Understanding the A&WMA OrganizationHow it Works and the Role of S&C Council

Understanding the Air & Waste Management Association

A&WMA Overview

•Established 1907

•Non-profit

•Technical, Scientific, Educational

•~7,630 Members

• International

•>65 Countries

•Full-time staff in Pittsburgh to serve the members (Headquarters)

HistoryFor 100 years, A&WMA has played a vital and leading role on air quality and waste management issues for the public and professional communities. Since the earliest awareness of the burgeoning nuisance of smoke in the early 1900s, the growth of environmental consciousness and the Association’s work have been closely tied.

Historical Highlights

1907 – Municipal smoke inspectors got together for the first time to discuss common issues. Formed International Association for the Prevention of Smoke

At the first meeting of the, held in Milwaukee, WI, a resolution calls for the regulation of smoke by state legislation, rather than by municipal ordinances.

Historical Highlights

1952 – July, the first edition of “Air Repair” was published (quarterly). In 1955, this became Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association (JAPCA)

1958 – The Association formed the first national air pollution advisory committee to the U.S. government with representatives of government, industry, and consulting.

1961 – The first regional A&WMA Sections are formed, including the Ontario Section and Cincinnati Section

1970 – The Association unveiled its first “specialty conference” in Toronto, Ontario, and more than 230 individuals attend to learn more about the impact of air pollution on vegetation.

1971 – Bylaw to allow all committees, including Tech. Council to be open to all members. Prior to that, Tech Council was restricted to industry.

1988 – Reflecting the Association’s new vision and expanded focus on hazardous wastes, the name is changed to the Air & Waste Management Association.

Historical Highlights

About A&WMA

A&WMA promotes the effectiveness of organizations and individuals to make critical decisions that benefit society and enhances environmental knowledge and expertise by providing a neutral forum for technology exchange, professional development, networking, and outreach.

Priorities

• Benefit the Member

• Benefit the Environmental Profession

• Benefit Society at Large

But before we get to “structure” and “links”

What do we do as an Association at the International Level?

• We need to provide EM and the Journal

• Organize and deliver the Annual Conference & Exhibition

• Organize and deliver various Specialty Conference and Workshops

• Audio and Web Conferences

• Publish and maintain publications, on-line library

• Maintain membership directory

• Coordinate and encourage volunteer participation in key technical areas, local governance and education

• Scholarship/student support

• All the “business” of running an Association of 7000 members, and 250 (?) committees, local groups and interest groups

Online Library

The Online Library provides a wealth of technical environmental education material, from books and CDs to downloadable PDF articles. It is a substantial and growing resource to environmental professionals around the world.

Specialty Conferences

• First held in 1970

• 250+ conferences held throughout the world

• Address timely, highly relevant issues such as:– Climate change– Utility energy generation

– Vapor Intrusion– Air Quality Modelling

Annual Conference & Exhibition • One of the world’s largest environmental management conferences, attracting thousands of

environmental professionals

• 150 technical sessions on a range of issues, from air quality to integrated waste management strategies

• Exhibition is a dynamic showcase of environmental products, technology, and services

• Social programs and networking events

• LAST YEAR --- Detroit

• THIS YEAR ---- Calgary

• NEXT YEAR ---- Orlando

Education

• Continuing education courses

• Online education courses (currently on hold)

• Classroom education materials

• Scholarships (80 given; over $130,000 per year (includes S&C))

Councils•Technical

•Education

•Sections & Chapters

•Young Professionals

Councils evolved to provide structure/guidance and direction for:

•Technical discussions/topics

•Education (member and non-members)

•Running local sections and chapters

•Specific Members segment focus (Yps)

Education Council• Produces and promotes programs and activities in education and

training to::

Encourage adequate human resources in the profession

Improve public skills and knowledge

• Develops educational materials

• Assists in interacting with the media

• Working with the student chapters

• Education chair at local section

Education Council – Professional Development Division

•Continuing Education Committee

•E-Learning Task Group

•Webinar Committee•Annual calendar of topics is scheduled in advance based upon EM’s monthly themes for the calendar year. Moderators and Speakers are always welcome.

•Women’s Professional Development Committee•draw upon the unique perspectives and talents of women to further the goals of the Association and to encourage women's participation and involvement in the environmental profession.

Higher Education DivisionHigher Education Division

• Awards Committee

• University/College Education Committee

• Scholarship Campaign Committee

– Solicits support for A&WMA’s Scholarship Endowment Trust Fund

Student Affairs Committee

• Focus is on benefits for undergraduate students, unlike other Ed Council Higher Education activities

• Major efforts/programs:

–  Environmental Challenge International

– Environmental careers webinars

– Assistance to Student chapters

Recent ActivitiesRecent Activities

• Professional Development Courses

• Scholarship Awards-new online application

• Platform Paper Award

• Master Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation Award

• Environmental Challenge International

• Public Fact Sheets (careers, controls)

• Understanding Air Quality CD

• Production/Marketing Environmental Education Resource Guide (EERG) on CD (K-5)

• Outreach Programs at ACE; MentorNet

• Webinar Conferences

– Two hour presentations

– Use as a local program or present your local program internationally

• Live Professional Development Courses

– One day, hold at your location

• E-Learning Professional Development Courses

– Internet – on your schedule

• Scholarships for graduate work

• Support for Student Chapters

• ACE student program

Education Council Support of Sections and ChaptersEducation Council Support of Sections and Chapters

How you can helpHow you can helpyou can make a difference: Ed. Councilyou can make a difference: Ed. Council

• Recruit people interested in Education/Outreach (retiring S&C officers?)

• Sponsor a Webinar Conference

• Hold a live training course (advertise scheduled courses)

• Use Understanding Air Quality (UAQ) in a presentation to the public

• Hold an EERG workshop for K-12 teachers

• Check online to see if your scholarship information is up to date

• Appoint an Education Coordinator

• Local Unit Membership Performance recognition program

• Google “Groups” for membership forum

Sections & Chapters Council

• Represent member units

• Forum for member units to share info

• Liaison with headquarters

• Relate to/interact with other councils

• Work in concert to enhance the quality of the association and provide member services at the local level

Young Professionals Advisory Council (YPAC)

• Formed in June 2009

• advises the A&WMA Board and other Councils regarding services and activities to effectively engage young professionals (YPs).

• will develop and assist with the implementation of plans to recruit and retain YP members by fostering relationships with YP members, employers, A&WMA Sections and Chapters.

• will assist the leadership of A&WMA in the recruitment, retention, and development of YP members to serve in roles within A&WMA and facilitate the integration of student members into the Association upon graduation.

 Chair: Laurel Peterson

Vice Chair: Brad Waldron

YPAC

YPAC Committees, all currently looking for more volunteers;

• YPAC ACE Committee

• YPAC Local Support Committee

• YPAC News Committee

• YPAC Professional Development Committee

• YPAC Technical Committee

• YPAC Vitality Committee

• YPAC Web Committee

What are you doing at the local level? In your group?