THE PRAXIS AWARD RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY

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History and Background
Application Information
Cover Sheet

History and Background

Since 1981, WAPA's biennial Praxis Award has recognized outstanding achievement in translating anthropological knowledge into action as reflected in a single project. Anthropological knowledge is interpreted in its broadest meaning, encompassing theory, data, and methods. Nominations, therefore, need to demonstrate the effectiveness and relevance of anthropology to contemporary social problems.

WAPA encourages anyone holding an M.A. or Ph.D. in any subfield of anthropology to apply for this prestigious award. Should a sufficiently large and diverse pool of competitive candidates apply, WAPA will consider making two awards. One award, if merited, would be weighted towards a promising professional relatively early in her/his career; the other award would be for a more established professional with a history of successful work. The next award will be presented at a special reception during the AAA annual meeting in 2007.

Individuals, groups or organizations (wherein at least one anthropologist worked on the designated project) may apply themselves or nominate others. All applications will be judged by the same set of criteria. The anthropologist's contribution to the project 's success should be clearly indicated. Recognition of this contribution by other major participants or contributors should be acknowledged in the nomination.

All nominations will be reviewed and judged by an independent panel of accomplished professional anthropologists. Nominations must demonstrate how anthropological knowledge has been translated into effective action. Nominations should specify the knowledge employed, methods and process of implementation, and the tangible results of the effort, including changes in policies, programs and people's lives.

The award deadline is June 1, 2007. The winning applicant(s) receives a cash award of $1,000. Award recipients may also be asked to contribute a chapter to future editions of the volume, Anthropological Praxis: Translating Knowledge into Action (Shirley Fiske and Robert Wulff, eds.).

Applicants should print this page and the cover sheet, and review the application instructions thoroughly before submission.

For further information you may contact:
Praxis Award Co-Chair Willis E. Sibley
1190 Cedar Avenue
Shady Side, MD 20764-9513
Tel/Fax 301-261-9404
e-mail: shadyside1190@comcast.net

Or Praxis Award Co-Chair Robert Wulff
e-mail: rwulff@hazelland.com

Application Information

Application Format

• Applications must be typed in English, using no smaller than a 10 point, standard font.
• Limit applications to ten 8.5" by 11" pages, one-sided, double-spaced.
• Do not identify the name of the applicant in the body of the text.
• The page number and project title should appear in the header on every page.
• Faxed or electronic applications will not be accepted.

Application Contents

Please complete and number the contents of your application as follows:

1. Award abstract: Give a brief summary of the problem, anthropological knowledge employed, and the achievements of the project. Limit to 100 words.

2. Describe the client, the problem presented, and its complexity.

3. Give a coherent overview of the project: its goals, internal organization, staffing, schedule, beginning and ending dates, total funding, annual budget and other information relevant to the roles of anthropologists working on the project, including difficulties encountered.

4. Describe the roles and contributions of all anthropologists working on the project, and specify what anthropological knowledge (theory, method, data) they applied to the project.

5. Evaluate how the application of anthropology helped the project meet its stated goals and influenced decisions.

6. Describe the results of the project that are directly attributable to the applicant's or team's role in the effort, including policies, actions, programs, changes in people's lives, publications, technical reports, etc.

7. Summarize the difference it made to have anthropologists and the application of anthropology involved in this project.

A completed application packet will contain seven (7) copies of the following:

1. Application as outlined above (up to 10 pp.)

2. Award Cover Sheet

3. CV with name and other distinct identification removed

4. Letters of recommendation (optional)

5. Relevant article and website references (optional)

Please Note:

• Only one application from each individual or organization will be accepted.
• Letters of recommendation from the client group are encouraged.
• Your application may include an article-length submission and references to two website links. Additional materials will not be reviewed.

   

Award Cover Sheet

Please print this instruction page. You will also need to print or download an Award Cover Sheet to attach to your application.

Return completed applications to:
WAPA Praxis Award Committee,
c/o Willis E. Sibley, Chair
1190 Cedar Avenue
Shady Side, MD 20764-9513