Bettering our world. (ASAE Awards).

Judging from the strength of the winning entries of ASAE's first-ever Associations Make a Better World awards, associations are a powerful force for positive change all over the globe. The internationally focused awards, which seek to recognize outstanding examples of association initiatives that make a significant contribution to societies and economies worldwide, received more than 45 entries submitted from eight countries.

Eligible associations include those with activities that cross national borders as well as associations based outside the United States. For more information, go to www.asaenet.org/betterworld. Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2003. Following is a roundup of the world-changing winners, which may inspire your organization to consider similar activities.

Fostering critical thinking

The Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking program of the International Reading Association (IRA), Newark, Delaware, is a perfect example of an association mission being put into action--in this case, to "enhance and improve professional development of reading educators worldwide." The RWCT program, winner under the Social Achievement category, introduces teachers to research-based instruction methods designed to help students think for themselves and become independent, lifelong learners. The program is a train the trainer model of professional development based on the idea that democratic practices in schools play an important role in the transition toward open societies.

It is estimated that 25,000 teachers have had training in RWCT, resulting in 750,000 students in 28 countries, ranging from Bosnia to Guatemala, being touched by the program in one year's time.

Confronting domestic violence

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Philadelphia, has effectively mobilized its international ranks. With its Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, winner in the Advocacy/Policy Achievement category, the organization, which is made up of local clubs of business and professional women in 19 countries and territories, has put into action its mission of advancing the status and human rights of women.

"The best part about this project is that it takes little resources, but yet it has a huge impact, and it reaches out to women who might not know that help is available," says Lori Blair, program coordinator.

Meeting economic needs

The Confederation of Private Entrepreneurs of Timi County, Romania, took top honors in the Economic Achievement category with its Alternative Micro Credits Systems for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises program. As an alternative to banks, many of which collapsed during a difficult financial market in Romania, the program offers business plan training and revolving loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Assisting more than 300 businesses since 1997, the credit fund has expanded from $100,000 to $1 million with a 98 percent repayment rate. "We do all we can to drive our environment toward democratic principles", says confederation board member Corina Dragomirescu. "It is not easy; it is hard work and [takes] dedication, but we do not give up."