Academy Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ACC Advocacy Academy?
There are no better advocates for the business of chemistry than the employees of the industry. The Academy is designed to provide plant leadership and other employees with the best tools and tactics to advocate for their company and our industry.
What type of participants are eligible to be nominated for the program?
The ideal participant would be an ACC member company employee who has a role in plant leadership or a colleague that has been identified as a future leader within your organization. This program is designed for individuals with limited or no prior professional government affairs experience.
How do I submit a nomination to the academy?
The nomination window will be open December 9, 2024 through February 14, 2025. Due to the significant amount of interest in the program, we would ask that a maximum of two employees per company be nominated. Nominations can only be submitted by the ACC executive contact or executive advisor, but we encourage collaboration between government affairs colleagues and leadership on who you would like to consider nominating to represent your company.
What is the time commitment required for the participant?
The participants must be able to dedicate a maximum of two hours, once per month via Zoom. Classes will be held the third Thursday of each month. The program is scheduled to begin in April 2025 with an in-person event (virtual option to be offered) and conclude with an in-person fly-in September 2025. Participants will also complete a semester-long advocacy related project specific to their site or organizations needs. This could include: Engagement with a local official, hosting a community related event, participating in an advocacy focused roundtable, visiting a state capitol to meet with legislators, etc.
What are the costs associated for participation in the program?
All costs associated with the programming and curriculum will be covered by ACC. The only costs that will need to be covered by the member company are travel and lodging expenses associated with kick-off event in Houston and the Washington D.C. congressional fly-in and graduation ceremony for the program participants.
Will ACC be advocating specific positions and policies throughout the academy?
ACC will not be advocating or educating participants on specific policy positions on any legislative or regulatory issues. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to apply grassroots advocacy tactics to the specific issues and positions that are most important to your organization. In-district plant tours and the Washington D.C. Fly-In will be opportunities for participants to apply what they have learned to advocate on specific policy issues. Government affairs staff of participating member companies in the academy will be invited and encouraged to participate in the fly-in alongside their colleague participating in the program.