Evolution of the Council of Delegates:  For a number of years now, the ACA Council of Delegates has been evolving from a group that simply reacts to votes brought before it - to a true Council of dialogue and debate.  In year's past, Delegates were expected to be informed of the issues prior to any meeting and to come to the meeting with formed opinions.  We have now evolved to the perspective that the Delegates are an important part of the development of issues.  For example, the National Board might identify an issue and assign tasks to a Committee.  That Committee will begin the analysis and now bring issues to the Council to help form recommendations and gain other knowledge.  The Committees will then go back and craft drafts for further discussion using many avenues of dialogue - including online open hearings, bulletin boards, discussions at the Section level, etc.  And then finally, recommmendations go back to the Board, or the Council, or to the CEO.  (For a reminder of what issues are under the authority of the Board, the Council, and the CEO, refer to the National Board Policies below.) This meeting will reflect this new evolution.  We are glad you are a part of the dialogue!