ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has received 2024 Power of Associations Summit Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The Summit Award is ASAE’s highest recognition for associations that make significant contributions to society through their innovative and effective programs.

ISSA received the Summit Award for its End Period Poverty campaign, which aims to alleviate period poverty and increase public access to essential menstrual care products through legislative advocacy and education. This issue impacts 500 million people worldwide and “1 out of 4 students who menstruate face period poverty in the U.S. four in five teens have reported missing class time (State of the Period 2023).”

“We are honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award from ASAE, which recognizes the power of associations to make a positive difference in the world,” says ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “Our End Period Poverty program is a testament to the vision and commitment of our members, who are not only leaders in the cleaning and facility solutions industry, but also champions of social justice and human dignity. Together, we are working to end the stigma and barriers that prevent millions of menstruators from reaching their full potential. We’re excited to be recognized for the impact we have had on this nonpartisan issue both educating facilities and passing legislation, but there is still much to be done.”

ISSA’s End Period Poverty campaign was launched in October 2022 in partnership with the ISSA Hygieia Network, an ISSA Charities™ signature program dedicated to advancing the careers of women in the cleaning and facility solutions industries. This multi-faceted educational and advocacy campaign is aimed at ending period poverty and advancing period dignity. The campaign is guided by the belief that menstrual care solutions should be as available in away-from-home restrooms as soap, toilet paper, and paper towels.

Since launching, nine states have passed legislation to increase access to period products in schools bringing the total number to 28 and two states have repealed their “tampon tax” bringing the total number to 30. Additionally, there has been federal introduction of the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2023 and the Period PROUD Act of 2023.

Nothdurft added that ISSA invites all its members and stakeholders to join the End Period Poverty program and to take action and support its goal of making period products available to those who need them, when they need them. “This is a movement that requires collective action, collaboration, and funding. We encourage everyone who shares our passion for this cause to get involved and help us make a lasting impact,” Nothdurft said.

“Congratulations to ISSA for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.” 

ISSA will receive the Summit Award at ASAE’s Summit Awards Dinner on September 24, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. The event will celebrate the achievements of the six Summit Award recipients and the 25 Power of Associations Gold Award and 43 Power of Associations Silver Award winners.