If you are a professional in the field of emergency management, joining an emergency management association can help you with professional development and networking. Professional associations give professionals, executives, government agencies and private employers access to valuable resources and tools that they can use to stay up-to-date in the latest disaster preparedness techniques and the latest models of emergency management. There are multiple associations that you can join as an emergency manager. If you would like to take advantage of member benefits, read on and learn about the benefits offered by different professional associations in the field.
The National Emergency Management Association
The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) is a non-profit professional association of emergency management directors that was incorporated in 1974 when directors from every state realized just how important it was to exchange information and stay connected. The NEMA is dedicated to improving disaster preparedness techniques all throughout the nation and ultimately to making the public as safe as possible. Members of NEMA can attend forums, meetings, and committee gatherings all while using the association’s resources. Some of the resources members have access to include a document library, career center, online store and events calendar.
International Association of Emergency Managers
The International Association of Emergency Managers, also known as the IAEM, is another non-profit professional association comprised of more than 9000 emergency management professionals. The IAEM promote principles in the field and presents members with field information and professional opportunities. The mission of the IAEM to is advance the professional by helping members develop themselves. Not only does the IAEM offer professional members a competitive advantage with the Certified Emergency Manager and Associate Emergency Manager credential, the association also offers various resources. Some of these resources include: newsletters, practitioner articles, document exchange platforms, discussion boards, mentoring, job boards, and the member portal that keeps members connected.
The International Association for Disaster Preparedness and Response
The International Association for Disaster Preparedness and Response, which is also known as DERA, is a professional member association that was created in 1962 with the purpose of giving professionals, volunteers and organizations the platform that they need to stay connected and to network. This is one of the few associations that includes global members and not just members in the United States. The association provides support, gives a platform for members to share their resources, and also gives members a place where they can stay actively involved.
There is a long list of resources that are available at a global scope through the DERA. You access the online disaster operations center, read through libraries and publications, and become part of a respected team to show your commitment to the field. All emergency management professionals and even unpaid volunteers are welcome to join and contribute their talents.
There are several different emergency management associations that are helping to promote professionals in the field and advance the field so that the nation and various governments are able to prepare for disasters and respond in the best manner possible for the sake of public safety. If you would like to get certified or to gain some footing in the field as you study for your degree, consider joining an emergency management association and where you can access additional learning opportunities while you gain networking prestige.