Now more than ever, members of organizations like ASSP are relying on these professional associations to provide them with critical support, guidance and resources.
But many of these groups are experiencing significant revenue losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The public health crisis is causing many organizations to postpone large meetings, trade shows and other in-person events, and manage operational shortfalls that have befallen many businesses around the U.S. in recent weeks.
ASSP recently sent letters to U.S. Senators
Tammy Duckworth and
Richard Durbin, and U.S. Representatives
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Mike Quigley,
Jan Schakowsky and
Brian Schneider, the federal representatives for the state of Illinois where the Society office is located, to voice concern that professional associations are being overlooked in coronavirus-related federal stimulus bills. The Society sent similar letters to Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi.
While the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides relief for a large number of people and businesses, it does little to assist professional associations, ASSP says.
There are 92,000 trade and professional associations in the U.S, and ASSP will continue to advocate for their inclusion in future federal stimulus bills. If you would like to express your support for including professional associations in these bills, please visit
Congress.gov to locate contact information for your U.S. senator or representative.