Purpose. The Central States Advisory Council serves with the Board of Directors as the corporation’s governing body. Members of the Advisory Council elect representatives to the Board of Directors and the group gathers annually for an evening reception and short business meeting.

Membership. There are six types of membership in the Central States Advisory Council: individual memberships, state memberships, and organizational memberships. 

Advisory Council Bronze Membership

• the right to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors and to vote in that election, 

• the right to nominate candidates for awards and be considered for Central States and ACTFL awards

• opportunities to preside at workshops,

• the ability to serve on committees that promote Central States' goals and objectives and advance the profession,

• the ability to apply for a Patrick T. Raven Conference Attendance Grant and/or Central States travel/study scholarships.

• the ability to serve on the Central States Board of Directors

• an invitation to the annual business meeting,

Advisory Council Silver Membership

• all of the rights and privileges included in the bronze membership level,

• an invitation to the annual Advisory Council reception,

• a unique Central States branded gift each year (*if joined by November 30, gifts may be picked up at the 2026 Central States Conference and will not be mailed.)

Advisory Council Gold Membership

• All of the rights and privileges included in bronze and silver membership levels,

• a free conference registration

Advisory Council Benefactor Membership

• all of the rights and privileges included in bronze, silver and gold membership levels,

• Includes a $50 donation to the Patrick T. Raven Scholarship Fund (you will receive a donation letter for tax purposes)

Advisory Council State Membership

A state membership in the Central States Advisory Council includes all of the Gold level privileges and also allows state organizations to nominate:

• a Teacher of the Year candidate to Central States;

• up to four participants to the Central States Delegate Assembly;

• up to two participants to the free Central States Leadership Development Workshop;

• up to two participants to the Central States Extension Workshop.

     Note:

• The person who is designated as the state representative is automatically granted membership in the Advisory Council and does not need to hold a second, separate individual membership.

• State membership forms must be completed by an official representative of the state organization.

Organizational Advisory Council Membership

An organizational membership in the Central States Advisory Council is intended for non-profit organizations that are aligned with the Central States Mission and Vision. It includes all of the Gold level privileges and also provides the organization with:

• A complimentary non-profit table in the exhibit hall at the annual conference;

• An opportunity to co-host one webinar with Central States during the current membership year;

• An opportunity to host a networking event at the annual conference

Note:

• The person who is designated as the organizational representative is automatically granted membership in the Advisory Council and does not need to hold a second, separate individual membership.

• Organizational membership forms must be completed by an official representative of the organization.