Tell me about the AFA and the ASA

There appear to be two us based aviculture associations. I want to up my reading, so I'd like to get the journals. Can anybody give me any insight into the differences between the two organizations?

I'm a member of the AFA, but not ASA. I've been meaning to join ASA, but keep forgetting. Not completely sure of the differences. "Seems" like AFA is more proactive about legislative concerns.

The ASA meetings are in Rosemead so maybe you can go check it out and give us the scoop?

I'm going to go hit the ASA "join now" button while I'm thinking about it.

Okay, so after I posted my reply it occurred to me that I've been volunteering w/ AFA doing some online research. So I emailed my contact w/ the AFA and posed your question. Keep in mind that I'm sure the following is not any sort of "official" AFA position statement, but here's the response:

ASA started out as a bird club and still is. I think they are even older than AFA. They are open to all aviculturists, but are devoted more to breeders. In recent years they have also have had a yearly convention.

AFA probably also started as a bird club but later became a federation of many bird clubs. Around the time they started, the government was euthanizing large numbers of parrots because of a Newcastle disease epidemic (which the parrots never contracted). They fought very hard in legislature to have the euthanizations stopped. And that started our constant battle with anti-bird legislation throughout the country. AFA is a more diverse membership which represents breeders, pet owners, conservationists, behaviorists and many others.

In modern times AFA and ASA work cooperatively to try to fight bad legislature. It is good to have as many groups as possible to speak against these bills. They are both good organizations and work side by side many times.

I encourage everybody to join AFA (and I am sure Steve Duncan would encourage everyone to join ASA). We need as many members as possible to represent aviculture at legislative meetings and accomplish all the work that need to be done. The more members – the more we can do.

Cool Roz, that was very helpful! I've joined both. I really want to read the publications, if nothing else.

That actually WAS helpful. I've been looking at the two myself and couldn't tell what the difference was either.

I 've been a AFA member for a long time, though not very active,Josie is working to be certified by them ,On a side note they (both organizations)need our support.

I just completed my AFA intermediate certification.