Nominate and honor a new member of the NASW Social Work Pioneers® to celebrate Social Work Month in March!  Nominations for new Pioneers will be accepted through March 31, 2021. Follow this link to the nomination application and guidelines >>

Pioneers are role models for future generations of social workers. Their contributions are reflected in every aspect of the profession, as well as in the establishment of social policies and human service programs. They have accomplished this through practice, teaching, writing, research, program development, administration, advocacy, legislation, and election to public office. 

Nomination of an individual as a NASW Pioneer can be made in one of the following two categories: 

1. Historic Pioneer:  This is a person whose pioneering contributions in the social work/social welfare field took place prior to the establishment of NASW in 1955 when specific criteria for designation as a professional social worker were implemented.

2. NASW Pioneer:  This is a social worker (living or deceased) whose pioneering contributions occurred after the establishment of NASW in 1955. The nominee must have a professional career of at least 25 years, not necessarily consecutive, and must have been a member of NASW at some point, if not currently.

Being elected by one’s peers as a member of the NASW Social Work Pioneers® is one of the profession’s highest honors. Newly-elected Pioneers—and their nominators—will be notified July 2021. Questions may be directed to Kerri Criswell, kcriswell.nasw@socialworkers.org.