Join ADEC

ADEC is one of the oldest interdisciplinary organizations in the field of dying, death and bereavement.  Its more than 1,700 members include a wide array of mental and medical health personnel, educators, clergy, funeral directors and volunteers. Membership in ADEC is open to anyone interested in the field of death education and counseling.

Apply Online today.
Download Membership Brochure here.

Why Join ADEC?
ADEC offers substantial membership benefits including:

1. The Forum
The Forum is a members-only publication that brings news of upcoming events, articles by leaders in the field and information on current developments and trends in the field.

2.  ADEC Members Receive Online Subscriptions to two Professional Journals ADEC is now offering complimentary electronic subscriptions to Omega: The Journal of Death and Dying and Death Studies as a benefit of ADEC membership. Members also have access to available back issues of both journals in PDF and HTML format.

3. Discounted Journal Subscriptions
ADEC members receive discounted subscription rates for the Journal of Trauma and Loss, Mortality Journal, and Living With Loss. Learn more about these journals.

4. ADEC Connects:  ADEC members receive a bimonthly electronic digest. This member benefit will feature short news items for and about ADEC members.  Items will include ADEC news, events, and Thanatology-related news. 

5. Annual Conference Discounts
ADEC members receive substantial registration discount to attend the ADEC Annual Conference, continuing education courses and workshops. The conference provides an excellent opportunity to network with leaders in the field and to share information and strategies.

6. Professional Certification
Certified in Thanatology (CT) and Fellow in Thanatology (FT) are professional certifications that recognize practitioners and educators in the field who meet specified requirements measured by a standardized testing process. ADEC members receive significant discounts on certification fees. Learn more about ADEC's Certification Program.

7. Professional Recognition
ADEC's annual awards program recognizes ADEC members who have made outstanding contributions to ADEC or to the field of dying and death. Awards include Death Educator, Clinical Practice, Research, and Service. Learn more about ADEC Awards. ADEC also recognizes student acheivement and offers scholarships to its annual conference. Learn more about ADEC student awards.

8. Members Only Section & Member Directory
Members of ADEC have access to the Members Only section of the ADEC Web site. This resource includes the online searchable membership directory, an invaluable tool that allows members to keep in touch with their peers and to make referrals around the United States and globally.

9. Professional Development
In conjunction with the ADEC Annual Conference, the Education Institute Program offers courses and workshops on perspectives in death and dying, death education and grief counseling.

10. Special Interest Groups
ADEC members share information and ideas about specific areas of interest. See the complete list of ADEC SIGs.

11. Networking
Among the varied opportunities to interact with ADEC members in an extended sharing and caring community are:

• Local Chapters
• New Member Mentors

12. People of Color/Multicultural Forum
The People of Color/Multicultural Forum is an open forum to discuss diversity issues.

13. Volunteer Opportunities
ADEC is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers.

Membership Categories and Fees
ADEC membership is available in four categories.

Apply today.

Updated: March 28, 2008