NASW-LA 2026 Chapter Awards - Nominations Open Soon!
Nominations are for the NASW Louisiana Chapter Awards open August 1st! These annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements, leadership, and dedication of social workers, students, and community partners who are making a meaningful impact across Louisiana.
Recognizing excellence within our profession is an important way to celebrate the individuals who strengthen our communities, advance social work values, and inspire others through their service. We encourage you to help us honor these deserving individuals by submitting a nomination.
You can view the nomination guidelines here, and below you’ll find descriptions and criteria for each open award category.
Important note: All nominations must be submitted by an active NASW member.
Awards Categories/Criteria:
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) to celebrate a lifetime of accomplishments. In honoring the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, NASW-LA recognizes the best social work values and accomplishments as demonstrated in one's lifetime career.
Social Worker of the Year Award
The Social Worker of the Year Award honors a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) who exemplifies the best of the profession's values and achievements through specific accomplishments. In honoring the Social Worker of the Year, NASW-LA highlights superb accomplishments in the practice of social work.
Dorothy Schenthal Leadership Award
Dorothy Schenthal was elected president-elect of the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter in 1981; she died during her term as Chapter President. She was a clinical social worker in private practice, and was very committed to the autonomous practice of social work. Dorothy served as president of the International Council for Autonomous Professional Practice of Clinical Social Work (ICAPP). She was also very active on social issues and supported a strong NASW Chapter. She believed in NASW as an organization, and believed in the responsibility of NASW to be politically knowledgeable of and active in issues that affect human services. Dorothy Schenthal was a leader in NASW-LA and in the New Orleans Region and served on national committees. Since 1984, the award has been given annually to an outstanding NASW-LA leader.
School Social Worker of the Year Award
The School Social Worker of the Year Award honors a National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) member who exemplifies the best of the profession's values and achievements through specific accomplishments. In honoring the School Social Worker of the Year, NASW-LA highlights superb accomplishments of a member’s career in the practice of social work in the school system.
Public Citizen of the Year Award
The National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) Public Citizen of the Year Award honors an outstanding member of the community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and mission of professional social work. The award recipient is not a social worker. Candidates should demonstrate leadership qualities in the field of human services and exemplify personal and professional integrity in their effort to help people.
Public Elected Official Award
The National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) Public Elected Official of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding service and contributions of an elected official. Special consideration is given to social workers elected to public office. Elected officials often face decisions about a broad range of issues that represent the collective values of our society. Of particular interest to the social work profession are those policies that affect social justice, health care, education, civil and human rights, and social work practice.
Outstanding BSW-MSW of the Year Award
The Outstanding BSW or MSW Student of the Year Award honors a National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) student member who exemplifies the best of the profession's values and achievements. In honoring the Outstanding BSW or MSW Student of the Year, NASW-LA highlights accomplishments by the student while in a formal educational setting. A $250 cash award accompanies this honor.
Organization/Agency of the Year Award
The National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) established an Organization/Agency of the Year Award to honor an outstanding entity of the community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and mission of the social work profession. Candidates should demonstrate support of and commitment to the social work profession and exemplify professional integrity in an effort to help people.