Associations at work to make the world a better place

I wrote a dozen of the 100 profiles ASAE published for its 100th anniversary. Here’s a look at the important work that some of these associations do.

American Institute of Architects: NEW SPACES FOR PATIENTS

To deal with patient surge, AIA developed an assessment tool to help healthcare and non-healthcare entities make decisions about converting spaces into healthcare operations.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: BETTER TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION

With millions worldwide suffering from a wide range of mental health issues, ADAA is promoting research and innovation to find new treatments and, ultimately, cures.

Association for Play Therapy: MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH PLAY

APT strengthened its credentialing program to ensure that children who exhibit developmental issues or suffer from other social-emotional stressors have access to a licensed play therapist.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: RELIEF FOR STRUGGLING RESTAURANT WORKERS

With more than 8 million restaurant workers laid off since the beginning of coronavirus, NRAEF created the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund and distributed one-time $500 payments to those in need.

American Society of Landscape Architects: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS TAKE STEPS TOWARD CARBON-NEUTRAL COMMUNITIES

ASLA is developing resources and initiatives that will help landscape architects design communities that mitigate climate change.

National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations: MORE VETS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

The Access to Clinical Trials for Veterans Initiative aims to increase veteran participation in clinical trials and help the Department of Veterans Affairs streamline trial startups.

Institute of Food Technologists: SAFE FOOD FROM FARM TO FORK

IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center shares knowledge, research, and resources to help reduce the frequency and severity of foodborne illness outbreaks.

Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery: A SPEEDIER RESPONSE FOR STROKE PATIENTS

Through its Get Ahead of Stroke campaign, SNIS hopes to save lives and reduce disability by ensuring stroke patients are taken to the right hospital for treatment.

Women in Trucking Association: BIG RIGS GEARED TO WOMEN

To attract more women to the trucking industry, Women in Trucking has pushed manufacturers to build safer, more comfortable cabs for women drivers.

Infectious Diseases Society of America: FAST ACTION AGAINST A NEW VIRUS

From testing to treatment to infection prevention, IDSA became a critical resource for medical professionals and the public health community from the earliest days of the pandemic.

American Staffing Association and Retail Industry Leaders Association: CRITICAL WORKFORCE CONNECTORS

ASA and RILA joined forces to help retail businesses that provide essential services—like pharmacies and grocery stores—fill immediate job openings when COVID-19 hit.

Texas Association of School Boards: BETTER GRADES FOR SCHOOL BOARDS

Through research and a biennial summit, TASB illuminates how good school board governance improves students’ academic performance.