Free CEUs! Recession Buster New Member Benefit and Other Volunteer Opportunities

Earlier this month, social workers around the state received their June membership issue which is comprised of articles and descriptions of the multitude of products and services the NASW Illinois Chapter offers. Responding to member responses to surveys and the current economic challenges our state and country face, the NASW Illinois Chapter is now offering FREE CEUs. Free CEUs are now being offered to NASW Illinois members attending any live CEU event including attendance to all CEU courses (with the exception of ethics trainings and symposia/conferences) , LSW/LCSW review courses, and district meetings until November 30, 2011. This even includes attendance to live virtual CEU events with a small technology fee of $8. In dollar terms, that’s $405 worth of free CEUs (27 out of 30) for the cost of one membership! If you’re not a member of the association, take advantage of this recession buster new member benefit.

Our June membership issue also includes a call to members to volunteer with the NASW Illinois Political Action Committee (PAC). This unique volunteer opportunity comes around every two years and coincides with the election cycle in Illinois. NASW PAC Illinois helps elect candidates to public office who support legislation and policies consistent with the goals of the social work profession and the needs of social work professionals statewide. This summer we need members to meet and interview Illinois candidates for the 2010 election in their areas of the state. NASW PAC Illinois has developed a list of political races around the state that are of great importance. A questionnaire is provided as well as support for volunteers in the process. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to interview many incumbents and candidates during this process. It is one of the most important ways we begin to cultivate relationships with future elected officials and make them aware of the importance of our profession to the lives of their future constituents. If you are interested, contact NASW Illinois PAC Chair Joe Harper or NASW PAC Staff Liaison at pac@naswil.org.

Wishing all of you a happy and safe Independence Day weekend.