Professional Sustainability Associations

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Professional organizations exist to advance a specific industry and support the interests of field professionals. Joining an association gives you access to benefits such as:

  • professional development
  • networking and mentoring opportunities
  • life-long learning
  • designation
  • updates on industry standards, ethics codes, and social responsibilities

View sustainability-related associations below.

Business and the Environment

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

"The preeminent worldwide professional association dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of research and knowledge on supply chain management"

Student Membership: Yes

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Women in Cleantech and Sustainability

"Women in Cleantech and Sustainability’s goal is to provide flexible access to our growing community domestically and internationally. WCS is expanding access to its high-quality events by opening them up to a virtual audience. This new virtual membership opportunity allows us to continue to provide high quality content, learn from one another, and connect with professionals from across the cleantech, energy and sustainability industries.

Student Membership: Yes

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NetImpact!

"A global community of students and professionals who want to become the most effective change agents they can be. Over 100,000 strong, our emerging leaders take on social challenges, protect the environment, invent new products and orient business toward the greater good. In short, we help our members turn their passions into a lifetime of world-changing action."

Student Membership: Yes

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World Business Council for Sustainable Development

"A platform for business to respond to sustainability challenges that were just beginning to break the surface of collective business consciousness."

Student Membership: No

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Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation

Association of Climate Change Officers

"A professional development organization that “defines, develops and supports the functions, resources and communities necessary for effective organizational leadership in addressing climate-related risks and opportunities.”

Student Membership: No

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American Society of Adaptation Professionals

"Professional home for people who are preparing for climate impacts in their jobs, in their communities, and in their fields of practice.”

Student Membership: Yes.

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American Meteorological Society

“Promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.”

Student Membership: Yes

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Earth Sciences

American Geophysical Union

"A nonprofit organization of over 61,000 members from over 146 countries that "promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.” It does this by "galvanizing a community of Earth and space scientists that collaboratively advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.

Student Membership: Yes

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Geological Society of America

"Provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry"

Student Membership: Yes 

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Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation

American Association of Zookeepers

"Fosters professional development and personal connections" that "advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life"

Student Membership: Yes

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American Fisheries Society

"The world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources."

Student Membership: Yes

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Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists

"The AMWS includes members from all over New England who are "wetland professionals with diverse expertise in wetland functional analysis, mitigation planning, delineation, plant propagation, regulatory policy, research and education."

Student Membership: Yes

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Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography

"To foster a diverse, international scientific community that creates, integrates and communicates knowledge across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, and promotes scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest."

Student Membership: Yes

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Association of Zoos and Aquariums

"Provides its members the services, high standards and best practices needed to be leaders and innovators in animal care, wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, the guest experience, and community engagement"

Student Membership: Yes

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American Society of Mammalogists

"A professional society of 2,500 members, many of whom are scientists, that promotes interest in the study of mammals"

Student Membership: Yes

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New England Estuarine Society (NEERS)

"NEERS is a non-profit organization with a wide ranging membership from scientific and educational institutions, federal, state, and municipal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The purpose of the society is to bring together persons actively engaged in estuarine and coastal research and management for informal discussion and exchange of ideas."

Student Membership: Yes

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Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation

"Advances understanding and wise stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide" by "promoting research in estuarine and coastal ecosystems; supporting education of scientists, decision-makers and the public; and facilitating communication among these groups"

Student Membership: Yes

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Ecological Society of America

"Promotes ecological science by improving communication among ecologists; raises the public’s level of awareness of the importance of ecological science; increases the resources available for the conduct of ecological science; and ensures the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental decision making by enhancing communication between the ecological community and policy-makers."

Student Membership: Yes

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Entomological Society of America

"The largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related disciplines"

Student Membership: Yes

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International Mycorrhiza Society

"A unique international scientific society involved in the advancement of education, research and development in the area of mycorrhizal symbiosis between plants and specialized soil fungi."

Student Membership: Yes

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Mycological Society of America

"A scientific society dedicated to advancing the science of mycology – the study of fungi of all kinds including mushrooms, molds, truffles, yeasts, lichens, plant pathogens, and medically important fungi. Our scholarly journal Mycologia is one of the top mycological serials worldwide. Our bimonthly newsletter Inoculum keeps members up to date on fungal news of all kinds. MSA members meet annually to exchange information about all aspects of fungi."

