Monthly MACAE Focus Groups, such as this Enrichment, Recreation and After School Focus Group held September 10th in Okemos, are a great opportunity for members to network and share promising practices, ideas, concerns and solutions with your colleagues.

MACAE leadership presents Senator Ron Jelinek MACAE's first ever State Leadership Award during Legislative Day at the Capitol. Sen. Jelinek is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a former educator and an effective leader on behalf of education during his years in the Senate. Advocacy consistently ranks as the highest priority of MACAE members.

Since kicking off MACAE’s 2009-10 Membership Drive in July, we’ve received 179 applications. Although 2009 enrollment numbers are consistent with September 2008, a fifth of those applications are from new members. For those of you who have not yet renewed your membership, or know of colleagues who may benefit from joining MACAE, your support is greatly needed and appreciated.

MACAE is the only Michigan statewide organization that has a full-time staff and advocates year round on behalf of Community and Adult Education, including early care and education; enrichment, recreation and after school; alternative education; and literacy and ESL. Whether you have licensing questions or concerns with staffing issues, proposed legislation, funding, new requirements, or tracking and earning your continuing education credits, MACAE has you covered! Our staff will give you an immediate response when you have a question that needs quick answers

If you’re looking to become more active in your field and create change, participate in MACAE’s monthly Focus Groups. Meet with professionals like yourself and discuss concerns, issues and strategies regarding these programs, and truly make a difference. Focus Groups have a central role in identifying professional development needs, issues and public policy priorities for MACAE to pursue strategies and truly make a difference.