Given a choice, let's dance.

At the Executive Board meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, last April, ACEI President Jacqueline Blackwell shared her personal philosophy and goals for ACEI with the other members of the Board. I recall the discussion regarding her idea to implement an Adopt a Teacher Program for ACEI for 2003-2005, which she reviews in detail in the Fall 2003 issue of the ACEI Exchange. She spoke of the Adopt a Teacher Program as a "high-priority agenda item" for her term as President. Board meetings offer an excellent opportunity for your elected officials to meet face to face to discuss many important issues and topics, such as the Adopt a Teacher Program, and to make decisions in accordance with ACEI's goals and purposes as outlined in its constitution and Strategic Plan.

I am always amazed at the amount of work the Executive Board manages to accomplish in the space of a few days of meetings. Agenda items range from membership development and retention, publications, conferences, and public affairs to technological advances and affiliation with other organizations or agencies. A few of the more significant items that were discussed at the recent Executive Board meeting included: the status of ACEI Branches. finances, the new Branch dues rebate policy, and the selection of the topic for the Town Meeting that is held in conjunction with our Annual Conference. A considerable amount of time was also spent discussing revision of the ACEI/ NCATE Elementary Standards and the Program Review Process. Electronic publications, new ACEI position papers, Web site development, and Annual Conference site selection were still other major agenda items that required Board action.

When the Executive Board meets, they have before them an agenda book that is packed with items requiring their attention. The Agenda is developed by the President and Executive Director and compiled by Headquarters staff. Many agenda items involve lengthy discussions, such as those of a policy nature that require a formal vote of approval for implementation. Detailed reports that the Board must review include membership, conferences, marketing, and editorial reports prepared by Headquarters personnel. In addition, the Executive Board also reviews numerous committee reports and the report of the Presidents' Council Liaison. All of these reports highlight the progress we are making to further ACEI's mission on behalf of children worldwide and those who work with them.

The members of the Executive Board have responsibility for all decisions of a policy nature, as well as responsibility for the Association's professional standing in the eyes of the membership and the general public. Each Board member serves as an advocate for the Association and its programs, always acting in the best interests of the organization. Because Executive Board decisions impact the future success and effectiveness of the Association, it is important that careful consideration be given to the nomination of those who are to serve on the Board. If you have an interest in seeking a leadership role in ACEI or you wish to nominate a colleague, I urge you to contact Headquarters for more information and an application.

Before the Executive Board adjourned its meeting in Phoenix, President Blackwell spoke again of the importance of our work as an international organization. Using a metaphor, she referred to a song performed by country music artist Lee Ann Womack titled, I Hope You Dance. President Blackwell urged the members of the Board to help ACEI be a more proactive, involved organization, choosing to "dance" rather than sitting out. Given the many serious issues that we face in today's society, at home and abroad, I hope that all of you will take President Blackwell's lead. Thank you for caring.