More Transparency

Two ChoralBlogs back I wrote about the efforts the American Choral Directors Association continues to make as it works at being a transparent organization. My previous blog highlighted the ACDA audition process, the Choral Journal publication process, and our election of leaders. Today I would like to outline what we are doing to be transparent in the financial operation of ACDA.

Financial Operation of ACDA

ACDA is a 501 c 3, not-for-profit, organization. This incorporation is registered in Oklahoma, and 43 of our state ACDA chapters operate under this single incorporation identity. Seven ACDA chapters have their own chapter incorporation within their own state, a status that is possible under our Bylaws and Constitution.

The operational funds for ACDA come from three primary sources: membership dues, conference activity, and advertising income. Each of these three areas of revenue have sub-categories, and those categories all serve to support the mission and purposes of ACDA in one way or another. In the last two years, ACDA has created new revenue streams, which have helped offset the current economic problems effecting most institutions. The financial work of ACDA is audited by an outside source and published according to the process outlined in our Bylaws and Constitution (members can see this at  http://acda.org/services )

ACDA Trust and Endowment

At the ACDA Leadership Board meeting in the summer of 2009, ACDA's Leadership voted to merge the activity of the Trust and Endowment into the management of the Leadership Board and designated managers. This work is an exciting work in progress as ACDA develops a strategic plan for its work in the 21 st century. This area of ACDA's work holds great promise as we think about our mission and purposes related to quality performance, education, composition, advocacy, and a long list of initiatives and opportunities in the 21 st century.

The most visible work of the Trust and Endowment has been the Brock Memorial Commission, and the Brock Student Composition. Various ACDA Divisions also have funds with specific purposes. None of the operational funding of ACDA comes from any of these restricted funds or from the Trust and Endowment.

National Staff

The National Staff of ACDA consists of two accountants (one National, one State/Division), two information/ technology managers (one systems, one web), two publication managers (one production, one advertising), one membership manager, one festival liaison and archivist, one receptionist/clerical staff, one Division Assistant/Assistant Director, and one Executive Director. The Executive Director oversees the work of the staff and the association, and an Executive Committee oversees the work of the Executive Director, with direct input on various issues from the National Leadership Board. Both the Executive Committee and the National Leadership Board is elected by the membership.

It continues to be important for me, as well as for the ACDA Executive Committee and National Leadership Board, to demonstrate transparency in the financial work of ACDA, as well as all of the workings of our association. The American Choral Directors Association belongs to the membership of the association, and as a member, you are a stakeholder. There are no majority stakeholders-not one.

Leadership and proactive membership make the difference in ACDA, and it is also how we make a difference in quality choral education and performance.