NASW-Illinois Chapter Task Force on Racial Justice Co-Chairs Latesha Newson, LCSW, and Kristin Rubbelke, MSW, LSW
Early last month, the chapter announced it was taking applications for individuals to join the chapter Task Force on Racial Justice led by co-chairs Latesha Newson, LCSW, and Kristin Rubbelke, MSW, LSW. The task force was called to review issues of police reform in Illinois and to gather member opinion on how to approach racial justice initiatives in Illinois.
Several worthy applicants applied, and the below individuals were selected to join the task force. Task force members will meet to work on creating a survey that will go out to the entire membership later this fall to gather information, and work on recommendations to present to the chapter board to potentially help inform the chapter's future advocacy efforts.
Thank you to all who applied. An announcement will go out later this fall when the survey is finished and available for member submission.
NASW-Illinois Chapter Task Force on Racial Justice Members
Co-Chairs: Latesha Newson, MSW, LCSW, and Kristin Rubbelke, MSW, LSW
Jenny Andersen, LCSW
Jasmin Aramburu, MSW
Merari E. Fernandez Castro, LCSW
Chante Gamby, LCSW
Brit Holmberg , LCSW
Michelle McMartin, LCSW
Darby Morhardt, PhD, LCSW
LaTasha Roberson Guifarro, MSW
Jenna Sullivan
Heather Fraser, LCSW
Charisma Pryor, LSW
Cassandra Walker, LCSW
Ex-Officio: Grisel Rodríguez-Morales, MSW, LCSW
About the NASW-Illinois Chapter Task Force on Racial Justice
The NASW-Illinois Chapter Task Force on Racial Justice will review the issue of police reform in Illinois with an emphasis on gauging where member support is on this issue. The task force will work to create a membership survey, review the responses to the survey, and provide recommendations to the chapter board which may help to inform the chapter’s advocacy efforts. The task force will eventually shift to a programming role and assist the chapter identify and develop possible speakers and CEU presentations based on their recommendations as well as additional programming on social justice, anti-racism, and related topics.
Task Force Goals:
Review internal and external efforts regarding social work and racial justice including police reform
Develop survey to gather feedback from chapter membership regarding racial justice initiatives and the role of social work
Review feedback and create recommended advisories
Present recommendations to NASW-Illinois Chapter Board of Directors
Assist NASW-IL staff in identifying and developing possible speakers and CEU presentations based on chapter board–approved advisories
Latesha Newson, LCSW
NASW-Illinois Chapter Calumet District Chair & Board Member
Kristin Rubbelke, MSW, LSW
NASW-Illinois Chapter Member At-Large & Board Member