Q. How much time is involved?
A. As much as it takes to get the job done! In the beginning, if you can spend 4-5 hours per week, you will maintain momentum. We realize that you are volunteers and must balance ACEI along with professional responsibilities and your personal lives. If you are able to recruit others to help you, then you can delegate tasks.
Q. What are some of the initial steps to consider in starting a Branch?
Q. How will ACEI Headquarters support me and my new Branch?
A. We have a variety of materials available to members at no cost. We will also share tips on recruiting and keeping members. We will provide some financial assistance through rebates and a small start-up grant. We can send you names of new members as we add them to your Branch. We can also send a mailing from Headquarters to advertise your first organizational meeting.
Q. How are we supported financially by ACEI Headquarters?
A. As we receive your Branch Members' dues payments at Headquarters we allocate $2 to the Local Branch and $2 to the State/Province Branch (regardless of who recruited the member). This money accrues for 4 months and then is given back to the Branches as a rebate three times per year. State/Province Branches may apply for another dues rebate that returns $2 for every professional in the state not affiliated with a Local Branch.
Q. What materials are available from ACEI Headquarters to help me recruit other professionals?
A. We have back issues of:
We can always generate:
Q. Is there a minimum number of members for a Branch?
A. Not really. We recommend you have enough people to serve as officers (at least 5) and then enough people to help carry out projects and bring good ideas and lots of enthusiasm to the group!
Q. What must we accomplish to be recognized as an official Branch of ACEI?
A. Call and tell us of your intent to form. After you organize, send us a copy of your Constitution, an officer roster and a list of members and their dues payments.
Q. What's in it for me?
A. You will gain the personal satisfaction of assisting your colleagues in networking and promoting their professional development.
Q. What sort of recognition will our Branch receive?
A. An article about your new Branch will be published in the ACEI Exchange and your Branch will be recognized at Conference. There are also several awards for Branches and Branch Members that commend achievements in member recruitment, retention and outstanding Branch activities.
More Questions?
We have Answers
Call Marilyn Gardner at 800-423-3563 to request a Branch Manual and other start-up materials. Or e-mail at: aceimemb@aol.com
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1998-2002 by the Association for Childhood Education International. Please send any comments to Marilyn Gardner at aceimemb@aol.com.