2026 ASA President selected “Communities in Action: Advancing Society” for the JSM 2026 theme and wanted to make this the focus of her year (and beyond) as president. This initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between ASA members and community leaders. By developing the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to engage meaningfully with decision-makers, we aim to amplify the voice and impact of our profession.
The initiative focuses on building relationships with diverse community leaders and decision-makers, including the following:
- Local Government Bodies: School boards, city councils, and municipal planning committees
- Business Community: Chamber of commerce members, local business leaders, and economic development organizations
- Civic Organizations: Community groups, neighborhood associations, and nonprofit organizations
- Policymakers: State legislators, regulatory agencies, and policy advisers
- Engaged Citizens: Members of the interested public who are invested in community development and policy outcomes
The big picture of how it will work involves the following:
- Developing and distributing a repository with a toolkit that includes how to build relationships
- Crafting initial outreach messages and creating and delivering effective presentations
- Establishing a mentoring program to support and sustain the initiative
- Creating sustainable engagement channels between data experts and local communities