Monthly News & Updates

December| 2025

BIPOC Student Leadership Applications are Open

To provide an opportunity for BIPOC social work students to become members of NASW-WI, learn leadership skills, have a mentor, and begin taking leadership roles within NASW-WI. To increase diversity in NASW-WI’s membership, up to ten BIPOC students will have their NASW membership paid for one year. NASW-WI is the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

To Learn More, Visit Our BIPOC Student Leadership Webpage

The Inclusion of Social Work as a Professional Degree

Wisconsin social workers and social work students - the public comment period is not open yet, but it does not mean we can't be vocal and share how harmful the new proposed definition of a "professional degree" is. Take 3 minutes to send a message to your U.S. Repsenative and U.S. Senators.

Sign The NASW Petition:

The Department of Education is trying to limit access to student loans by basing access on whether the programs are classified as either professional or graduate. Professional degree programs will have higher borrowing limits than graduate programs. These classifications have existed for many years, but they have never been used to determine borrowing limits for student loans. Right now, many essential degrees are left out of the professional definition including social work. Sign our petition and tell the Department of Education to expand the proposed definition of professional degree to include social work. Sign the petition. Raise your voice. Join NASW.

Sign Here

Learn More About the DOE Changes Here

The Fight For Fair Maps

On October 16th, our executive director, Marc Herstand, and intern Ellaina Ontiberoz attended the Rally to End Gerrymandering at the State Capitol to support fair maps in Wisconsin. They listened to Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Rep. Deb Andrace, Rep. Francesca Hong, and Sen. Jeff Smith speak about the importance of fair maps in the state. After the rally, they each went to talk to their legislators and share how they can support Fair Maps in Wisconsin! The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is an organization of volunteers focused on nonpartisan redistricting legislation to ensure Wisconsin has fair maps for years to come. On February 19th, 2024, Governor Tony Evers signed fair maps into place. However, the fight for fair maps is far from over.

Why, you may ask?

Wisconsin's current fair maps are only in place until 2030!

Be a part of the fight for fair maps by going to https://www.fairmapswi.com/

to find out more on how to get involved. Help bring the power back to the people!

careers.naswwi.org/

Wisconsin County Social Work Job Openings

From the Desk of the President

Kim Howard, MSW, CAPSW

As we prepare to close out the year 2025, I find myself reflecting on the incredible energy and connection we experienced at our Annual Conference in October. Social workers from across Wisconsin came together both in person and virtually, to learn, share, and reimagine what’s possible for our profession.

NASW Student Series

Building Your Social Work Network: The Power of Mentorship and Professional Relationships

Thursday, December 18, 2025

5::00pm - 6:30 pm CT

Via Zoom

Transitioning from student to professional requires more than just clinical skills—it demands a robust support network. This essential webinar, led by Licensed Social Worker Lori Light, LSW, will explore the vital importance of mentorship and intentional professional relationship building in the social work field.

Learn practical, actionable strategies for:

Identifying and connecting with effective mentors.
Cultivating professional peer relationships for mutual support.
Leveraging your network for ethical guidance and career opportunities.

Invest 90 minutes in your future success! Don't miss this opportunity to lay the foundation for a resilient and thriving social work practice.

Presenter: Lori Light, LSW

Learn more about Lori Light: https://wolfpacktherapy.com/about-lori

Social Work Student Event:

Fun & Games with NASW-WI

Tuesday, Feb. 3rd, 2026

7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. CT

via Zoom

Join NASW-WI for a virtual Jeopardy-style game reviewing NASW national and chapter history, resources, and the Code of Ethics. Connect with your peers from across the state and enter to win a $25.00 gift card!