NASW Foundation National Programs
NASW Social Work Pioneer Program

Nomination Guidelines

In narrative form, describe the significant and innovative contributions made by the nominee using the guideline below. The narrative should provide detailed substantive information recounting the contribution and its impact, providing a clear picture of the actions and result.  A curriculum vita will not be accepted in lieu of the written narrative.

Nature of the Contribution

In two to four pages, summarize the difference the contribution has made to "the betterment of human condition," making the case for innovative or ground-breaking features. Provide evidence of a sustained record of achievement over a period of at least twenty-five years, not necessarily consecutively.  The basic criterion or standard of measurement for considering a social worker as a Pioneer” is determining how his or her efforts have made a difference to the practice or policies of social work or human services and to the people served. Some of the metaphors that have been use to describe “making a difference” are:

• Explored new fields; created and/or developed human services on many frontiers; enhanced relationships among individuals, families, communities, organizations and nations; prepared the way for other social workers to make their contributions to the betterment of the human condition; showed courage, knowledge, foresight, stamina and humor in the face of adversity.
• Serve as a role model for future generations of social workers.

Nominees whose practice was after 1955 should now be or should have been members of NASW. Those whose social work/social welfare contributions were made before the NASW was founded in 1955 may come under the category of “Historic Pioneers”.

How and Where the Contributions Were Accomplished

Auspice: Specify, such as public agency or program, voluntary agency, university, independent advocate or community leader, winner of Knee/Wittman  award or other prestigious award, chapter leadership, etc.

Work Setting: Specify, such as levels of society and all parts of the United States – from inner city slums to Indians reservations to military hospitals to universities, in state legislatures, Congress and the White House. These are only a few of the settings where pioneering work has been done.

Field: This could be health, mental health, long term care, child welfare, family service, public assistance, counseling, community organization, administration, international aid, group work, criminal justice, etc.

Scope: Local, state regional, national, and international. Indicate the geographic region in which the pioneering work was done as well as the state/country of residence where the nominee is most identified during the period of significant contributions.

Interest in Pioneer Activities

We would hope that nominees who are elected to the Pioneers would become interested in our Legacy program and the annual Pioneer conference that takes place in the District of Columbia.

Pioneer Nomination Form

Complete application packages should be mailed to:
NASW Foundation
Executive Office
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC  20002-4241

Questions should be directed to:
dspears@naswdc.org or 202.408.8600 x 423