California Social Work
A Force for Positive Social Change
Hall of Distinction
In every society, there are those who help alleviate pain and suffering by identifying needs, inventing solutions, and implementing changes. The first step in improving social welfare is often a single person’s recognition of a situation that is imbalanced or under-serving a segment of the population. In most cases, there emerges in that individual a fervent belief that something can and must be done. Very often, that person is a social worker or a pioneer for social welfare and justice.
A program within the CSWA, the California Social Work Hall of Distinction was created in 2002 to honor social workers involved in bringing about the betterment of society and ensure that the contributions of social work leaders, innovators and pioneers would be recognized and preserved for the future. The Hall of Distinction award furthers the mission of CSWA by preserving the legacy of social workers who have made outstanding contributions to California social welfare and the social work profession.
Each year, CSWA’s HOD Committee selects a cohort of social workers to be honored during the Annual Induction Ceremony held in the Fall.
Click here to learn more about how to submit a Nomination.
Click here to view the past Inductees.
2025 California Social Work Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony
Date: November 15, 2025
Time: 4 - 8 PM PST
Location: Marriott Irvine, 180000 Von Karman Avenue, CA - 92612