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NASW Social Work Pioneers®


The NASW Social Work Pioneers® program honors members of the social work profession who have contributed to the evolution and enrichment of the profession. The Pioneer Program identifies and recognizes individuals whose unique dedication, commitment, and determination have improved social and human conditions. Since its launch in 1994, the Pioneer Program has inducted almost 900 accomplished individuals to its rolls.  A comprehensive collection of their stories can be found within the Pioneer Biography Index.


NASW Social Work Pioneers® 16th Annual Celebration 2021-POSTPONED

Due to the recent surge in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 16th Annual Social Work Pioneer Program and Luncheon. We believe this is the best course of action to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

We will update you with the new 2022 date and location as soon as they are confirmed. 


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25th Anniversary Celebration and 15th Annual Program and Luncheon


The NASW Social Work Pioneers® hosted its 25th Anniversary Celebration and 15th Annual Program and Luncheon November 1–2, 2019 at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.  The event kicked off with a reception on Friday evening, where guests met the newly-elected Pioneers, networked, and reconnected with friends and colleagues.  The annual program and luncheon was held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 2.  The 2019 event program provides full details.


Follow this link to view a video of the anniversary celebration >>

Pioneer Nominations Accepted On A Rolling Basis 


Completed NASW Pioneer nominations can be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed at the June Pioneer Steering Committee Meeting.  To be considered at the June meeting, submit your nomination package by March 31.  Learn More >>


The NASW Legacy Project Preserves History


The NASW Legacy Project was created in 2001 to preserve NASW's historical record. The Project enables NASW to identify and preserve the photographs, books, papers, and other documents that will tell the NASW story for decades to come. Read More >>



Newly Inducted NASW Social Work Pioneer Hortense McClinton 2015

Nomination Deadline

Nominate a new member of the NASW Social Work Pioneers®! 

The annual Pioneers nomination submission deadline is March 31, 2021. The Pioneer Steering Committee will consider completed packages received by March 31 at the June Pioneer Steering Committee Meeting.  Follow this link to the Pioneer Nomination Application Form >>



Lit Candles Glittering In Dark



Memorials and Tributes

To honor living individuals, deceased colleagues, mentors, friends, or loved ones, by making a tax-deductible contribution please visit our Memorials and Tributes section. All gifts will be acknowledged on the NASW Foundation website and gifts of $100, or more, will be acknowledged in NASW's new magazine Social Work Advocates, which is published six times each year. You can also leave tributes to NASW friends who have passed away on the NASW Foundation Blog.