Are you an ESD Professional?
We are working with ESD Professionals around the world to unite our shared mission to prevent violence. Will you join us?
Announcing Interim Executive Director
Lissette (Liz) Brassac-Fitzgerald
Today, I am proud to become a member of the Association of ESD Professionals Leadership team in the position of Interim Executive Director, rising to the challenge of securing the legacy of the Association, supporting Members and Non-Members within the ESD Community, and raising awareness of our vital industry.To that end, I would like to personally invite you to email me with what you would like to see this organization provide in terms of services and resources. I want to know how we can best serve You, as Practitioners, as Educators, as Certifiers, and as Organizations working to grow the ESD Industry
Many of you know I have been on both sides of the aisle on these issues, and I want to assure you that, as a Team, the current Leadership, myself included, are centered on listening attentively, opening up transparent communications, and rebuilding trust within our community.
Our legacy must be the longevity of the ESD Industry, now more than ever, and we can only achieve that together.
About the Association
We are just getting started! The Association of ESD Professionals is a brand new professional membership association created to elevate and fortify the Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) profession, expand the reach of ESD, engage the community, and support ESD instructors, instructor-trainers, researchers, writers, volunteers, advocates, and other violence-prevention professionals who adhere to the principles of ESD. Wherever you live in the world, please consider joining us as we work together toward our shared violence-prevention goals.
We are a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, mutual benefit organization incorporated in Virginia. Unlike a 501(c)(3) organization, the Association does not engage in fundraising and instead must generate revenue. Membership dues may be tax deductible as business expenses and membership does not require participation in the credentialing program.
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Membership
Help us build a global ESD community. Learn about membership here.
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Self-Defense Insurance
Apply with a quick & easy online application. Insurance covers self-defense instruction!
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Worldwide Conferences
Find violence-prevention, self-defense, and women’s empowerment events around the world.
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ESD Career Center
Are you hiring? Post on the Association job board! Looking for a new gig? Use our job board to find your next job!
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Grant Opportunities
Private and government grants could be the answer to funding your ESD program or next project.
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Measurements Report
Measurement tools demonstrate the efficacy of ESD as a means of preventing violence.
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ESD Library
We are just starting to build the library, so please check back soon for additional content!
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Mission
It is our mission to support Empowerment Self-Defense professionals, elevate and fortify the ESD profession, expand the reach of ESD to millions of people around the world, and establish ESD as an indispensable tool for preventing and reducing violence.
By teaching people how to empower themselves and shed their fears, the individuals and organizations doing this noble work can change the world.
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Vision
It is the vision of the Association to provide support to ESD professionals as we grow public awareness of ESD’s healing benefits and broaden the reach of ESD worldwide. The Association aims to standardize the practice of ESD to ensure safety and engender public trust, as well as advocate to influence public policy and increase government funding.
Through all of our work, we will aspire to build community and broaden the diversity and inclusiveness of ESD.
We’d love to hear from you!
We invite you to share your suggestions, proposals, ideas, and recommendations via our Suggestion Box!
