Education, Connection, and a Stronger AFS: Our Focus for 2027–2028

The AFS Board of Directors has approved a 2027–2028 Strategic Focus Plan centered on two closely connected priorities: strengthening the AFS Learning Center and growing an engaged, thriving membership community.

The purpose is straightforward: help AFS deliver greater value to the people and organizations advancing filtration and separation, while building a strong foundation for the Society’s future.

Why These Priorities?

Education and community are at the heart of AFS’s mission. Professionals turn to AFS to deepen their knowledge, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Employers look to the Society for opportunities to develop their teams, connect with expertise, and participate in the broader industry.

These needs reinforce one another. Relevant education brings people into the AFS community. An active membership contributes the experience, questions, and practical insights that help make that education valuable. Together, they create opportunities for learning and collaboration that continue throughout the year.

By concentrating on these two priorities, AFS can direct its volunteer expertise, staff effort, and investments toward work with the greatest potential to benefit members and strengthen the Society over time.

Expanding Opportunities to Learn

The plan calls for developing the AFS Learning Center into a sustainable, year-round resource for technical and professional education.

Priorities include building learning pathways from introductory through advanced topics, exploring certificate programs, expanding live and on-demand learning, and developing corporate training opportunities that respond to workforce needs.

For individuals, the goal is to make it easier to find education relevant to their experience and professional goals. For employers, it is to provide practical options for developing employees and strengthening their teams’ capabilities.

Supporting that work will include expanding the instructor network, maintaining consistent instructional standards, and evaluating how programs are delivered. Growth will be guided by both educational quality and a sustainable operating model that supports continued investment in AFS’s mission.

Making Membership More Valuable and Engaging

The second focus area centers on strengthening the AFS community and making membership more relevant to the people and organizations it serves.

Building on the Membership & Awards Committee’s work this past year to reevaluate member benefits, AFS will examine membership offerings, explore stronger connections between membership and education, and improve how members discover and use available opportunities.

The plan also calls for evaluating regional engagement and strengthening relationships with companies, universities, research institutions, and allied organizations. The aim is to create more meaningful ways to participate, share expertise, and build relationships throughout the year.

A growing, engaged community brings more perspectives into AFS, broadens its network of expertise, and strengthens the experience for everyone involved.

Turning Focus into Progress

The Board and staff will track progress through measures that include learner satisfaction, education participation, corporate training engagement, membership growth, retention, and regional activity. Those measures will help AFS refine its approach and direct resources toward programs that deliver meaningful results.

Members have an essential role in this work. Participating in a course, sharing a training need, introducing a colleague, or contributing expertise can help shape what comes next.

Through this focused approach, AFS is investing in its ability to serve today’s members and the next generation of filtration and separation professionals.