Who We Are - FAQ
You have questions. We like questions. Our FAQ is designed to tell you everything you've ever wanted to know about Florida's premier young professional organization — Alachua County Emerging Leaders (ACEL).
- What is Alachua County Emerging Leaders?
- We are a nonprofit, member-led organization of professionals between the ages of 21 and 45 who are interested in educational, leadership and service opportunities in Gainesville and other cities in Alachua County, Fla.
- What does ACEL do?
- Simply put, we keep young professionals connected, informed and involved with their community and with each other by hosting social, networking, philanthropic and civic events and working on projects to benefit our members and the community.
- Who’s in charge of this organization anyway?
- Our volunteer board of directors is made up of each committee chair, the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, past president and directors at large. Board members serve two-year terms, and each September members can nominate themselves or someone else to be considered for open board positions. The board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at LifeSouth Community Blood Center on 13th Street at 6 pm. Board meetings are open to all members in good standing.
- What are ACEL committees?
- ACEL committees are the best place for members to contribute their expertise and find support for their ideas and passions. Most of our business is accomplished through our eight committees — Community Policy and Advocacy, Community Relations, Fundraising, Kickball, Marketing and Communications, Membership, Professional Development and Social—each of which is led by a committee chair or co-chairs.
- What do committees do?
- Each committee has its own focus and responsibilities. The best way to find out what the committees do is to visit our committee page and check out the complete descriptions of all eight committees.
- Why would I want to become involved with a committee?
- Here's the top four reasons:
- To learn leadership. By attending committee meetings, you'll see how to run a meeting, how to set, achieve and measure goals, how to delegate tasks and how to manage people. Even better, by getting involved with one of our programs (or eventually becoming a committee chair yourself), you'll put these skills into action.
- To pursue your passions. Have an idea? Bring it to the appropriate committee’s monthly meeting, and we’ll find a way to help you make it happen.
- To expand your network. Our ongoing projects always offer opportunities to make contacts within the organization and within the community.
- To have fun. Participating on a committee is the best way to get to know our members and have a lot of fun in the process.
- How do I join a committee?
- Send the appropriate committee chair an e-mail introducing yourself, or just show up at a committee meeting. We love new committee members, and you are always welcome to drop in on a meeting. Hit us up on the Web at www.acelfl.com//committees/ for chair contact information and meeting dates, times and locations.
- How do I join ACEL?
- Visit the ACEL application page, fill out the electronic application and pay online via PayPal. Membership dues are $50 per year for first-time members and $35 per year for renewals. It's just that easy.
- Where else can I find out information about ACEL?
- Our Web site is a good place to start. Then, you can make an even better connection with us through social media. Here's how: Want even more ACEL news? We've got you covered. On the first and third Wednesday of each month, our eNewsletter, the ACELerator, will show up in members' inboxes.