AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Each year MSSWA awards several individuals who have displayed outstanding professional service and supported the mission of our organization. Awards are given in the following categories:
Each summer, the Minnesota School Social Work Association selects a school social worker who reflects the highest professional standards, demonstrates creative leadership and service within the professional and the wider community.
The deadline is on June 10th each year.
School social workers can be a vital link in coordinating student services between school, family and community. We would appreciate you making us aware of an individual who you believe is exceptional in their social work practice and who has made significant contributions in the service of children and families.
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Please keep the following things in mind when considering a school social worker for the nomination:
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Currently employed as a School Social Worker
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Minnesota School Social Workers’ Association Member
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Professional Competency
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School Involvement
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Involvement in the Wider Community
School Social Worker of the Year
Beginning in 2015, MSSWA has selected a school social worker with outstanding achievement in their practice, leadership, accomplishments and advocacy for school children, education and social work values for a Career Achievement Award.
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Please consider nominating a school social worker who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and practice using the following criteria:
1. Minimum of 15 years of experience relating to School Social Work as a practitioner, administrator, consultant and/or educator.
2. Active at one or more levels of School Social Work including local, state, regional, national and/or international
3. Has contributed significantly to the work of MSSWA and the profession of School Social Work.
4. Has the support and endorsement of professional colleagues as a leader in the field of School Social Work.
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Email nominations to Jeri Nomeland - jnomeland@nwric.com by January 19th each year.
Career Achievement
Advocacy is one of the cornerstones of our profession and challenging social injustice is one of our ethical responsibilities. Within NASW's Code of Ethics, we are guided as “social workers to pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers' social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people”.
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Effective communication is vital whether that is trying to improve services at the building level or advocating for state policies or shaping national policy. To be true agents of change, We cannot change the world alone. By following the path of wisdom shared by Chief Sitting Bull, “let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”
Thus, MSSWA acknowledges the necessity of cultivating connections and relationships with various stakeholders and decision-makers like those in the legislature to create a world where all people are treated with dignity and worth and have access to equitable resources and supports. Since 2003, MSSWA has honored various Legislators for their ongoing advocacy for children, youth, families, schools and communities. MSSWA is delighted to celebrate those individuals that demonstrate a commitment to being true champions of social justice at the local, state or national legislature every year during our Fall Conference.
Legislator of the Year
MSSWA gives thanks for the many collaborative individuals who support and to help advance the mission of our organization. This award is given each fall at the MSSWA Fall Conference.
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Email nominations to Jeri Nomeland - jnomeland@nwric.com
Friend of SSWers
Don Rinkenberger Scholarship
About our scholarship:
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Eligibility
1. Applicant must be currently enrolled and accepted in a BSW or MSW accredited program.
2. Preference given to those who have an interest in completing a School Social Work internship.
3. Preference will be given to student members of MSSWA.
• Two scholarships awarded each spring.
• Value of each scholarship is $500.00.
• Application must be completed in full by February 28th
• Submit application online and via email to Jeri Nomeland - jnomeland@nwric.com
Application Procedures
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Applicants must submit copies of the following information:
A. Evidence of acceptance in an accredited MN Social Work Program.
B. Two to three letters of reference (one from a faculty member and one from a field placement supervisor, if appropriate).
C. Proof of student membership in MSSWA.
D. A current resume.
E. Statement in 200 words or less about future plans in School Social Work.
F. A current college transcript.
G. The completed application form.
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Winner will be notified the week of March 8. The award will be give during the noon luncheon at the MSSWA Day on the Hill event in March.
Contact Jeri with any questions.
About Don Rinkenberger
Don was elected MSSWA’s first president and began serving in 1969. He worked to promote the profession of school social work in Minnesota. The awards are given in recognition of his valuable service to all of us. He was a school social worker at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis.
MSSWA Grant Opportunity
MSSWA Mini-Grants will provide two awards, a $500 prize and a $750 prize, to support projects conducted by any FULL MSSWA member in the schools where they work. ​
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The mini-grants will be awarded twice a year. Deadlines to submit are January 1st and July 1st. The grants will be awarded in February and August.