This is an abbreviated list. Dowload the complete list here.

Professional Associations for Public Service
This list is designed to give the reader an idea of the breadth of member associations that exist. It is by no means exhaustive. The associations are organized into the following categories:

Nonprofit Management and Public Administration

Alliance for Nonprofit Management
The Alliance for Nonprofit Management is the professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofits. Alliance members include management support organizations (MSOs), individual professionals, and a range of national/regional, umbrella, research and academic, publishing and philanthropic organizations that provide technical assistance (training and consulting) to nonprofits.

American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
The AASA, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for over 14,000 educational leaders across America and in many other countries. AASA's mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. The four major focus areas for AASA are: Improving the condition of children and youth; Preparing schools and school systems for the 21st century; Connecting schools and communities; and Enhancing the quality and effectiveness of school leaders.

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
The mission of ASPA is to advance excellence in public service to strength the effectiveness, responsiveness and accountability of democratic governance. ASPA works to bridge the diverse perspectives, positions and specialties in public service; be a networking organization that facilitates contacts and supportive interactions; foster interest and pride in public service; be a dynamic learning organization responsive to a changing environment, provide quality programs and services that enhance the professional lives of those in public service; and promote responsible citizenship.

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 26,000 members in 169 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.

Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) encourages excellence in research, teaching, and practice in the field of public policy analysis and management. APPAM operates through its annual fall and spring conferences, a newsletter, and the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management (JPAM). APPAM's membership includes individual and institutional members, practitioners, scholars and students.

Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action
The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is an international, interdisciplinary membership organization. Our members include scholars and nonprofit leaders fostering the creation, application and dissemination of research on voluntary action, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy and civil society.

Association for Volunteer Administration
The Association for Volunteer Administration, an international professional association, enhances the competence of its members and strengthens the profession of volunteer resources management.

DOVIA
DOVIA is a professional organization for individuals who supervise volunteers in nonprofit agencies, schools, and other community organizations. The DOVIA Directory provides a list of Membership associations at provincial, state and local level for professionals who lead volunteer programs.

National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
NASBE strives to be the principal organization for policymakers involved in the field of education. NASBE develops and provides information that anticipates critical issues formulated with active participation of state board members. NASBE promotes policy frameworks that are scholarly, student-focused, nonpartisan and adaptable to state-by-state implementation.

National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW)
NACW's Membership Network of over 270 commissions for women includes state, county and municipal commissions as well as commissions in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. NACW's mission is to serve as the national voice for state, county and local commissions for women; to develop, conduct and promote research and training; to facilitate communication and cooperation on issues affecting women and their families; and to provide support, technical assistance and expertise to impact public policy.

National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA)
The National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) is a network of 37 state and regional associations of nonprofits representing more than 21,000 nonprofits throughout the country. NCNA was created in 1989 by eleven visionary leaders of state associations who understood that by combining their efforts, they could support and invigorate local nonprofits. NCNA serves as the eyes, ears and voice of the state associations, assuring that key national information is disseminated at the local level and local concerns are raised at the national level.

National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
The mission of the NFBPA is to strengthen the position of Blacks within the field of public administration; to increase the number of Blacks appointed to executive positions in public service organizations; and to groom and prepare younger, aspiring administrators for senior public management posts in the years ahead. The NFBPA serves as a magnet organization for linking public, private and academic institutions into an effective network to support interdisciplinary communications, management innovation and professional development among Blacks choosing public service careers.

Social Enterprise Alliance
Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) is the membership organization leading the creation of a social enterprise movement. SEA mobilizes communities of nonprofit organizations and funders to advance earned income strategies. SEA members play a direct role in advancing a movement that is changing how nonprofits operate and generate the capital they need to carry out their mission--a new paradigm based on sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Social Venture Network
Founded in 1987, Social Venture Network (SVN) is a community of leaders - company founders, private investors, social entrepreneurs and key influencers - who share a commitment to building a just and sustainable world through business. Through the network - its events, programs and technology - individual change-makers are able to deepen relationships and to work together with greater social impact. SVN enables and catalyzes action at three inter-related and coexisting levels: individual, organizational and societal.

Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) promotes an efficient, viable, and inclusive nonprofit sector that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals. We engage and support future nonprofit and community leaders through professional development, networking and social opportunities designed for young people involved in the nonprofit community.

Back to Top

Urban Planning

American Planning Association
American Planning Association (APA) is a nonprofit public interest and research organization committed to urban, suburban, regional, and rural planning. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, advance the art and science of planning to meet the needs of people and society.

American Public Works Association
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.

