Association Community Responds to National Tragedy.

Last month's terrorist attacks on America's financial and military centers mobilized the nation in perhaps the largest relief effort ever to take place in this country. Consistent with its mission of uniting behind society's common goals and values, the association community in the United States and internationally was among the first to respond with offers of aid in the long road to recovery.

Hundreds of ASAE members donated money, food, clothing, and other essentials, and many offered assistance in the actual recovery efforts. Organizations representing the fields of health care, engineering, transportation, and food service, to name a few, are working directly with affected communities and behind the scenes to provide relief. The following are just a few examples of the hundreds of activities underway in the association community in the wake of the terrorist attacks:

* The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Madison, activated its "WBA Saves the Day" program, whereby broadcasters donate 24 hours of public service time during a 72-hour period to help raise funds following major disasters in Wisconsin, in conjunction with local chapters of the American Red Cross. Funds will be applied toward national relief efforts.

* The American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C., mobilized volunteer members to assist the Army Corps of Engineers and the state of New York with building assessment services.

* The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Washington, D.C., worked with the American Red Cross to make available ready-to-eat foods for relief workers in New York City.

* The National Ground Water Association, Westerville, Ohio, contacted the Federal Emergency Management Association to offer assistance with any water supply issues. NGWA members can help develop alternative water supplies and provide water distribution assistance, water treatment assistance, and other related services.

* The Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, Hartford, mobilized its membership to offer trucks, tractors, dump trucks, flatbeds, tank trucks, refrigerated trucks, cranes, bulldozers, tow trucks, warehouse space, drivers, and logistics specialists to assist in the relief efforts.

* The California Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Sacramento, has trained social workers, grief counselors, and chaplains available throughout the state to assist families, relatives, and friends of victims.

For its own part, ASAE worked with hundreds of members to establish the ASAE/Red Cross Relief Fund to be used in the relief efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C. The American Red Cross, which was inundated with blood donations, says the need for blood has been met for now, but people who are interested in giving blood should wait a few weeks when demand is high again. For more information, call 888-BLOOD-88. ASAE and the Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the Management and Technology Conferences and Exposition in Baltimore, December 2-4.