Free Enterprise Leadership Council FAQs PDF Print E-mail

What is JA's mission?
Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people to embrace free enterprise and succeed in a global economy.

How often does the JAFELC meet?
The council meets formally four times per fiscal year (once each quarter). The council also hosts a minimum of of two networking events during the JA fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The purpose of the networking event is to attract new volunteers to JA programs, and to generate more interest in the JAFELC. Additionally, the council committees may meet up to once per quarter as well (outside of formal JAFELC meetings).

What is a JAFELC meeting like?
Council meetings last for 1.5 hours. Each council meeting is led by the Council Chair. The Executive Committee updates the council on progress against our goals and on the council budget. During the meeting, we discuss topics about which JA or the Board of Dirctors has sought council opinion. We also discuss upcoming council, board, and JA events. During each meeting, we break into committees and conduct working sessions.

What are the JAFELC goals?

  • The JAFELC goals for 2007-2008 are:
  • Grow the council by 100% (40 members total)
  • Raise at least $1,000 for JA (members will pay $45 for membership dues)
  • Recruit at least two new volunteers per council member
Junior Achievement's goal is to reach 90,000 students with JA programs during the 2007-2008 school year.

Is there a limit to the number of JAFELC members?
There is currently no maximum number of JAFELC members. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of years that a member may serve. This may be revisited in future fiscal years.

What are the JAFELC committees?

  • Executive Committee: This committee provides leadership to the JA Free Enterprise Council (JAFELC) and will meet 2-3 weeks prior to regular JAFELC meetings via conference call or face-to-face meetings. This committee is responsible for creating policies for the council. Four council members make up this committee - Council Chair, Finance Chair, and two general members.
  • Nominating Committee: This committee creates policies and procedures for the nominating process. The committee reviews nominating forms and presents membership recommendations to the council.
  • Program Committee: Committee members directly focus on the mission of JA. This committee plans a JAFELC-sponsored JA in a Day at a local school, helps recruit volunteers at community events and develops new ways to get potential volunteers involved with JA.
  • Special Events Committee: The members of this committee provide support to JA's special events team. JA's special events include: "Success on the Green" Golf Classic, Colorado Business Hall of Fame, Bowl-A-Thon, and Stock Market Challenge. These council members should enjoy networking with others and will obtain new companies for volunteer and financial support to JA. They are the "cheerleaders" of the council. They also have the ability to create their own fundraising events to benefit JA.

How do JAFELC members stay in good standing?
The Free Enterprise Leadership Council uses membership dues and a point system to assess the standing of each council member. In order to remain in good standing with the JAFELC, each council member pays annual membership dues of $45 (additional personal contribution to JA are welcome), and earns a minimum of 40 points annually. A council member earns between 1 and 15 points for each contribution that the individual makes to Junior Achievement and/or the JAFELC (see below for point distribution).

How do JAFELC earn points?

  • Council members receive 1 point for every $20 they give personally, personally fundraise, or help raise through campaigns like Calls for Kids or Bowl-A-Thon
  • Council members will receive 15 points for a meeting they arrange and attend with a new company and JA staff
  • Recruit two additional volunteers (outside their company) to volunteer for a JA event (5 points)
  • Council members receive 1 point for attending a council meeting/networking event
  • Council members will receive 5 points for serving as Council Chair
  • Council members will receive 5 points for serving on one of the committees
  • Council members will receive 5 points for serving on a task force (SMC, BAT, Business Week, etc.)
  • Council members will receive 10 points for every class they teach (Traditional, JA in a Day, or Job Shadow)
  • Council members will receive 15 points if they volunteer as a Company Advisor for JA Business Week
  • Council members will receive 5 points for each special event in which they are involved
Note: Council members receive an end of year point report in July.

How are JAFELC members chosen?
Review the JAFELC Nominating Process document. If you are interested in joining the Free Enterprise Leadership Council, please fill out the nominating form and fax to Patricia Stroud at 303-534-2771.