Association of Bicycle and Pedestrian Professionals (APBP)
Founded in 1995, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals promotes excellence in the emerging professional discipline of pedestrian and bicycle transportation. Members include leaders in the engineering, planning, landscape architecture, safety and promotion fields who specialize in improving conditions for bicycling and walking. Members work for federal, state, regional and local government; consulting firms; non-profit organizations and the media. The association also welcomes academics, students and professional advocates who are committed to making bicycling and walking viable transportation options in the United States.

Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)
Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is a San Francisco-based non-profit organization that was founded in 1993. We work with architects, developers, planners, and others involved in the creation of cities and towns, teaching them how to implement the principles of the New Urbanism. These principles include coherent regional planning, walkable neighborhoods, and attractive, accommodating civic spaces. CNU has over 2,000 members throughout the United States and around the world. We sponsor annual conferences, known as Congresses, for the sharing and discussion of best practices in New Urbanism.

Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA)
The Environmental Design Research Association is an international, interdisciplinary organization founded in 1968 by design professionals, social scientists, educators, facility managers and students. The purpose of EDRA is the advancement and dissemination of environmental design research, thereby improving understanding of the interrelationships between people, their built and natural surroundings, and helping to create environments responsive to human needs.

International Downtown Association (IDA)
The International Downtown Association is a world leader and champion for vital and livable urban centers. Through its network of committed individuals, its rich body of knowledge, and its unique capacity to nurture community-building partnerships, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well being of towns, cities and regions throughout the world.

International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
In 2001, the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED) and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC) - the nation's largest economic development organizations - joined forces to become one: the International Economic Development Council. The IEDC is now the largest membership organization serving economic developers around the world. Our membership base consists of thousands of professionals with unparalleled expertise and collective influence, including: public agency professionals; utilities; non-profits; consultants; corporate development professionals; educational institutions.

National Association of State Development Agencies (NASDA)
The National Association of State Development Agencies (NASDA) is a membership organization that focuses on state economic development agencies and issues. It's core members are state economic development directors and the key managers in their agencies. NASDA welcomes and can accommodate a wide range of public and private officials involved in economic development and has numerous special publications, workshops and other programs that address issues of concern to these various audiences.

National Civic League (NCL)
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the National Civic League (NCL) is a 109-year-old non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy by transforming democratic institutions. NCL accomplishes its mission through technical assistance, training, publishing, research, and the All-America City Awards, the nation's oldest and most prestigious community recognition program.

Planners Network
The Planners Network is an association of professionals, activists, academics, and students involved in physical, social, economic, and environmental planning in urban and rural areas, who promote fundamental change in our political and economic systems. The Planners Network seeks to be an effective political and social force, working with other progressive organizations to inform public opinion and public policy and to provide assistance to those seeking to understand, control, and change the forces which affect their lives.

Smart Growth Network
In 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency joined with several non-profit and government organizations to form the Smart Growth Network (SGN). The Network was formed in response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow that boost the economy, protect the environment, and enhance community vitality. The Network's partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests; local and state government entities. The SGN is a forum for: raising public awareness of how growth can improve community quality of life; promoting smart growth best practices; developing and sharing information, innovative policies, tools and ideas; cultivating strategies to address barriers to and advance opportunities for smart growth.

Back to Top

Healthcare

AcademyHealth (Formerly Association for Health Services and Research)
AcademyHealth is the professional home for health services researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners, and a leading, non-partisan resource for the best in health research and policy. AcademyHealth promotes interaction across the health research and policy arenas by bringing together a broad spectrum of players to share their perspectives, learn from each other, and strengthen their working relationships.

American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is the premier professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults. With an active membership of over 6,000 health care professionals, the AGS has a long history of effecting change in the provision of health care for older adults. In the last decade, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices regarding health care for older people.

American Public Health Association (APHA)
The APHA is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health. APHA brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action. APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a smoke-free society, and professional education in public health.

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is the national nonprofit organization representing the state and territorial public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the District of Columbia. ASTHO's members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy, and to assuring excellence in state-based public health practice.

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association works to maximize the quality of health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and to foster a professional climate in which our diverse members can reach their full potential. GLMA members represent the interests of thousands of physicians, medical students, and increasingly other health care professionals, as well as millions of patients throughout North America who seek equality in health care access and delivery. GLMA's focus is to increase the visibility of the specific health concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients and offer programs and services that we are in a unique position to provide.

National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is the national nonprofit organization representing local public health agencies (including city, county, metro, district, and Tribal agencies). NACCHO provides education, information, research, and technical assistance to local health departments and facilitates partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies in order to promote and strengthen public health.

National Healthy Start Association (NHSA)
The National Healthy Start Association (NHSA) membership includes most of the 96 federally funded Healthy Start projects in the United States. The mission of the National Healthy Start Association is to promote the development of community-based maternal and child health programs, particularly those addressing the issues of infant mortality, low birth weight and racial disparities in perinatal outcomes.

