies to implement this legislation if it is enacted. NASW is also monitoring the gun control debate in the Illinois General Assembly. Illinois was given until June by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to pass a concealed carry law. Debate is now going on in the Illinois House regarding the limitations on concealed carry, training requirements, etc. Discussion will be on language to add to a shell bill that has been filed in the House. Finally, the governor's budget message will be delivered on March 6th in Springfield. A budget briefing will be held jointly by the human services agencies in the Howlett Auditorium immediately after the speech.

Ethics Corner: Social Workers and Labor Strikes

March 1st, 2013

Introduction This article addresses ethical and legal implications for social workers who consider engaging in an organized work stoppage as part of or in support of union action. It also considers situations where there may be the potential for harm to clients where services are withheld in support of a union called strike. Social Work Ethics and State Licensing Boards The NASW Code of Ethics and state social work licensing laws are two crucial sources of standards for social workers to review when contemplating an activity that may have a negative impact on clients. The professional standards for licensed social workers are published by each states social work licensing board (e.g. Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, etc.). Generally, state licensing boards implement a core mission of protecting the public by assuring high standards of professional practice. Activities that may have the effect of harming the public are suspect. For example, Illinois law (225 ILCS 20/19) indicates that disciplinary action may be taken for actions by licensees that are harmful to the public in a manner defined by the rules of the social work licensing board. To read the rest of the article, click here. NOTE: NASW login required.

March 2013 - Student Network SIG Update

March 1st, 2013

parts of southern Cook. Please peruse the chapter website (www.naswil.org) and see how you can put your membership to use, in addition to exploring opportunities for you to participate in your professional association. The February event was outstanding! Monica GuilhotChartrand, LCSW, and NASW Illinois Chapter Member AtLarge facilitated a training and discussion entitled, MultiCultural Considerations in Mental Health Practice. Attendees were very receptive to the materials and Monica's unique experiences as an immigrant from Uruguay. Thanks, Monica! District Events Please feel free to submit any programming ideas you may have for the May and June 2013. Upcoming Events Date: Thursday, March 7, 2013 Event: Annual Awards Event Location: Tucci's at 1560 North State Route 50 in Bourbonnais, IL 60914 (815.929.1875) Time: 6:008:00pm Cost: $10 fee includes dinner and nonalcoholic beverage Date: Monday, April 8, 2013 Event: Barriers for Hearing Social Workers Helping Hard of Hearing Clients Location: University of St. Francis at 500 Wilcox Street, Tower Hall, 1st Floor, Moes Room, Joliet, IL 60435 Time: 6:008:00pm Cost: Two (2) CEUs will be offered; FREE NASW Illinois Member / $10 Nonmember Solicitations Leadership Recruitment for 2013: The chapter has begun accepting nominations for the NASW Illinois Chapter Board of Directors (Elections take place April 130, 2013). More information about joining the board can be found on the NASW Illinois Chapter website: http://www.naswil.org/ volunteer/join-the-board. As a fellow social worker, I would like to thank each of you for your service and commitment to the clients you serve. As a general rule, the public does not recognize the significance of our profession and the abilities we have to influence many sectors of the world. "One person can make a difference, and everyone should try." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thanks to the over 700 social workers and social work students who came down to Springfield yesterday and made this year's Advocacy Day 2013 a great success! Below is a list of the number of attendees from each Illinois school of social work. See you next year! Advocacy Day 2013 Numbers (by School) Aurora University 49 Bradley University 1 Chicago Center 12 Chicago State University 4 DePaul University 17 Dominican University 55 Governors State University 112 Illinois State University 98 Lewis University 2 Loyola University Chicago 53 Northeastern Illinois University 101 Olivet Nazarene University 28 Trinity Christian College 10 University of Illinois Chicago 60 University of Illinois Springfield 17 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 37 University of Chicago 5 University of St. Francis 38 Western Illinois University 41 Other 26

March 2013 - Calumet District Update

February 25th, 2013

March is Social Work Month so I hope that all of you are planning to honor the work of our profession. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new members of the Calumet District! The Calumet District is comprised of the following counties: Kankakee, Will, Grundy, and

March 2013 - NASW Illinois Chapter Classified Ads and Job Postings
March 1st, 2013

