Following the Summer Workshop, July 21-23, the Board of Directors convened and approved several proposed policies and programs that hope to advance the association's ability to better serve its membership and ensure continuity.

Board & Committee Reform

To better lead the organization and be more responsive to the membership needs, the board approved increasing its regular meeting schedule from three times a year to bi-monthly. Additional action included adopting a board attendance policy, a requirement to publish board agendas three days before the meeting, standardizing board reports, procedures for asynchronous board votes via email.

Board Document(s): Proposed Board of Directors Reform.

Fundraising Initiative

In December 2023, the association was granted its 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. As ACTAA enters its new fiscal year on August 1, the board adopted a Strategic/ Corporate Partners Program. The initiative provides a structured program for soliciting financial donations through sponsorships for ACTAA core activities (e.g., Arkansas Forensics and Debate State Championship Tournament (ASC), Arkansas Student Congress (STUCO), Annual Fall Conference, Annual Summer Workshop, Scholarships). With the program, ACTAA Leadership will develop partnerships with external individuals and businesses to financially support the growth of the association’s programs. In addition to a three-level recognition program (e.g., Partner ($500.00-$999.99), Advocate ($1,000.00-$2,999.99), & Champion ($3,000 <), the initiative allows for naming rights to sessions, events, and meetings based on a financial contribution.

Board Document(s): Proposed Strategic/  Corporate Partners Program.

Website Policies

In February, Wild Apricot, Inc., our association’s website and membership management platform provider, advised its customers on new features to ensure compliance with recent data privacy laws adopted in areas of the United States. Although Arkansas does not currently require websites of businesses based in the state that collect user data and financial transitions to have a published privacy policy, cookie policy, and terms of services, state-wide media suggest that legislation proposed by the State Cybersecurity Office may be introduced this spring. Additionally, since Wild Apricot currently provides an affordable partnership with its preferred provider of non-profit web-based legal policies, Termly, Inc.,  the board approved several website policies.

Board Document(s): Website Privacy Policies, Website Cookie Policies, Website Terms of Service, & Website Design Guide.