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million people with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.

Society for Public Health Education
SOPHE is an independent, international professional association made up of a diverse membership of health education professionals and students. The Society promotes healthy behaviors, healthy communities, and healthy environments through its membership, its network of local chapters, and its numerous partnerships with other organizations. With its primary focus on public health education, SOPHE provides leadership through a code of ethics, standard for professional preparation, research, and practice; professional development; and public outreach.

Women in Healthcare Management, Inc. (WHCM)
WHCM provides a forum for professional women to meet peers, network, share information, and stay informed on issues affecting the health care field. Its members are managers in settings and organizations spanning the wide range of the health care industry: acute care hospitals, ambulatory and non-acute service providers, health plans and insurance, long term care and assisted living, pharmaceutical companies, and business, marketing, and legal consulting firms, etc. WHCM services include two large group meetings annually, periodic networking meetings, a job bank, inclusion in the annual member directory, and the opportunity to form small groups for more frequent and informal networking.

Back to Top

International

African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM)
Established in 1971, this organization provides senior government officials with opportunities for exchanging ideas and experience, to promote the study of professional techniques and encourage research in particular African governance and administrative problems. Membership is made up of 500 individuals and 50 corporate members.

Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA)
The Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA) was established in 1988, with the initiative of leading management development institutions in the SAARC region. It is the only association which networks management development centers across seven nations and promotes partnership between business schools, business leaders and policy administrators for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of management education in South Asia. AMDISA provides multiple ways by which member-institutions collaborate within the region.

Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD)
CARICAD was established by an Agreement signed by CARICOM member states in 1980 as a regional inter-governmental organization to assist governments in upgrading their managerial capabilities for public policy analysis, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public sector reform programs.

European Group of Public Administration
The mission of the European Group of Public Administration has been defined as follows: to organize and encourage the exchange of information on developments in the theory and practice of public administration; to foster comparative studies and the development of public administrative theory within a European perspective; to facilitate the application of innovative ideas, methods, and techniques in public administration; and to include young teachers, researchers, as also civil servants in its activities.

InterAction
InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. With more than 160 members operating in every developing country, we work to overcome poverty, exclusion and suffering by advancing social justice and basic dignity for all. InterAction convenes and coordinates its members so in unison, they can influence policy and debate on issues affecting tens of millions of people worldwide and improve their own practices.

Latin-American Centre for Development Administration (CLAD)
CLAD is an international organization of intergovernmental character, made up by twenty three Latin American and Caribbean countries, and by Spain, with the mission of promoting the technical co-operation and public officials training as well as the reflection, the debate and the exchange of experiences and researches related to State reform and public administration modernisation.

Back to Top

Academic

American Economic Association (AEA)
The AEA was organized in 1885 at Saratoga, NY. It was incorporated in 1923 in Washington, DC as a 501C-3 organization. Approximately 18,000 economists are members and 4,600 institutes subscribe. Over 50% of the membership is associated with academic institutions, 35% with business and industry and the remainder largely with federal, state, and local government agencies.

American Public Health Association (APHA)
The APHA is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health. APHA brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action. APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a smoke-free society, and professional education in public health.

Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP)
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) is a consortium of university-based programs offering credentials in urban and regional planning. Acting together, the ACSP member school faculty are able to express their shared commitments to understanding the dynamics of urban and regional development, enhancing planning practices, and improving the education of both novice and experienced planners. The ACSP seeks to strengthen the role of planning education in colleges and universities through publications, conferences, and community engagement as well as through participation in the accreditation process.

Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs
The Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs is a consortium of programs, organized for the purpose of promoting and enhancing the education of students in the art and science of environmental health practice.

Association on Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM)
Part of the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), the ABFM promotes the advancement and professional development of the art and science of budgeting and financial management in the public sector. Embracing both operational and theoretical concerns, the section addresses issues of reform and adjustment of budgeting and financial processes to meet the administrative challenges of providing public services at all governmental levels. ABFM members receive a quarterly journal, Public Budgeting & Finance. Its newsletter, ABFM News and Views, is published several times a year.

Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations & Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations & Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) is an international, interdisciplinary membership organization. Our members include scholars and nonprofit leaders fostering the creation, application and dissemination of research on voluntary action, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy and civil society.

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration is an institutional membership organization that exists to promote excellence in public service education. The membership includes U.S. university programs in public affairs, public policy, public administration and nonprofit management.

National Association for Women in Education (NAWE)
NAWE was the first professional association for women working in higher education. Founded in 1916 as the National Association of Deans of Women, today NAWE membership includes administrators, faculty, staff and students from all sectors, plus women working in associations, businesses and government agencies related to education.

Back to Top