Student Membership: Yes

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Natural History Network

"Encourages integration among the sciences, arts, humanities, and education; advocates for support of natural history in all its forms, including discovery science, literary and visual arts, and field education; builds and supports an inclusive, collaborative community of naturalists; and promotes formal and informal natural history learning opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and settings."

Student Membership: Yes

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Snow Leopard Network

"Promote sound scientifically-based conservation of the endangered snow leopard through networking and collaboration between individuals, organizations, and governments."

Student Membership: No

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Society for Conservation Biology

“An international professional organization dedicated to promoting the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity. The Society's membership comprises a wide range of people interested in the conservation and study of biological diversity: resource managers, educators, government and private conservation workers, and students make up the more than 5,000 members world-wide.”

Student Membership: Yes

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Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS)

"A non-profit organization that assists conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training"

Student Membership: Yes

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Society of Freshwater Biology (UK)

"Serves a global community, promoting freshwater science through membership services, research and information dissemination"

Student Membership: Yes

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Society for Freshwater Science (SFS)

" An international scientific organization whose purpose is to promote further understanding of freshwater ecosystems (rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries) and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats (wetlands, bogs, fens, riparian forests, and grasslands). "

Student Membership: Yes

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Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS)

"To promote understanding, conservation, protection, restoration, science-based management, and sustainability of wetlands"

Student Membership: Yes

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The Wildlife Society

"Represents and serves the professional community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others who work actively to study, manage, and conserve wildlife and habitats worldwide." It connects "professional wildlife managers, disseminates wildlife science, advocates for effective wildlife policy and law, and builds the active support of an informed citizenry."

Student Membership: Yes

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Wildlife Conservation Society

"The world’s most comprehensive conservation organization" that "manages about 500 conservation projects in more than 60 countries

Student Membership: No

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Energy

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

"A national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensure the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies, regulations, R&D technologies, and environmental issues."

Student Membership: No

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American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

"Advances energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors" by "conducting in-depth technical and policy analyses; advising policymakers and program managers; working collaboratively with businesses, government officials, public interest groups, and other organizations; convening conferences and workshops, primarily for energy efficiency professionals; assisting and encouraging traditional and new media to cover energy efficiency policy and technology issues; and educating consumers and businesses through our reports, books, conference proceedings, press activities, and websites"

Student Membership: No

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Association of Energy Engineers

"A professional organization with more than 16,000 members worldwide that provides information and networking in the dynamic fields of energy engineering, energy management, renewable & alternative energy, power generation, energy services, sustainability, and all related areas"

Student Membership: Yes

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Association of Energy Service Professionals

"A network of energy practitioners practicing in natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms” who are “dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources”

Student Membership: No

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American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

"A building technology society with more than 54,000 members worldwide" that "focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education"

Student Membership: Yes

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Canadian Green Building Council

"A professional organization that works to "change industry standards, develop best design practices and guidelines, advocate for green buildings, develop educational tools to support its members in implementing sustainable design and construction practices"

Student Membership: Yes

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International Solar Energy Society

"Promotes solar research and development, provides authoritative advice on renewable energy issues worldwide, advocates for a sustainable global solar industry, supports career growth of Young ISES members, and promotes energy education at all levels"

Student Membership: Yes

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National Association of Energy Service Companies

"A trade organization that promotes energy efficiency to customers with “seminars, workshops, training programs, publications of case studies and guidebooks, and the compilation and dissemination of aggregate industry data”

Student Membership: No

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American Solar Energy Association

"Advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy by sharing information, events and resources to cultivate community and power progress".

Student Membership: Yes

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US Green Building Council

"Works to create "a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings". USGBC achieves this through its "LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities."

Student Membership: Yes

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Environmental Education

North American Association for Environmental Education

"Promotes environmental education through advocacy, pedagogical research, and professional developmental while amassing 16,000 members from more than thirty countries"

Student Membership: Yes

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ELI Africa

"A non-profit that "works with local residents, experts, and stakeholders to run educational projects for underprivileged youth by utilizing experiential, hands-on learning"

Student Membership: No

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California Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators

"The state affiliate of the North American Association of Environmental Educators that provides professional development opportunities for naturalists and other program administrators."

Student Membership: Yes

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Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education

"Provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; outstanding opportunities for professional development; and a unique framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge created by sustainability initiatives"

Student Membership: No

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

"Envision a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally."

Student Membership: Yes

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American Society of Civil Engineers

"ASCE and its members are dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future in which human society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely, without degrading the quantity, quality or the availability of natural, economic and social resources."

