Nominees will be identified as "emerging" or "distinguished" leaders in one or more areas of influence: service provision, scholarship, public interest, and service in psychology. Emerging leaders are psychologists who have received their doctorate within the past 15 years, have made a substantial contribution to women in psychology and show promise of an extensive, influential career. Distinguished leaders are psychologists who have worked for 15 years or more after receiving their doctorate. They should have a longstanding influence on women’s issues and status and should be recognized leaders in their area of expertise.

The following categories are used to examine each candidate’s work and qualifications for receiving an award. Successful candidates will have made significant contributions in one or more of the following areas:

Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding delivery of psychological services to women. Such leadership includes working directly with women, directing and/or supervising psychological services for women, and/or development of innovative psychological services for women.

Recognizes innovative, high-quality research accomplishments that impact women’s lives or improve their status. Such leadership includes but is not limited to: a) increasing our general knowledge and understanding of women’s experiences and development; b) developing theory and research relevant to decreasing societal biases (e.g., sexism, racism, heterosexism, abelism, ageism, etc.) that impede the advancement of women. Relevant activities include publication, teaching and mentoring.

Recognizes individuals whose efforts have furthered the welfare of women. Such leadership includes but is not limited to: a) promoting legislation which improves the welfare of women; b) increasing the representation of women in psychology and society; c) advocating for the rights of women; d) advancing the utilization of psychology to enhance women’s lives; e) challenging the discrimination and harassment of all women; and f) improving the welfare of under represented subpopulations of women in psychology and society.

Recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their service to psychology. Such leadership includes serving in multiple leadership positions in the governance of psychology oriented groups, having a sustaining impact and influence on women’s issues in policy and procedures in professional organizations, and/or tackling important and significant issues for women as part of their leadership activities.

All nominations must include a brief statement of support for the nominee (500-word maximum), a current vita (6 copies), and three letters of reference (6 copies of each letter). Reference letters should indicate whether the candidate is being nominated as an emerging or a distinguished leader, as well as the categories in which the candidate has made contributions (service recognition, scholarship, public interest, and/or service in psychology); additionally, letters should address the nominees’ leadership activities, contributions, and scope of influence that advance knowledge for and about women, foster understanding of women’s lives, and improve the status of women and underrepresented populations of women in psychology and society.

Current CWP members, members of APA’s Board of Directors, individuals who have announced candidacy for APA President, and APA staff are not eligible. CWP members cannot make nominations. Award recipients, selected by CWP in March, will be announced at the APA Convention in Chicago, Illinois, in August 2002.

Prior recipients of the CWP Leadership Awards include:

Nominations and supporting materials must be postmarked by Friday, February 1, 2002. Incomplete nominations, and materials sent after the deadline, will not be reviewed. Send nominations materials to: Leslie Cameron, Women's Programs Office, American Psychological Association, 750 First St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4242.