What is the ACE Program?

• The Activists for Congressional Education (ACE) Program is a member-driven effort to
  strengthen the relationship between the AFT and Members of Congress.

• Under the program, affiliates establish ACE Committees by congressional district.

• Participants will meet with the Member of Congress at least twice per year in the
  congressional home district office. The size of the ACE Committee will vary from state to state,
  but should be large enough to ensure that there will be a sufficient number to meet with the
  Member of Congress, yet not so large that the meeting fails to be productive.

• Given that the ACE program is premised on the development of a continuing relationship with
  the Member of Congress, it is important that the participants reside in the congressional
  district of the Member of Congress with whom they meet – i.e. that they be constituents of the
  Congressional member.

• By scheduling regular meetings with the Member of Congress the goal is to build lasting
  relationships while formalizing a line of communication to advance our positions.

What are ACEs asked to do?

Participants are asked to do the following:

• Schedule and meet, as an ACE Committee, with the Member of Congress at least twice
  per year to communicate on issues identified by the AFT Legislative Department.

• Report to the AFT Legislative staff as to the outcome of the meetings via an online
  reporting system. Doing so will enable AFT lobbyists to better represent our members
  concerns when meeting with the Members of Congress.

• Communicate with their local union thru the local union newsletter, or other
  appropriate means, the outcome of the meeting, e.g. educate the membership on the
  positions of the Member of Congress.

How will ACEs receive the necessary
information for the congressional meetings?

The AFT will provide a protected website for the participants that includes guidelines on
setting up and conducting a meeting with Members of Congress, AFT legislative issue talking
points, online reporting mechanism; ACE participant blogging; etc. – the website will serve as
a one-stop-shop for information.

How does an AFT member signup for the ACE Program?

Since each state affiliate has a different structure for political and legislative mobilization, the
process for participating in the ACE program will vary. It is suggested that members contact
their state affiliate political director if they wish to join the ACE program.