Student Membership: Yes

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Society of Hispanic Professional Engineer (SHPE)

" A national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community."

Student Membership: Yes

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International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

A society that promotes industrial ecology as a framework for providing “innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems” and “facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in better integrating environmental concerns with economic activities."

Student Membership: Yes

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Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)

"An international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering"

Student Membership: Yes

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National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc.

"A professional society that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics"

Student Membership: Yes

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American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

"Focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) studies and careers."

Student Membership: Yes

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Black Data Processing Association (BDPA)

" An international organization with a diverse membership of professionals and students at all levels in the fields of information technology, computer science and related S.T.E.M fields. Members are actively engaged in serving the community through outreach and charting the future of the IT industry. "

Student Membership: Yes

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HENAAC Hispanics in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

"Focuses on STEM educational awareness programs for students from kindergarten to career. Great Minds in STEM™ provides resources for recognition and recruitment of Hispanics in STEM on a national level, connecting multi-areas of engineering and science arenas to the general population."

Student Membership: No

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Latinos in Science and Engineering (MAES)

"The foremost Latino organization for the development of STEM leaders in the academic, executive, and technical communities. The mission is to promote, cultivate, and honor excellence in education and leadership among Latino engineers and scientists."

Student Membership: Yes

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The National GEM Consortium

"To enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of underrepresented groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) at the master’s and doctoral levels in engineering and science."

Student Membership: Yes

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The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)

" A non-profit professional organization dedicated to assisting black and other minority students and professionals in fully realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and allied fields."

Student Membership: Yes

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Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS

"An inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM"

Student Membership: Yes

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Environmental Health and Safety

NAEM: The National Association for Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S) Management

“A professional association that empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. NAEM provides peer-led educational conferences, benchmarking research and an active community for sharing solutions to today's corporate EHS and sustainability management challenges.”

Student Membership: No

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Environmental Journalism

Society of Environmental Journalists

"An international organization of 1,400 journalists whose mission is “to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.”

Student Membership: Yes

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Environmental Law and Policy

American Society of International Law

"Fosters the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice"

Student Membership: Yes

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Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide

“A global alliance of attorneys, scientists and other advocates collaborating across borders to promote grassroots efforts to build a sustainable, just future.”

Student Membership: No

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Foreign Policy Organization

"Serves as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process."

Student Membership: No

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Systems Dynamics Society

A society that uses " a computer-aided approach to policy analysis and design. It applies to dynamic problems arising in complex social, managerial, economic, or ecological systems — literally any dynamic systems characterized by interdependence, mutual interaction, information feedback, and circular causality."

Student Membership: Yes

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Environmental or Ecology Economics

Green America

"A not-for-profit membership organization" that "harnesses economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society"

Student Membership: No

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Association of Environmental and Resource Economists

An "international professional association for economists working on the environment and natural resources" which provides a forum for "exchanging ideas, stimulating research, and promoting graduate training in environmental and resource economics"

Student Membership: Yes

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European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists

An international scientific association which "contribute to the development and application of environmental and resource economics as a science in Europe; encourages and improves communication between teachers, researchers and students in environmental and resource economics in different European countries; and develops and encourages the cooperation between university level teaching institutions and research institutions in Europe"

Student Membership: No

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Food and Agriculture/ Food Security

Alpha Zeta

"A professional organization of men and women whose educational and career objectives fall within the broadly defined field of agriculture and natural resources. It is dedicated to the highest levels of scholarship, leadership, integrity and service."

Student Membership: Yes

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Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

"The largest statewide, member-based sustainable farming organization in the United States" which "seeks to improve the economic viability, environmental soundness and social responsibility of food and farming systems in Pennsylvania and across the country"

Student Membership: No

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Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Rural Vermont

"One of the oldest organic farming associations of "farmers, gardeners, and consumers who work to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations"

Student Membership: No

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Forestry

Forest Stewards Guild

"A professional organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals that practice and promote ecologically, economically, and socially responsible forestry."

Student Membership: Yes

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International Society of Aboriculture

"Promotes the cultivation, management, and study of trees through research, technology, and education while fostering a greater worldwide awareness of tree benefits"

Student Membership: Yes

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World Association for Sustainable Development

"A global forum that brings together experts from across the world to discuss issues relating to sustainable development, science and technology management. The aim of WASD is to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, information and ideas among academics, scholars, professionals, policy makers, industry and students to improve the mutual understanding of the roles of science and technology in achieving sustainable development all over the world."

