To make a nomination, please review the criteria below.

 

1. Complete the short online nomination form for Virginia or Metro DC.

2. Attach any required documents such as reference letter(s), photos, a copy of the nominee's CV/resume, etc.

3. Submit by Jan. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

 

If you have questions about the awards or the nomination process, please email Executive Director Debra Riggs, CAE, at driggs.naswva@socialworkers.org.

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Requirements for BSW and MSW Student of the Year Awards

​To qualify, the nominee must

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• Demonstrate outstanding academic work

• Demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and work in the social work field during an internship or field placement

• Demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities

• Be a member of NASW

• Be enrolled in a CSWE-accredited social work program in Virginia

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The nominator must 

1. Complete and upload the online form and upload a one-page-minimum summary document that describes the nominee's  

• Academic achievements, leadership roles, and accomplishments in social work​

• Volunteer activities (academic or otherwise) that promote a positive image of social work, benefited a population at risk, or demonstrated leadership

• Awards, scholarships, honors, or other recognition not previously mentioned

2. Upload one letter of support​.

3. Upload at least three high-resolution photos (.jpg format preferred). 

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Requirements for Citizen of the Year Award​

​To qualify, the nominee:

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• Cannot be a member of the social work profession

• Must have contributed to the public's knowledge and positive image of social work

• Must have made a substantial contribution that benefited the community

• Must have made specific outstanding accomplishments in the human services field

• Must have personally represented ethics compatible with those defined in the NASW Code of Ethics

 

To submit a nomination, the nominator must: 

1. Complete the online form at www.naswva.org/award-nominations.

Upload a one-page-minimum summary document that describes 

• The nominee’s achievements

• The risks taken by the nominee to achieve results

• The beneficiaries

2. Upload one letter of support.

3. Upload at least three high-resolution photos (.jpg format preferred). 

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Requirements for Social Worker of the Year Award

​To qualify, the nominee must​

• Be a social worker and NASW member

• Demonstrate service beyond their job requirements

• Take risks to achieve results

• Contribute to the public's knowledge and positive image of social work

• Demonstrate leadership qualities

• Volunteer

• Have made a demonstrable difference in the social work field in areas such as

  • Client advocacy​

  • Social policy impacts

  • Exceptional practice

  • Program development

  • Administrative leadership and innovation

  • Noteworthy applied research

  • Education and publications

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The nominator must 

1. ​Complete the short online form and upload a one-page-minimum summary document that describes 

• The social worker’s accomplishments

• The risks taken by the social worker to achieve results

• The beneficiaries

2. Upload a copy of the nominee's Curriculum Vitae.​

3. Upload one letter of support​.

4. Upload at least three high-resolution photos (.jpg format preferred). 

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Requirements for NASW Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award

​To qualify, the nominee must

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• Be a social worker and current or past member of NASW.

• Meet all above requirements of the Social Worker of the Year Award.

• Demonstrate repeated outstanding achievements over an entire career.

• Have been recognized by organizations other than professional social work organizations.

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A nominator must 

 

1. Complete the short online form and upload a one-page-minimum summary document that describes 

• The nominee’s achievements

• The outstanding nature of the nominee's action(s)

• The risks taken by the social worker to achieve results

• The beneficiaries

• The positive long-term effects

2. Upload a copy of the nominee's Curriculum Vitae.​

3. Upload one letter of support​.

4. Upload at least three high-resolution photos (.jpg format preferred). 

 

Awards are a wonderful way to honor outstanding colleagues or to gain statewide recognition for your work.

 

NOMINATION DEADLINE: Feb. 10, 2025!