NASW Foundation National Programs
NASW Social Work Pioneer Program

Nomination Guidelines

In narrative form, describe the significant contributions made by the nominee using the following guideline. The nominee's narrative should not be restricted to the specifics outlines in the guidelines. However, the narrative should reflect substantive information, and curriculum vita will not be accepted in lieu of the written narrative.

Nature of the Contribution

Summarize the difference the contribution has made to "the betterment of human condition" and evidence of a sustained record of achievement over a period of twenty-five (25) years. This is the essence of what the nomination is about. The basic criteria or standard of measurement for considering a social worker (of any age) 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 used to describe "making a difference" are:

• explored new territories; built outposts for human services on many frontiers;constructed bridges between individuals, families, communities, organizations, and nations;prepared the way for other social workers to make their contributions to the betterment of the human condition;had courage, knowledge, foresight , stamina, and humor in the face of adversity;
• role model for future generations of social workers.

How and Where the Contributions Were Accomplished

Auspice: Specify, such as, public agency or program, private or voluntary agency, university, "independent" advocate or community leader, etc.

Work Setting: Specify, such as, levels of society and all parts of the United States—from inner city slums to Indian Reservations to military hospitals to universities to board rooms of Fortune 500 companies; 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, public health, long-term care, child welfare, family service, public assistance, counseling, international aid, and so on.

Scope: Local, state, regional, national, and international. Also 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. 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:
Pioneers Hotline:  800 638-8799  EXT: 332
E-mail:  swp@naswdc.org