Since 1981, WAPA’s biennial Praxis Award has recognized outstanding achievement in translating anthropological knowledge into action as reflected in a single project or specific, long-term endeavor. Ideal candidates are anthropologists, particularly those working outside of academia, who can demonstrate the value of anthropological theory and methods in work that impacts the public good.  This is not a career or lifetime achievement award, but one that recognizes the value of applying anthropology to everyday problems and issues.

Award recipients receive a $1000 stipend and will be recognized at the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) business meeting, held during the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) in November 2013. 

Competition entries are due July 1, 2013 and should clearly demonstrate how the applicant used anthropology to effectively address contemporary human problems. The competition for this prestigious award is open to anyone holding an MA or PhD in any subfield of anthropology. WAPA strongly encourages nominations (including self-nominations) from individuals, groups or organizations wherein at least one anthropologist worked on and influenced the designated project. Entries are also encouraged from anthropologists worldwide. All entries will be reviewed according to the same set of criteria by an expert panel of anthropological practitioners.

Application information is available under the “Praxis Award” link on this website. Nominations must include a cover page and a 5 to 10-page descriptive essay. Entries will be strengthened by supporting letters, public testimonials and media releases from project clients and beneficiaries (not colleagues). 

To better understand the types of achievements that merit the award, see the Praxis Award Recipients document under the "Praxis Award" link, which lists all prior winners and presents the abstracts of their competition entries.

Winners may be asked to give a presentation for WAPA, if feasible, and to contribute a chapter to a future edition of Anthropological Practice: Translating Knowledge into Action (Robert M. Wulff and Shirley J. Fiske, Eds.).

WAPA members are encouraged to share information about the Praxis Award with colleagues and contacts, and should feel free to forward this message to various lists and groups as relevant. Members may also refer the names of potential award candidates to the Praxis Committee for direct contact.

Applications will not be accepted after the July 1, 2013 deadline.

 

For additional information, contact:

Terry Redding
2013 Praxis Award Committee Chair
Email: terrymredding (at) yahoo.com
Phone:  202-462-9124