Description

The ACSW established the John Graham Hutton Award for Social Action/Policy following his untimely death on December 24, 1990. John Hutton had worked tirelessly for ACSW, serving on many committees, including Council and as President from 1984 - 1985. At the time of his death, John was a full time instructor with the Social Work Program at the Grant MacEwan Community College, where he had taught since 1978. John was a champion of social justice, advocating endlessly for clients, students and the profession. He had specific expertise in social policy, community practice and direct practice, always encouraging the profession to enhance social and political environments. John had particular interest in working with seniors and aboriginal peoples and students. John was a founding board member of Operation Friendship and Pioneer Place and had been instrumental in the development and delivery of several off-campus social work diploma programs to aboriginal students in their home communities. At the time of his death he was in the process of completing his dissertation/Doctorate in Social Work from Columbia University. One way in which John's spirit and vision of our profession live on is through this award.

Criteria

Outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the community through advocacy, social action, policy development/analysis (including work completed on behalf of ACSW), program development or political action aimed at enhancing social functioning, service delivery systems and the environments in which we live and work with our clients. Nominees for this award must be members in good standing of the ACSW.

Procedure for Nomination

The administration of nominations will be the responsibility of the Nominations Committee. A call for nominations will be published annually in The Advocate. Any member of the ACSW may nominate a member in good standing for this award. Nominations must be made in writing and should include a rationale for the nomination, along with supporting comments and a description of the nominee's contribution to social action/policy. Nominations should be submitted to the Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee will review the nominees and make recommendations to Council for approval. The award will be presented to the successful recipient at the Annual General Meeting or Annual Conference. The Nominations Committee with the assistance of the ACSW office will facilitate the arrangements for the award ceremony.

Past Award Recipients: