The American Academy of Actuaries represents and unites U.S. actuaries from all practice areas. As the profession's voice on public policy and professionalism issues, the Academy serves its members—and the public—in the following ways: It establishes, maintains, and enforces high professional standards of actuarial qualification, practice, and conduct. It represents the profession at the state, national, and international levels. It assists in shaping public policy by providing legislators, regulators, and others with independent, objective information and analysis. In cooperation with other organizations, it works to represent and advance the actuarial profession and to increase public awareness of the actuary's vital role in the economy and government.