American Staffing Association

The American Staffing Association (ASA) is a trade association representing the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. It was founded in 1966 as the Institute of Temporary Services and has since evolved through name changes, becoming the American Staffing Association in 1999.

Mission and Goals

ASA's mission is to promote and protect the interests of its members by advocating for the industry, encouraging ethical business practices, and providing education and resources to its members. It aims to foster better public understanding of the industry's role in the economy and to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations that protect employee welfare[1][4].

Activities and Programs

ASA engages in legislative advocacy at federal, state, and local levels. It offers professional certification programs, including certifications for staffing professionals, technical services, search consultants, and health care staffing professionals[4]. ASA also hosts industry-specific webinars and online training programs on topics such as anti-harassment, occupational safety, and workforce management[4].

ASA promotes corporate social responsibility among its members, partnering with organizations to enhance workforce preparation for at-risk youth and recognizing members' social responsibility initiatives through awards like the ASA Care Awards[5].

Structure

ASA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and operates with a nationwide chapter network to ensure representation across all industry segments[1][4].

Financial and Tax Status

ASA operates as a business league under the IRS 501(c) classification. While donations to ASA itself are not tax deductible, the affiliated ASA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, which allows donations to be tax deductible[2][3].

History

ASA's history began with a focus on addressing proposed regulations by the U.S. Employment Service. Over the years, it expanded its advocacy role at state and local levels, hosted educational conventions, and introduced professional certifications in 2003[4]. In 2023, ASA was recognized for its advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic[4].