Join Our Network Today!

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is the premier bipartisan membership association supporting leaders from state, county, and city human services agencies to advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Now more than ever, public human services agencies need access to timely federal updates; opportunities to network and engage on emergent topics with peers across the country; and to learn the latest practice innovation and technology modernization moving the human services sector forward. Learn more about Who We Are.

Already representing nearly every state across the country, we continue to grow our national network to maximize our collective impact. Learn more (below) about the benefits of becoming a local, associate, or individual member during our special enrollment period for 2026—now until January!

Local Membership

What is a Local Member?

Human services professionals responsible for administering human services at the county or city level. City and county agency membership is organizational, meaning that the agency is the member and therefore all staff are members too.

Membership Benefits

Timely Updates & Resources

  • Real-time policy alerts about the legislation and orders impacting your work.
  • Access to a members-only page providing vital legislative summaries, analyses, and more from our subject matter experts.
  • Weekly e-updates on federal policy and Congressional updates in This Week in Washington, and monthly APHSA updates in The Compass.
  • Subscription to Policy & Practice Magazine. 

Exclusive Peer Networks

  • Special invites to monthly virtual Local CEO Council Meetings where you will learn and network with your peers across the country, as well as bi-annual, in-person Local CEO Retreats.
  • Members-only access to H.R. 1 Implementation Workgroup geared specifically to the needs of local human services leaders and your teams.
  • Tailored invitations to Affinity Groups for staff managing IT, child welfare, workforce development and training, and agency attorneys.

Technical Assistance & Training

  • Complimentary consultation with an Organizational Effectiveness (OE) consultant to explore strategies for building and strengthening your agency.
  • Access to APHSA’s Learning Management System (THRIVE) including eLearning courses, a resource library, and online learning and peer community groups.
  • And so much more including opportunities to lift up your voice to federal policymakers to help them understand what works at the local level, discounts to our top-rated national conferences, and ongoing support from our subject matter expert staff.

For more information about local membership, please contact Kim James, Assistant Director of Technical Assistance.

Associate Membership

What is an Associate Member?

Organizations connected to the human services sector including associations; nonprofits; community-based organizations; universities and other academic/research institutions, and more.

Membership Benefits

Timely Updates

  • Real-time policy alerts about the legislation and orders impacting your work.
  • Weekly e-updates on federal policy and Congressional updates in This Week in Washington, and monthly APHSA updates in The Compass.
  • Subscription to Policy & Practice Magazine. 

Endless Networking

  • Be a part of our exclusive network of human services professionals including state and local public human services leaders, APHSA strategic industry partners, our subject matter expert staff, and more.
  • Discounts to our top-rated national conferences that bring together APHSA members, federal partners, the private sector, and others across related sectors.

Learning Opportunities

  • Access to APHSA’s Learning Management System (THRIVE) including eLearning courses, a resource library, and online learning and peer community groups.
  • Exclusive invites to topical webinars related to benefit access, child welfare, emerging technology and process innovation, and much more.

For more information about associate membership, please contact Sheila Poole, Vice President of Membership and Policy.

Individual Membership

What is an Individual Member?

Anyone with an interest in public human services consistent with the purpose and mission of APHSA to advance the well-being of all people.

Membership Benefits

Timely Updates

  • Real-time policy alerts about the legislation and orders impacting your work.
  • Weekly e-updates on federal policy and Congressional updates in This Week in Washington, and monthly APHSA updates in The Compass.
  • Subscription to Policy & Practice Magazine.

Endless Networking

  • Be a part of our exclusive network of human services professionals including state and local public human services leaders, APHSA strategic industry partners, our subject matter expert staff, and more.
  • Discounts to our top-rated national conferences that bring together APHSA members, federal partners, the private sector, and others across related sectors.

Learning Opportunities

  • Access to APHSA’s Learning Management System (THRIVE) including eLearning courses, a resource library, and online learning and peer community groups.
  • Exclusive invites to topical webinars related to benefit access, child welfare, emerging technology and process innovation, and much more.

For more information about individual membership, please contact Sheila Poole, Vice President of Membership and Policy.