Press Release

November 1, 2002

Photo CaptionCALIFORNIA SOCIAL WORK ARCHIVES ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF HALL OF DISTINCTION HONORING SOCIAL WORK PIONEERS AND LEADERS

Highlighting Innovative Social Work Practice and Practitioners Increases Awareness of Tradition and Contributions of Profession

(Los Angeles, Calif.) -- Social work pioneers, innovators and leaders are to be recognized for their valuable contributions to the profession and social welfare announced Dr. Monika White, President of the California Social Work Archives. The Archives has appointed a Committee co-chaired by Dr. James Karls and W. June Simmons to establish a Hall of Distinction for Social Work leaders in California. The California Social Work Archives is a free-standing agency dedicated to preserving the history of social work and social welfare in California for future generations.

"The profession of social work has a long and proud tradition," notes Ms. Simmons, LCSW, MSW, and President/CEO of Partners in Care Foundation. "The California Social Work Hall of Distinction honors those whose work and leadership have advanced the profession and social work practice in California. In doing so, we encourage others to enter the field, raise the standard of practice, and heighten community awareness of the role of social workers in improving society."

Solicitations for nominations will be forthcoming. The selection criteria will emphasize leaders who served as practitioners, administrators, advocates, educators or other high-impact contributors to social welfare and social work that support the profession's values and code of ethics. The first inductees will be honored at the annual meeting of the California Social Work Archives in October. Plans are underway to house a computer kiosk at the USC School of Social Work with detailed information about awardees and wall displays that can be exhibited by schools throughout the state. In addition, a website will be created.

Members of The Hall of Distinction Committee, representing social work in education, health care, general practice, policy and public and private agencies and organizations throughout the state are: Chauncy Alexander, Huntington Beach; Ronald Boltz, Sacramento; Ruth Britton, Los Angeles; Tessie Cleveland, Los Angeles; Simon Dominguez, San Jose; Ellen Dunbar, Modesto; Frances Feldman, Pasadena; Marilyn Flynn, ex officio, Los Angeles; Neil Gilbert, Berkeley; Anita Harbert, San Diego; Jeff Jue, Modesto; Jim Karls, Santa Barbara; Jim Kelly, Hayward; Jim Lubben, Los Angeles; Suzanne Dworak-Peck, Malibu; June Simmons, Burbank; and Monika White, ex officio, Santa Monica.

###