Garry R. Walz Trailblazer Award

ELIGIBILITY, RULES AND CRITERIA
The award should recognize someone who has: 

• Developed an innovative program or practice that that stands out in both originality and practicality, and has been validated through research or experience;
• Demonstrated a personal commitment to put it into practice; and
• Been a professional or retired member of the American Counseling Association for at least five years.
• Nominations must come from an ACA member.
• The awardee must be an ACA member.
• An individual can only be nominated for one award per year. 

NOMINATION GUIDELINES
The total submission package for this award cannot exceed 16 pages in length. All nomination materials must be combined into one document (all formats accepted), with the nomination letter first.

Nomination letter: In the letter, identify the nominee and the specific award. Explain why you believe the nominee should receive the award by responding to the specific criteria outlined in the nomination guidelines. Keep in mind that the awards reviewers are relying on the information you provide to choose the most deserving recipient for the award. Please address each nomination guideline and make sure your nominee meets the award criteria and requirements. Brevity, clarity and specificity are most important here.

The Selection Committee is especially interested in recognizing an individual who exemplifies a trailblazer in the counseling profession—someone who has created an idea or a concept that stands out, both in originality and practicality, and demonstrates a personal commitment to enact the idea or concept. The Selection Committee is emphatic in the desire to honor those representing the wide and rich diversity of the American Counseling Association membership.

In your nomination submission, briefly:

• Describe the nominee’s idea or concept;
• How the idea or concept was put into practice;
• The impact to the profession;
• A statement by the nominee about how they meet the specific criteria;
• At least three supporting letters of recommendation that address the specific criteria; and
• A curriculum vitae of no more than four pages highlighting the nominee’s relevant accomplishments.

Supporting materials: Include a nominee biography and a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) or resume of no more than four pages, highlighting the nominee’s relevant accomplishments. If there are additional materials (news reports, journal articles, etc.) that you feel help support the nominee’s achievements, please include a copy of them. Keep in mind that the total submission cannot exceed 16 pages in length.