2003-04 ACEI member-get-a-member campaign.

Surveys of ACEI members indicate that the primary reason why educators join and remain as members of the organization is to receive ACEI's award-winning journal, Childhood Education, and to support the Association's mission on behalf of children worldwide.

ACEI is your organization, and membership dues give us the financial support that we need to expired our programs. Every new member you recruit strengthens ACEI's voice. Help us share ACEI's mission with a colleague whom you believe can benefit from the support and opportunities provided by ACEI.

Tips for Sharing ACEI With Colleagues

When you first joined ACEL what clinched your decision? Chances are, it was the enthusiasm of someone who was already a member.

The most common reason people give for not joining the Association earlier is, "No one asked me." If you invited five of your fellow educators to come to a meeting or join, you would get at least one new member. You are their colleague; they know you and trust your opinion. Here are some easy ways to share ACEI's work with other educators:

* Be prepared. Have current and accurate information available about member benefits and any local events.

* Share an article from Childhood Education, that is pertinent to current hot topics and issues.

* Distribute ACEI Speaks brochures to fellow teachers.

* Reflect on the primary reason that you joined ACEI and why you continue your membership.

Sharing a personal anecdote about how your membership has helped you will help strengthen your personal connection.

* Be enthusiastic. Talk about how much fun you had at your last Branch activity or meeting, or at the Annual Conference.

* Invite a colleague to attend your next activity with you (offer to take them).

* Take advantage of ACEI's Web page at www. acei.org. Tell your friends about the free resources that are available. Also, share the answers to frequently asked questions about membership categories and benefits.

To take part hi the campaign, simply give us your colleague's name and address, together with your name and ID number. Your name will be used in the letter and is required if you want to receive your coupon. We will send your colleague a sample issue of Childhood Education with a special membership offer, and you will receive a $5 coupon for every colleague who joins! Coupons may be used toward membership dues, Annual International Conference registration, or ACEI publications. Coupons are not valid for meetings sponsored by Branches. Coupons are nontransferable and are not redeemable for cash.

Member-Get-a-Member postcards a re available for free from Headquarters. Send recommendations and postcard requests to [e-mail], or phone the Membership Department at 1-800-423-3563 (outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-301-570-2111).

--Marilyn B. Gardner, Director of Membership