Award Criteria

Awards will be considered within the criteria stated below. Previous award recipients may not be considered for the same award. Non-members may be considered for nomination but must become an NASW-PA member in good standing. The Public Citizen of the Year is exempt from membership requirements. Nominations can come from any source -- NASW membership is not required.

Social Worker of the Year Award
The award recipient must:
1. Make a demonstrable difference in such areas as:
  • Advocacy
  • Social work practice
  • Program development
  • Administration
  • Research
2. Demonstrate outstanding leadership
3. Contribute to a positive image for the social work profession
4. Take risks to achieve outstanding results

Mit Joyner Social Justice Award
The award recipient must:
1. Demonstrate all of the following:
  • Devotion to social justice involving efforts to combat discrimination, inequality, and injustice, including but not limited to race, gender, disability, LGBTQ+ rights, economic disparities, and environmental justice.
  • Commitment to collaboration and inclusivity
  • Dedication to raising awareness and educating others about the importance of social justice
2. Have made a tangible and meaningful impact that has long-term sustainability
3. Innovate in their approach to addressing social justice issues
4. Shown resilience and courage in the face of adversity

Kristin Bowser Emerging Social Work Leader Award
The award recipient must:
1. Either be a current BSW/MSW student-enrolled in a CSWE-accredited program OR have five or fewer years of post-degree experience
2. Make a demonstrable difference in such areas as:
  • Community service/leadership
  • Advocacy
  • Social Work Practice
  • Education
  • Research
  • Management and leadership
3. Take risks to achieve results
4. Contribute to a positive image for the social work profession

Social Work Educator of the Year Award
The award recipient must:
1. Be an educator (adjunct or faculty) at a CSWE-accredited social work program, or an MSW educator at a community college that has an established articulation agreement with a CSWE-accredited college or university
2. Make a demonstrable difference in social work education in such areas as:
  • Research
  • Student development
  • Teaching methods
  • Advocacy
  • Administration
3. Demonstrate outstanding leadership within social work education
4. Take risks to achieve outstanding results
5. Contribute to a positive image of the social work profession

Public Citizen of the Year
The award recipient must:
1. Make a significant contribution to an area or population of concern to the social work profession such as:
  • At-risk or vulnerable populations
  • Quality of life in communities
  • Social justice issues, such as voting rights, immigration, economic justice, criminal justice/juvenile justice, and environmental justice
2. Act with courage
3. Demonstrate outstanding leadership
4. Exemplify social work values and ethics

Phyllis Black Lifetime Achievement Award
The award recipient must:
1. Meet all criteria for Social Worker of the Year
2. Demonstrate repeated outstanding achievements, as well as:
  • Recognition beyond the social work profession
  • Contributions of lasting impact
  • Outstanding creativity

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