WHEELING, IL— The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) earned a Power of Associations Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful Peer Support US Group Meeting initiative. For more than two years, CANA and Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) have organized virtual peer support meetings for funeral professionals in North America. CANA hosts virtual peer support meetings on every third Tuesday of the month.
Peer Support Meetings provide an opportunity for funeral professionals to connect about the challenges they face on the job with people who can relate. Participants have shared stories of burnout, mistakes, difficult cases, and more. They have asked questions in a safe and private space to gather information for themselves and their colleagues. They have made their mental health a priority by finding time to attend and talk about their struggles.
These meetings are filled with people who can sympathize and share similar experiences and provide support for overcoming the challenges of the work. Even if they never attend a meeting, funeral professionals have expressed positive feelings knowing that the program is available. It’s seen not only as a resource in case they should need it, but also as tangible recognition of their unique experience and value to their community.
“Congratulations to the Cremation Association of North America 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.”
“CANA shares this award with Funeral Professionals Peer Support and the many facilitators and participants at these monthly meetings,” said CANA Executive Director Barbara Kemmis. “From its very founding, peer support meetings are pure service to the profession.”
Kim Zavrotny, US Director of Funeral Professionals Peer Support, said “We thank CANA for believing in and supporting our mission. The partnership that has been created between our organizations is so valuable to our industry and the individuals that serve in our profession.”
To learn more about Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meetings, visit cremationassociation.org/selfcare.
Want to participate? You can attend the next meeting on the third Tuesday of the month at 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT. No registration is required, so participants can join at cremationassociation.org/peersupport.
###
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
About The Power of Associations Awards
ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the associations’ economic and societal contributions locally, nationally and globally. ASAE celebrated The Power of Associations Award winners during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 28, 2023, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
