This year, I’ve taken a page out of my three-year-old’s book and have been asking “why” a lot. I’m on a mission to understand what motivates ASA members. Why do you do what you do?

At JSM this year, I asked people to write down their responses to a few questions: Why did you become a statistician or data scientist? Why do you choose to be an ASA member? Why do you choose to donate to the ASA?

I received great responses. Here are a few:

“Because now more than ever, we need to promote the importance of science.” – Theresa Kim

“I’m an ASA member so I can collaborate with my peers on challenges that affect us all.” – Richard Zink

“I’m a statistician to help make the world a better place for my family.” – Erik Raab

“I am an ASA donor because I believe in putting my money where my heart is.” – G. Jackson

Not surprisingly, there is a lot of overlap between members’ “why’s” and the ASA’s “why.” Of course, there is! The ASA is a membership association, and it is the members who drive the association’s activities and focus. Giving Day, on November 1, is all about showcasing some of the reasons we do what we do and the impact of donations.

As Giving Day approaches, I would encourage you to think about your why and consider donating to show your support.

There are several fun contests we’ll run throughout the day, such as the Early Bird and Donate and Share challenges. Winners from these contests last year received prizes like an invitation to the President’s Invited Speaker Reception at JSM and an ASA goody box with a timeline of statistics poster, “Statistics Is My Superpower” water bottle, and other fun items.

Learn more about what your donation on Giving Day can do and how you can win one of our prizes this year!

Thank you for your support!