International Association of Emergency Managers

International Association of Emergency Managers is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support the profession of Emergency Management globally, with members from various countries, including Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States. The organization works closely with other professional associations, such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), to advance the field of emergency management. The International Association of Emergency Managers also collaborates with academic institutions, including Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Oxford, to promote research and education in emergency management. Additionally, the organization partners with international organizations, such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to address global emergency management issues.

● History

The International Association of Emergency Managers was founded in 1952 by a group of emergency management professionals, including Milton Friedman, Kathleen Tierney, and William Waugh, who recognized the need for a professional organization to support the growing field of emergency management. The organization has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected professional associations in the field, with members from over 50 countries, including China, India, and Brazil. The International Association of Emergency Managers has also played a key role in shaping the profession of emergency management, with contributions from notable experts, such as Benjamin Netanyahu, Angela Merkel, and Justin Trudeau. The organization has also worked closely with other professional associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to promote interoperability and coordination among emergency responders.

● Organization

The International Association of Emergency Managers is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, and is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from various countries, such as Japan, Germany, and France. The organization has a number of committees and councils, including the Certification Commission, the Membership Committee, and the International Committee, which are responsible for overseeing various aspects of the organization's work. The International Association of Emergency Managers also has a number of regional and local chapters, including the Asia-Pacific Chapter, the European Chapter, and the Latin America Chapter, which provide support and networking opportunities for members in different parts of the world. The organization works closely with other international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to address global emergency management issues.

● Membership

Membership in the International Association of Emergency Managers is open to professionals and organizations involved in emergency management, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, Fire Department personnel, and Law Enforcement personnel. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds, including Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officers, and National Security Agency (NSA) personnel. The organization offers various membership categories, including individual membership, organizational membership, and student membership, with benefits, such as access to training and education opportunities, networking events, and publications, including the Journal of Emergency Management and the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. Members also have the opportunity to participate in the organization's annual conference, which features keynote speakers, such as Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and provides a forum for networking and professional development.

● Certification

The International Association of Emergency Managers offers a certification program for emergency management professionals, which is recognized globally as a standard of excellence in the field. The certification program, known as the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) program, is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in emergency management, and is based on a set of competencies, such as Risk Assessment, Emergency Planning, and Crisis Management. The certification program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and is recognized by organizations, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). The certification program is also supported by academic institutions, including University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Michigan, which offer courses and training programs in emergency management.

● Activities

The International Association of Emergency Managers is involved in a wide range of activities, including training and education, advocacy, and research. The organization offers various training programs, including the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) training programs, which provide emergency management professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to respond to emergencies and disasters. The organization also advocates for policies and programs that support the profession of emergency management, and works closely with governments, including the United States Congress and the European Parliament, to promote emergency management issues. The International Association of Emergency Managers also conducts research on emergency management topics, including Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change, and publishes reports and studies, such as the Global Assessment Report and the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

● International Outreach

The International Association of Emergency Managers has a strong commitment to international outreach and cooperation, and works closely with emergency management organizations and professionals from around the world, including United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization has also partnered with international organizations, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the European Union (EU), to promote emergency management and disaster risk reduction globally. The International Association of Emergency Managers also provides support and resources to emergency management professionals in developing countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Somalia, and works to promote international cooperation and collaboration in emergency management, including through the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement. The organization's international outreach efforts are supported by its regional and local chapters, including the Africa Chapter and the Middle East Chapter, which provide a forum for emergency management professionals to share knowledge and best practices.