CLASSIFIED ADS
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For a complete up-to-date list of ALL classified ads, be sure to visit the NASW Illinios Chapter Classified Ads: http:// www.naswil.org/news/networker/networker-classifieds/. OFFICE FOR RENT - Oak Lawn: Social Worker has office space available for Subletting. Office location is 10448 S. Pulaski, Oak Lawn, Il. Office is 108 square feet, beautifully furnished, utilities are included. Rent is 500.00 month. Office is handicap accessible, near public transportation and free parking. Interested parties should contact Rochelle Cross @ 708-499-2030 or email at rochellejohnsoncross@yahoo.com OFFICE FOR RENT - Chicago: Bright, sunny office available two days a week (can be flexible), evenings and Saturday in a professional, centrally located building. Suite has a kitchen area, shared waiting room, separate entry and exit, soundproof offices. Great view of Lake Michigan, office is on the 16th floor of 30 N. Michigan Ave. Perfect for a therapist or solo entrepreneur. To see pictures go to http://youtu.be/50226wDs-4o. If questions or interested call Antoinette, 312-719-8498. OFFICE FOR RENT - Oak Park: Part time office space available in a beautifully furnished & well-maintained, secure building. Friendly atmosphere, potential referrals, free parking. Flexible leasing. 708.524.0532 Lee Madden NASW ILLINIOS CHAPTER JOB BOARD For a complete and up-to-date list of job board postings, visit the NASW Illinois Chapter Job Board: http://www.naswil.org/education-careerdevelopment/association-job-board/. Social Worker - Fletcher Allen Health Care Therapist - Mercy Home for Boys & Girls School Psychologist/Social Worker - The Menta Group Social Work Intern - NASW Illinois Chapter Transition Engagement Specialist - AgeOptions Psychiatric Social Worker - Good Samaritan Hospital

I would like to welcome our newest NASW members to the East Central District! We are so pleased to have you in the association and a part of our district. Our newest members are the following: Amy Gillen Senesta Davis Mary Bohannon Hayley Brandt Kimberly Bergstedt Dean McCullough April Diaz Linda Culton Chelsie Lonbom Chapter News: Awards Event: East Central District will honor their 2013 Public Citizen of the Year awardees Vivian & Larry Lefferts at the Illinois State University Social Work Day: Chasing a New High. The award will be presented at 8:45am during the opening remarks. Congratulations to the Lefferts! For more information on attending ISUs Social Work day event, please visit http://socialwork.illinoisstate.edu/alumni/ socialworkday2013intro.shtml. 2013 Social Work Month: This year's theme is Weaving Threads of Resilience and Advocacy: The Power of Social Work. As stated on NASW Nationals website: Social Work is the profession of hopefueled by resilience and advocacy. Social Workers matter because they help millions of struggling people every day dream differently. Social Worker Spotlight: We are still accepting social worker profiles to feature on the Social Worker Spotlight consumer website. Thank you to those who have already submitted a profile. Read more about the site here: http://naswil.org/news/chapter-update/ social-worker-spotlight-now-accepting-profiles/. 2013 Leadership Recruitment: The chapter is accepting nominations for the NASW Illinois Chapter Board of Directors (Elections take place April 130, 2013). More information about joining the board can be found on the NASW Illinois Chapter website: http://www.naswil.org/ volunteer/join-the-board/. Nominations are due March 15, 2013. Call for Presentations: The chapter is accepting presentation proposals for our statewide conference. For more information, go here: http://naswil.org/news/chapter-update/call-forpresentations-2013-nasw-illinois-chapter-statewideconference/. Proposals are due March 29, 2013.

March 2013 - Jane Addams District Update

February 26th, 2013

Please join the members of the Jane Addams District in celebrating the accomplishments of our 2013 Social Work Award recipients. An award ceremony will be held at 6:00pm on March 7, 2013, at Children's home + aid at 910 2nd Avenue in Rockford, Illinois. Congratulations to Karen Haggard, Jane Addams District 2013 Social Worker of the Year, and Mary Nicholls, Jane Addams District 2013 Public Citizen of the Year. To RSVP, contact Sheryl Frye jaddams [at] naswil [dot] org.

March 2013 - East Central District Update

February 26th, 2013

Welcome New NASW East Central District Members:

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March 2013 - West Central District Update

February 25th, 2013

CHAPTER NEWS Celebrate! March is Social Work Month. Throughout the state, there are a number of opportunities to recognize and celebrate the efforts and contributions of social workers. Please check the opportunities at www.naswil.org. I encourage everyone to find a way to celebrate and educate the social work profession. Here is some additional information: NASW Illinois is still looking to spotlight social workers throughout the state to help build a public awareness website that highlights the work of social workers and the positive contributions they make to society. Thank you to those who have already submitted a profile. Read more about the site here: http://naswil.org/news/chapter-update/ social-worker-spotlight-now-accepting-profiles/. If you have not already done so, please consider posting your story. In addition to the annual awards, the NASW Illinois Chapter is working on the 2013 Leadership Recruitment. The chapter is accepting nominations for the NASW Illinois Chapter Board of Directors (Elections take place April 130, 2013). For more information about joining the board go to the NASW Illinois Chapter website: http://www.naswil.org/volunteer/join-the-board/. Call for Presentations: The NASW Illinois Chapter is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2013 NASW Illinois Chapter Statewide Conference. For more information, go here: http://naswil.org/news/chapter-update/call-forpresentations-2013-nasw-illinois-chapter-statewideconference/. Proposals are due March 29, 2013. DID YOU KNOW...? You can earn free CEUs by reading the Networker magazine? If you read the featured CEU article within sixty days of publication, you can take a quiz and earn one CEU. For more information, go to http://www.naswil.org. THIS MONTH'S CHALLENGE Please e-mail me to share information about what you did to celebrate Social Work Month.

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