Student Membership: No

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Society of American Foresters

SAF has become the largest professional society of foresters in the world since its founding by Gifford Pinchot in 1900. Its mission is “to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society.”

Student Membership: Yes

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General Environment

Association of American Geographers

"An international, nonprofit scientific and educational society that advances the study and practice of geography. It’s members are geographers and related professionals who work in public, private, and academic sectors across more than sixty countries."

Student Membership: Yes

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American Society for Quality (ASQ)

"A global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make our world work better. With individual and organizational members around the world, ASQ has the reputation and reach to bring together the diverse quality champions who are transforming the world’s corporations, organizations and communities to meet tomorrow’s critical challenges."

Student Membership: Yes

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Association for Women In Science

"Today's premiere leadership organization advocating the interests of women in science and technology. For nearly 40 years, the Association for Women in Science has fought for equity and career advancement for women – from the bench to the board room."

Student Membership: Yes

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National Association of Environmental Professionals

"A large, interdisciplinary organization that’s a nexus for the most recent information on environmental planning, research and management."

Student Membership: Yes

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Project Management Institute (PMI)

"The world's leading not-for-profit professional membership association for the project, program and portfolio management profession"

Student Membership: Yes

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Sigma Xi

"An international honor society of science and engineering researchers; membership by nomination and election only"

Student Membership: No

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International Society for Industrial Ecology

A society that promotes industrial ecology as a framework for providing “innovative solutions to complicated environmental problems” and “facilitates communication among scientists, engineers, policymakers, managers and advocates who are interested in better integrating environmental concerns with economic activities."

Student Membership: Yes

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The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is an independent research organisation that aims to deliver positive change on a global scale.

Student Membership: No

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Social Ecology

American Anthropology Association

"The world's largest organization of individuals interested in anthropology" that "promotes the science of anthropology, stimulates and coordinates the efforts of American anthropologists, fosters local and other societies devoted to anthropology, serves as a bond among American anthropologists and anthropologic[al] organizations present and prospective, and publishes and encourages the publication of matter pertaining to anthropology."

Student Membership: Yes

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Society for Applied Anthropology

"Promotes the integration of anthropological perspectives and methods in solving human problems throughout the world; advocates for fair and just public policy based upon sound research; promotes public recognition of anthropology as a profession; and supports the continuing professionalization of the field."

Student Membership: Yes

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Society for American Archaeology

"An international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 7,000 members, the society represents professional, student, and avocational archaeologists working in a variety of settings including government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and the private sector"

Student Membership: Yes

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The Social Marketing Association of North America (SMANA)

SMANA is a membership organization serving the professional needs of behavior change agents in Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the United States. SMANA's members are change agents from all sectors: social marketers, behavioral scientists and economists, conservation psychologists, environmental educators, behavior change communicators, entertainment educators, health communicators, design thinkers and the list goes on.

Student membership : Yes

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Urban and Regional Planning

American Planning Association

“Provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.

Student Membership: Yes

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Congress for the New Urbanism

"New Urbanists share the conviction that our physical environment has a direct impact on our chances for happy, prosperous lives. Our movement includes professionals, leaders, advocates, citizens, and other like-minded organizations working to identify and address the range of issues impeding the development and redevelopment of well-designed neighborhoods, public places, commercial corridors and rural environments.

Student Membership: Yes

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Smart Growth America

"A non-profit that is "dedicated to researching, advocating for and leading coalitions to bring smart growth practices to more communities nationwide"

Student Membership: No

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Water Resources Management

Water Environment Federation

"A technical and educational organization of 36,000 water quality professionals that provides “bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.”

Student Membership: Yes

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American Water Works Association

"The largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. 50,000 members “provide solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.”

Student Membership: Yes

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American Water Resources Association

"A non-profit organization that advances the water resources management, research, and education skills of engineers, educators, foresters, biologists, ecologists, geographers, managers, regulators, hydrologists and attorney"

Student Membership: Yes

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International Water Association

"A global reference point for water professionals" that helps them "create innovative, pragmatic and sustainable solutions to challenging global needs"

Student Membership: No

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New England Water Environment Association

"A dynamic organization of over 2100 highly qualified and motivated water and wastewater professionals from throughout New England, who volunteer their time, energy and expertise in order to preserve, protect and manage" New England's water environment

Student Membership: Yes

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