Power of Associations Award categories have changed for 2020. Changes were made to encompass and recognize the full range of activities and initiatives undertaken by the association community. Each of the five categories below has a description of the kinds of programs that are eligible for an award in that category. Please choose the category that most closely fits the activity you are submitting for consideration. If you have questions about which category to enter, please contact ASAE’s Chris Vest at cvest@asaecenter.org. View the application guide for detailed instructions.

The Power of Advocacy 
This category recognizes associations that have addressed advocacy in any of the following four areas: promoting civil discourse and collaboration between government and the private sector; mobilizing members and volunteers in grassroots advocacy with demonstrable results; organizing coalitions to address a shared federal, state or local legislative or regulatory issue; and enhancing an industry or profession’s reputation as a trusted resource for effective policymaking.

The Power of Community Support and Engagement 
This category recognizes associations that have provided community support and engagement in any of the following four areas: marshalling industry or profession-specific expertise and resources in response to an immediate or long-term crisis or societal problem; enhancing public awareness of the impact of an immediate or long-term crisis or societal problem; developing solutions to benefit underserved populations; and promoting volunteerism and civic engagement.

The Power of Conscious Inclusion 
This category recognizes associations that have addressed diversity and inclusion in any of the following four areas: workplace/workforce D+I; operational excellence; governance, volunteer and member recruitment, retention and engagement; and cultural competence programming and resource development.

The Power of Global Development 
All U.S.-based societies or globally based societies that work globally or partner globally, at the programmatic or strategic level, are eligible to apply in this category. This category recognizes associations that have addressed global development in any of the following four areas:  advancing an industry or profession’s global standing; collaborating to effect positive change in global systems and/or policies;Improving the world economy; and addressing critical societal needs globally.

The Power of Industry/Professional Advancement 
This category recognizes associations that have addressed industry/professional advancement in any of the following four areas: advancing industry standards; developing innovative educational/professional development opportunities; engaging in public relations/communications campaigns to further an industry or profession’s reputation; and conducting research to enhance the collective body of knowledge for an industry or profession.