ASPA's HISTORY

Since 1939, ASPA has been the nation's most respected society representing all forums in the public service arena. It is an advocate for greater effectiveness in government, agents of goodwill and professionalism, publishers of democratic journalism at its very best, purveyors of progressive theory and practice and providers of global citizenship. ASPA leaders believe that by embracing new ideas, addressing key public service issues and promoting change at the local, federal and international levels, the society can enhance the quality of lives worldwide.

ASPA is the largest and most prominent broadly based professional association in American public administration. It has a diverse membership of approximately 8,000 practitioners, academicians and students. ASPA serves as the principal arena for linking theory and practice within the field of public administration.

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ASPA's Mission

ASPA is the leading interdisciplinary public service organization that:

• Advances the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and non-profit administration.

• Promotes the value of joining and elevating the public service profession.

• Builds bridges among all who pursue public purposes at home and internationally.

• Provides networking and professional development opportunities to those committed to public service values.

• Achieves innovative solutions to the challenges of governance.

The American Society for Public Administration is the largest and most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration.
 

Accountability and Performance

ASPA’s Center for Accountability and Performance addresses the requirement for all levels of government to move toward performance-based, results-driven management, through education, training, advocacy, technical assistance, resource sharing and research.

Additionally, ASPA provides three publications for its members:

• PA TIMES is a quarterly magazine focusing on issues in public management and the best practices in the field of public administration. Its twice-weekly online supplement can be viewed at www.patimes.org.

• The Bridge is ASPA’s biweekly newsletter that details the organization’s latest news and current news in the public administration community.

• Public Administration Review (PAR) is ASPA’s premier professional journal. It is a bimonthly publication that links theory and public management practice together.

 

Professionalism

Our value of professionalism is promoted through Chapters, through which members have an opportunity to advance their careers by becoming involved in their local public administration community.

Members also gain exposure to major public service issues by joining ASPA’s topic-based Sections . These Sections focus on finance, budgeting, human resources, health and human services, ethics and more. Sections provide additional networking opportunities through conferences and other professional development activities. They also have a variety of award and scholarship opportunities.
 

Social Equity

ASPA promotes dialogue on social equity issues in all areas of public service including public budgeting, government hiring practices, diversity in academia and more. Additionally, each year at the Annual Conference, ASPA hosts the Gloria Hobson Nordin Social Equity Award Luncheon, where it honors a public administrator who has distinguished him or herself in achieving fairness, justice and equity in government.

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