Professional organizations
Students are encouraged to research the professional organizations listed as a way to increase their professional networks. Additionally, these organizations should be researched for CFE and internship opportunities.
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
National, nonprofit membership organization committed to developing and maintaining active, creative, health-promoting lifestyles by improving educational and community programs.
American Association for Physical Activity & Recreation (AAPAR)
AAPAR seeks to increase public awareness and support for lifelong physical activity and recreation programs through continuing education for professionals conducting programs across the lifespan. Our main purpose is to serve professionals by disseminating guidelines, standards of practice and providing continuing education based on evidence-based research.
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
An organization that exists to help association professionals achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance. We do this by nurturing a community of really smart, creative and interesting people - our members.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
ATRA is the only national membership organization representing the interests and needs of recreational therapists.
Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AzLTA)
AzLTA is the leading public policy advocate for the Arizona Lodging Industry, representing over 34,000 rooms statewide and 400+ members including hotel, resorts, B&B's and related industry partners.
Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT)
To create an awareness of, and a demand for, Arizona as a tourism destination.
Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA)
The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association is a non-profit, professional organization designed to operate for the promotion, broadening and improvement of parks and recreation in Arizona and offer services which help members become the best parks and recreation services providers.
Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA)
ARHA is dedicated to educating Arizona's current restaurateurs and their employees on the industry's latest trends, management techniques and regulations.
Arizona State Parks
This site offers information regarding the state parks around Arizona including volunteer information, rules and regulations and tourist attractions.
Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association (ASTRA)
The Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association (ASTRA) was founded in 1989 to represent the interests and aspirations of therapeutic recreation professionals in Arizona. ASTRA is a chapter affiliate of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and supports its definition of therapeutic recreation as the provision of treatment services and the provision of recreation services to persons with illnesses or disabling conditions.
Association for Volunteer Administration of Central Arizona (AVACA)
The professional association promotes excellence in volunteer resources management by providing opportunities for professional growth and development, networking and collaboration, and training and education. AVACA also serves the community as a resource and advocate for the profession of volunteer resources management.
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
Professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations.
Bureau of Land Management
The BLM sustains the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
The Parks and Recreation Department website offers a wide variety of information ranging from information on the mountain/desert preserves to the arts and culture found around the Phoenix area.
Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Formed in 2013, Downtown Phoenix Inc. delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown business core and manages the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation. DPI and its affiliate organizations are committed to making Phoenix a vibrant urban destination and one of the nation’s great cities.
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
HSMAI is a global organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry.
International Association of Fairs & Expositions
The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs and allied fields.
International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR)
IASNR is an interdisciplinary professional association open to individuals who bring a variety of social science and natural science backgrounds to bear on research pertaining to the environment and natural resource issues. Our official journal, Society and Natural Resources, publishes research articles and policy analyses pertaining to a broad range of topics addressing the relationships between social and biophysical systems.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Meeting Professionals International will be the pivotal force in positioning meetings and events as strategic components of organizational success.
National Center on Accessibility (NCA)
The NCA offers research, training, certification, accessibility assessments and planning and technical assistance to organizations.
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is the premier credentialing organization for the profession of Therapeutic Recreation.
National Park Service
The NPS website is the place to go for information regarding parks & recreation, history & culture, nature & science and interpretation & education at the National Parks around the United States.
National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)
Committed to advancing parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofits preparing undergraduates for careers with youth and human service organizations.
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
PCMA is your best resource for outstanding education offerings, networking opportunities, community service and much more. In this section, learn about PCMA and its governance, membership, community service offerings and latest news.
USDA Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is a federal agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service is also the largest forestry research organization in the world and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies.
Volunteer Center of Maricopa County
The Volunteer Center of Maricopa County is a United Way partner agency that promotes and supports volunteerism to enhance the quality of life in the community. Annually, we provide referrals to more than 27,000 individuals and groups seeking an effective and meaningful volunteer experience to over 450 nonprofit organizations in Maricopa County.
World Tourism Organization
The World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism know-how.
World Travel and Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for global business leaders comprising the presidents, chairs and CEOs of 100 of the world's foremost companies. It is the only body representing the private sector in all parts of the Travel & Tourism industry worldwide. WTTC's mission is to raise awareness of the full economic impact of the world's largest generator of wealth and jobs - travel & tourism.