Each year we come together with our community to honor the outstanding work and accomplishments of our friends, colleagues and like-minded partners. Have somebody in mind for one of the awards? Then nominate them today!
The Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is proud to recognize the contributions of outstanding social workers and community leaders who reflect the values of our profession through our annual awards. We believe in celebrating the successes of our field and our colleagues. Each year we come together to honor the outstanding work and accomplishments of our friends, colleagues and like minded partners.
Click here to get to know our amazing past award recipients.
Nomination Process & Questions
All social workers are invited to nominate either themselves (there is nothing wrong with self-promotion!) or a colleague for open awards. All nominees for social work awards should be members of NASW
Can I nominate myself?
Yes! Absolutely. We encourage self-nominations as well. We believe in recognizing your contributions and being a champion for yourself just as you are for your colleagues and clients.
Can I submit more than one nomination?
Yes, just make sure your submissions are unique to the individual and the narratives are different
What if I'm not sure the person I want to nominate is a member?
That's okay, nominate them anyway. We have our ways of figuring out if someone is a member!
What will I need to submit with a nomination?
All nominators will need to complete a short nomination form, which will include (1) a supplemental document that outlines the nominee’s accomplishments as it relates to the specific award, (2) at least one additional letter of support, and (3) a headshot (or organizational logo) for the nominee.
Award Categories
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a Michigan social worker's lifetime of accomplishments. In honoring the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, NASW-Michigan recognizes the best social work values and accomplishments demonstrated in the social worker’s lifetime career.
Criteria: The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient must demonstrate repeated outstanding achievements, as well as recognition beyond the social work profession, contributions of lasting impact, outstanding creativity, and be an NASW member in good standing.
Lisa Putman Award for Excellence in Child Welfare
The Lisa Putman Award for Excellence in Child Welfare was named in honor of Lisa Putman, a 28 year old Child Protective Services social worker who was murdered while on the job in 1998. This award recognizes a current social worker who has demonstrated excellence in the practice area of child welfare.
Criteria: The Lisa Putman Award recipient should show accomplishments in the area of child welfare (which may include public education, advocacy, program development, research, etc); demonstrate outstanding leadership; contribute to a positive image for the social work profession; and be an NASW member in good standing.
Emerging Social Work Leader
The Emerging Social Work Leader Award recognizes outstanding contributions of social workers who are new to the profession. In honoring the Emerging Social Work Leader, NASW-Michigan highlights newer social workers who have already made significant contributions to the association and/or the profession and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service.
Criteria: The award recipient must have five or fewer years of practice experience; demonstrate contributions to the field (through community service, advocacy, practice, education, research, management and leadership, etc.); contribute to the positive image of the social work profession; demonstrate capacity for leadership in the profession; and be an NASW member in good standing.
Agency of the Year
The social work Agency of the Year recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of an organization that employs social workers and has shown demonstrable contributions to the profession, as well as the communities it serves.
Criteria: The Agency of the Year should promote and uphold NASW standards and Code of Ethics; develop and implement innovative approaches for the provision of more effective services; make a significant contribution to a population of concern to the social work profession (i.e. advocacy for consumers or social workers, impact on social policy, exceptional program and program creation, excellent administrative development, innovative research, etc.); and have a diversity of employees that reflects their clientele and/or has policy that implements culturally competent and anti-racist practice.
Stabenow Political Leadership Award
The Stabenow Political Leadership Award recognizes a social worker or ally that has shown extraordinary political and legislative leadership through advocacy, activism and passion. This award is named after Debbie Stabenow, Michigan’s first female U.S. Senator. Senator Stabenow received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Michigan State University and has been a proud member of the Congressional Social Work Caucus.
Criteria: Nominees should have exhibited exceptional political leadership over the course of their career and used these skills to effect social policy exemplifying social work ethics and values. Nominees are not required to be publicly elected officials.
Social Worker of the Year Award
The Social Worker of the Year Award honors a member of the NASW-Michigan Chapter who exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments in recent years. In honoring the Social Worker of the Year, NASW-Michigan highlights superb accomplishments in the practice of social work.
Criteria: The Social Worker of the Year Award recipient should make a demonstrable differences in such areas as advocacy for clients, social policy, social work practice, program development, administration, research; demonstrate outstanding leadership; contribute to a positive image for the social work profession; take risks achieving outstanding results; and be an NASW member in good standing.
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