DEAR ACL MEMBERS · Winter 2024 · Torch: U.S.
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All these expense reductions and increases noted would induce a potential revenue increase of $235k toward the annual operating budget and bring us toward profitability. While some of these changes will be challenging, the current existential financial crisis necessitates these changes to be made immediately. We are lucky that the financial strength of the organization has allowed us to weather these difficult years without incurring debt; however, we must change course to continue avoiding that. Our outstanding leadership team is working together for this common goal. By making these hard choices and doing the work involved, we can save ACL, ETC, and JCL for the next generation and preserve the events we love, such as the NJCL Convention and ACL Institute.
As we think about all of this, it’s important to remember that we do offer financial help from our endowed funds earmarked solely to help members and schools that need assistance through these programs:
We appreciate your understanding and support during this critical time. Here’s how you can help: first, pay your ACL membership dues for the year (if you haven’t already) and register your NJCL chapter (if you have one). If you’d like to make a personal donation to ACL and encourage others to do so, please use this link.
This year is crucial for our organization, and we are fortunate to have a committed leadership team working hard to make these necessary changes. Thank you for your dedication to ACL and to your students. As we look to the future, we look forward to transitioning to a more navigable website that provides new benefits to our members and easier access to new resources on the horizon.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, we thank you for your membership and continued support.
Jennie Luongo
ACL President
$40k savings by not replacing the salary of the Membership Engagement Specialist who departed from the organization in February
$20k annual savings from a newly negotiated insurance plan for employees
$40k in profit from adjusting the pricing of Institute and Convention to account for actual costs
$10k savings from a moratorium on committee and Board of Governors travel with limited exceptions
$30k annual increase in revenue by raising NJCL dues to $5 and by adjusting the late chapter registration fees to $20 and $30 respectively, pending member approval at the 2025 NJCL Convention
$30k annual increase by raising ACL dues to between $95 and $100 for regular members in the 2025-2026 calendar year
$15k in potential savings from closing the current ACL office, which may not be possible until 2026 or advisable, keeping in mind that we have no plans to reduce our programs or services
$50k revenue goal for an annual giving campaign with plans for collaborating with the efforts of NJCL to include the inception of a JCL alumni association
While some of these changes will be challenging, the current existential financial crisis necessitates these changes to be made immediately.