About the Academy
Founded in 1986 by former Social Security Administration Commissioner Robert M. Ball, the National Academy of Social Insurance is a think tank and membership network of more than 1,300 of America’s leading social insurance experts. Throughout the Academy’s nearly 40-year history, we have championed the safeguarding of those experiencing economic insecurity, whether through death of a loved one, disability, job loss, injury at work, or aging. Our core strengths are our diverse, bipartisan membership and our trustworthiness as a go-to resource for nonpartisan, evidence-based social insurance analysis and research. When we foster and elevate research findings for policymakers, the needs of the people who receive—or may need to receive—benefits are paramount.
Becoming a New Member
The Academy accepts nominations for new memberships throughout the year. For membership consideration in 2026, nominations must be submitted before Friday, October 17th, 2025. Nominations received after this deadline will be kept on file for consideration the following year. Three active Members must support a nomination for Academy membership. You and your two co-nominators must be Academy Members in good standing. If you have not yet paid 2025 membership dues, please do so today. If you have questions about your dues status, please write to memberservices@nasi.org or call us at 202-452-8097.
Continuing to Expanding Diversity Among Our Membership
Through direct outreach to potential membership candidates and the leveraging of member and partner relationships, it is our ongoing aim to expand the diversity of voices and perspectives within our membership. We are actively seeking candidates that identify with one or more of the following communities: women; BIPOC; LGBTQIA+; veterans; people with disabilities; and people with lived experience of social insurance and related programs.* In addition, individuals who specialize in immigration issues, veterans’ issues, and displaced and at-risk workers, as well as community-based advocates and direct service practitioners are among our current membership priority areas.
We value the relationships built and partnerships made over the years and are grateful for the participation of current members in the important process of expanding our membership.
*Candidates in these categories may be nominated by a single active member, without the support of two additional co-nominators.
