About IAWP
Founded in 1913, The International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) is a professional association for members who work in public and private workforce development programs. With over 13,000 members worldwide, IAWP is a non-profit educational association exclusively dedicated to workforce professionals with a rich tradition and history of contributions to workforce excellence.IAWP members form an integral part of the success of the workforce development system. IAWP is a worldwide professional association available to all individuals with a common interest in workforce systems.
IAWP members receive the tools and resources they need to effectively contribute to the workforce development system daily. By providing relevant education, timely and informative communication and valuable findings of pertinent research, IAWP equips its members with knowledge, information and practical tools for success.
Through its network of local and regional chapters, IAWP is preparing its members for the challenges of tomorrow.
Our Mission
The International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP) is a worldwide professional association available to all individuals with a common interest in workforce systems. IAWP equips members for success providing the highest quality of education, leadership, information exchange, and recognition of excellence through a network of local, regional and International chapters preparing members for the workforce challenges of tomorrow.Our Objectives
- To enhance the individual competence, knowledge and proficiency of members interested in all occupations in the Workforce Development arena.
- To provide an international forum for the exchange of information.
- To support administrators in carrying out programs; and to assist in the continued improvement of the administration of programs and services.
- To promote public and legislative awareness of the proficient services provided by the personnel of these programs.
- To provide information to members on proposed legislation and policy matters affecting these programs.
- To foster a close working relationship with organizations that have common concerns regarding the improvement of the Workforce Development arena.
- To contribute toward the advancement of peace, goodwill, and international understanding through world fellowship among persons engaged in these programs.
IAWP Code of Ethics
As a member of IAWP, I will . . .
Uphold the standards of my profession;
Search continually for new truths, methods and techniques;
Keep myself fully informed of all developments in workforce systems;
Cooperate with all others in this field in the use of common knowledge;
Accept membership in this association as a personal responsibility;
Dedicate myself actively to discharge these obligations; and
Declare myself to that end.
IAWP's History
IAWP was founded in 1913. By that time, there were 62 public employment offices in the United States distributed over 19 states. Of these, state governments operated 55, and seven were run by municipalities. The need for uniformity in methods, procedures, and the exchange of information and ideas was realized by many managers and officials of these agencies.
One such manager, W.M. Leiserson, superintendent of the Wisconsin Employment Offices, had the idea for the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security. His letter, dated June 11, 1913, to managers of these offices, began: "Would you be interested in the organization of an American association of public employment offices?"
The response was enthusiastic. The first meeting, which was held in Chicago, Dec. 19-20, 1913, with 14 recorded delegates attending.
