Nominations for the Inspiring Social Worker of the Year will begin from April 16 to July 16, 2026. Upon the recommendation of an adjudication committee, one successful nominee and will receive the Award and an honorarium of $2,000 for sharing their experience at the Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture. The lecture will be on September 8, 2026 at the University of British Columbia, School of Social Work, Paul Cheng’s Alma Mater.
Nomination Criteria:
a. Have formal social work training at the bachelor’s level or above (not necessarily from Canada),
b. Practice social work within British Columbia,
c. Be a registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers or practice in an exempted position,
d. Demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice in work with marginalized populations,
e. Be recognized as a role model who inspires others.
Nomination and Adjudication Process:
To nominate a candidate, please attach:
a. A brief statement of consent signed by the nominee,
b. 1-2 page CV of the nominee with contact information,
c. 2-3 page narrative summarizing the work by the nominee that demonstrates their commitment to social justice and how/who the nominee has inspired,
d. Two recommendation letters written with good knowledge of the work and inspirational influence of the nominee.
e. Be recognized as a role model who inspires others.
Please send nominations by email to bcasw@bcasw.org with the phrase Inspiring Social Worker Award in the subject line.
Should you have any questions, please contact BCASW at bcasw@bcasw.org or Barbara Lee, Assistant Professor, UBC School of Social Work at b.lee@ubc.ca
