Egypt: growing a global profession.

As the first society of association executives in the Middle East, the Egyptian Society of Association Executives, Cairo, offers new possibilities for its growing community of association professionals. Through an initiative funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), I had the opportunity to help the EgSAE board develop the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan.

The emergence of EgSAE reflects the explosive growth of associations worldwide coming forth to meet social, economic, and advocacy needs resulting from political and economic liberalization trends. The EgSAE experience also Ilustrates the power of international collaboration. Egyptian association executives are rising to new challenges and demands in collaboration with other national societies of association executives (SAEs), consultants, and international funders.

A friendlier climate

The good news about associations in Egypt is twofold. First, the number of Egyptian associations has exploded, almost doubling from 7,600 in 1976 to more than 15,000 today. Second, the Egyptian government is increasingly recognizing the importance of associations in social and economic development. A new law allows associations to be formed with greater ease by eliminating some of the previously imposed red tape and restrictions while emphasizing greater accountability and transparency. Together, these trends are fueling the demand for professional association management.

EgSAE's development exemplifies the growing importance of international collaboration. The idea for an Egyptian SAE began as a challenge from consultant Walter Schaw, CAE, to a group of Egyptian association executives participating in his association management course. The challenge was officially met when, in March 2002, EgSAE held an inauguration celebration attended by former ASAE president and CEO Michael S. Olson, CAE, who also led a three-day workshop. EgSAE later joined the Global Forum of SAEs, Washington, D.C.

Egyptian association executives are also expanding their contacts with peers abroad. Delegations of Egyptian association executives have attended the last four ASAE annual meetings via the Agriculture-Led Export Businesses project funded by USAID. These study tours have provided invaluable opportunities for both professional development and networking with U.S. colleagues and counterpart associations.

Global profession

In developing its vision, mission, and strategic plan, EgSAE was able to tap into valuable models, ideas, and inspiration from its sister societies in the Global Forum of SAEs.

What does the future hold for EgSAE? Not surprisingly, the challenges are similar to those facing SAEs around the world. The strategic plan, for instance, calls for creation of a code of ethics that builds on similar efforts by SAEs in the United States, Canada, and Europe. EgSAE plans to increase recognition and awareness of our profession by distributing the Arabic translation of the "Associations Make A Better World" brochure.

And of course the organization must address the ongoing business of developing membership, initiating advocacy, raising nondues revenue, hiring an executive director, and finding office space. Sound familiar? Ours is indeed a global profession.

Submitted by Edward L. Potter, CAE, consultant and former ASAE Global Resource Center director. E-mail: edwardlpotter @msn.com.