 Is there a need to network and share information in your region/state?  Consider why it is important to come together and share information.  Where can you go for guidance/advising within the military and civic community?  Is there strong interest and will there be sponsored efforts? The Importance of the ACMEs and How to Get Involved

 Think outside of the Box  Consider needs of the state or region  What is the Military mission(s) in your region?  Establish goals early on, but they can change  Theme  Speakers How to Start New or Plan for the Next Symposium

 Will your school/employer support your time and expenses?  It is important to NOT use ACME as a platform for furthering your school’s interests  One representative per school for board positions  Meet early to plan symposium and set goals/theme Officers

 Sponsorships  Logistics  Planning Chair  Scholarships  Marketing/Social Media/TV/Radio  Web master  Special Events Areas That Require Leadership

Why Are ACMEs Important? “Boots to Ground” Federal/State Budgets Issues indigenous to the region Less Expensive - Allows representatives in the field access to what is going on in their military communities Includes Local Politicians and Legislators

 Understanding the specific needs of the military in the region  Do local community colleges/universities offer a “military friendly” product?  At what level do the state legislators understand their military community? “Boots to Ground”

 Tighter budgets can make CCME’s and National/International conferences too expensive  Allows local counselors/ESO military access to new legislation/laws/rules of TA/GI Bill/Financial Aid  Forum for schools to learn from one another and to effectively partner Federal/State Cut-backs

 Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard?  Is the military foot print shrinking, growing, changing?  Who is the community and what degrees/programs do they need?  Dynamic and constantly changing What are the issues of your region?

 Involve your state and local government representatives and senior military leadership  Provide a forum so they can meet, network, and discuss the respective military community State/Local Legislators and Elected Leaders

 Easy!  Volunteer!  Participate!  Stay involved!  Scholarships  Annual symposiums  Professional workshops/“Brown-Bag” Lectures  Job fairs  Fundraisers How to Get Involved?

Reference Slides

Member-at-Large  Supports the President and Board  Helps facilitate and execute meetings and symposium  Special Projects  Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Charity Golf Tournament  Works on Committees  Symposium Planning  Marketing  More

Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Charity Golf Tournament

 The committee will promote information about the benefits of membership, establish a membership process and maintain an accurate list of members  The Committee will print name tags, prepare the pad folio with sponsors information and distribute to the attendees at the Symposium. Membership Committee

 Maintain award criteria and submit suggested additions or changes to the Executive Board for consideration  Review and submit nominations for each award category  Preside over the selection process and report the recommended recipients to the Executive Board for final consideration  Notify recipients  Coordinate the preparation of a commemorative to be presented to awardees at the next annual conference and provide an invoice to the Treasurer for payment Awards Committee

 Maintain all monies of the Council, keeping an accurate record  Present the financial statements at Executive Board meetings  Maintain a checking account for the deposits and payments of Council funds  Be one of two officers authorized to sign Council checks  File and maintain tax forms Treasurer