Illinois
Mike Mooney, IL Chapter President
 
The Illinois Chapter is very busy. There are many things to discuss
 
1. The ILARP Educational Conference, “Expanding the Marketplace for Rehabilitation Services: Opportunities, Networks, and Resources,” will be held for the 2nd straight year at the Harper College Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine, Illinois on Thursday,   September  20, 2007. It will offer members an opportunity to earn 7.75 CEU's and have a great learning experience at one of the most beautiful and comfortable venues in the State. The ILARP Education Committee has worked overtime for the second straight year and has come up with a "knock out” group of presenters. It will be headlined Chairman  Ruth of the Illinois Industrial Commission and variety of other speakers on topics which will include: ADA Update, Ethical Considerations, Employment Law, School Law, Divorce, &  Life Care Planning.  There will be many venders of services and products which allow us to be successful in our work.
 
There may also be a less formal get together after the Harper meeting, at a location to be determined, for further "networking" and absolutely no CEU's. Last year several informal comments noted this was the highlight of the day.
 
2. The 2007 IARP Forensic Conference will be November 1-3 at Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas. I encourage ILARP members to attend.
 
3. The 2008 IARP Annual Conference will be at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, May 15-18 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Again, I encourage ILARP members to attend.
 
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE REPORT
 
What goes on in Washington stays in Washington......no that is Las Vegas...sorry.
 
It was a great conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. This was a truly historic hotel which has hosted: a Clinton Inaugural Ball, the Beatles, President Truman Card Parties, many films and actors, (Julia Roberts, Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman, etc.), and was the first Washington hotel modified with ramps for President Franklin Roosevelt.
 
There were many speakers addressing "cutting edge" topics including: Roger Weed, Brian McMahon, Craig Johnston, and others. The reception and silent auction were a lot of fun. There were also many venders selling those things which we need professionally. Illinois members in attendance included: Linda Gels, Paul Scher, Ed Steffan, Karen Wilbanks, and myself.
 
One theme which came through when going to the Council of Chapter Presidents meetings was: “Grow the Leadership.” Experience has found this is the best way to grow the membership and expand the organization. When one considers the importance leadership in a volunteer organization, it is easy to see the need. There are many open positions for leadership at the national and chapter level. These represent opportunities for professional growth.
 
One interesting comment in this area involved a challenge for members to commit 5 minutes of their time each work day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, etc....you do the math. If you call one other member, or perhaps someone who is not a member but could be, go to the website to get more familiar with the organization, contribute to the list serve, etc. It does not have to be a great commitment of time and energy...just some time and it can make a big difference.
 
When one considers this is the best professional organization for rehabilitation professionals in the country, it is important for everyone to have a stake in its success. I will never forget the quote from a forensic listserve member, who wrote,
 
 "If you have had the good fortune to ride the elevator up, the least you can do is send it back down when you are done.”
 
Many of us have enjoyed the ride up. We can (and should) give back to our profession. Almost every one of us can reflect one someone who helped us get going professionally. Embrace that assistance and pass it along to those who will follow. We could use articles on this subject for our newsletter. We need committee volunteers for membership, workers compensation, life care, case management, forensics, education, advertisement, newsletter, website, etc.
 
There is more to discuss, but I will save it for the next time.
 
Michael M. Mooney, MS, CRC, LCPC, CCM, CDMS
President, Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Professionals