Reaching Out With Recovery Efforts.

It never occurred to me that we'd ever be using a column in ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT to describe the response of the association community to an unfathomable tragedy that would extract an inestimable toll I from ASAE members, all American citizens, our country-indeed the entire world. But today, just days after the attacks on America, I find myself doing just that. As this issue of the magazine goes to press, I'm sure that many of you--along with your colleagues and members of your associations--are still awaiting news of loved ones who are missing in the wake of the disasters at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon--as some of our staff members also wait. ASAE joins the rest of our nation and the world in expressing shock and grief over the unprecedented terrorist attacks on America's military and financial centers on September 11, 2001, and wishes to convey deepest sympathies to the victims of these senseless acts and to their families.

It is for these victims that America must initially work to provide the necessary care and comfort that will be required to save lives, restore order, and recover our nation's sense of purpose. As leaders of national and international associations, professional societies, foundations, and business organizations, we are faced with a unique challenge to provide the kinds of relief efforts demanded by this week's events. Search and rescue services, health care, psychological counseling, grief counseling-these responses are only the beginning. The toll on business travelers, cancellation and rescheduling of association meetings and events, and a restoration of confidence necessary to resume daily life will impose additional challenges to be undertaken when most of us have an inability to concentrate on even our normal workload.

Times of tragedy have brought America's communities together more often than we like to think about. And during those times, associations-with their strong member networks and their ability to quickly mobilize-are often among the first to respond with assistance in the event of disaster.

I'd like to share with you news of associations that have been able to quickly respond with critically needed services. (See "Headlines" on page 9 for a more comprehensive list.)

* The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Washington, D.C., has posted to its Web site (www.psych.org) suggestions to provide people with starting points to talk with others about the recent terrorist attacks, "When Disaster Strikes" includes recommendations for both adults and children for helping people work through their fear, anger, and other reactions to the events. APA's local chapters in New York City and Washington, D.C., are actively involved in counseling on site and in areas where survivors, victims' families, and traumatized workers might be found.

* The American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C., is also making use of its Web site, www.apa.org /psychnet, to provide information to the public and to its members. "Find Help in Coping With the Trauma of Terrorism" addresses such issues as managing traumatic stress, coping with the aftermath of disaster, and warning signs of trauma-related stress.

* The National Association of Realtors, Washington, D.C., has established the REALTORS Housing Relief Fund with an initial contribution of $1 million. The fund will help pay the mortgages and rental costs of families-- including fire and emergency personnel--affected by the tragedies. NAR President Richard Mendenhall has urged realtors nationwide to contribute to the fund.

We at ASAE are working with the Red Cross to mobilize financial support for the relief and recovery efforts that will undoubtedly continue for many weeks to come. We are collecting all donations in care of the ASAE Red Cross Fund, ASAE Building, 1575 I St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005-1103. ASAE has made a $25,000 contribution to launch the fund. The entire proceeds will be presented to the American Red Cross as a collective representation of financial support from our country's association community and business partners.

Clearly, it's difficult to focus on positives in the current situation. But from these incredibly tragic and horrendous events emerge numerous heartwarming examples of how Americans are pulling together to help one another through this unprecedented time. I personally thank you for your support, your commitment, and your choice to make a difference in your communities--and in the world.

MICHAEL S. OLSON, CAE 

President and Chief Executive Officer

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