General Provisions (Applicable to All Committees)

Membership: Each committee shall consist of a Chair appointed by the Board of Directors and additional members as appointed by the Board. The Board may appoint advisors as needed.

Reporting: Each committee shall report its activities to the Board of Directors quarterly or more frequently as determined by the Board and shall submit an annual report summarizing accomplishments and recommendations no later than 2 weeks before the Annual Meeting.

Term: Committee appointments shall generally coincide with the Association's fiscal year (July 1–June 30) unless otherwise determined by the Board.

Authority: Committees serve in an advisory capacity unless the Board specifically delegates decision-making authority in writing.

Dissolution: The Board of Directors may modify, expand, or dissolve any committee at its discretion in accordance with the ACPOC Bylaws.

Communications Committee

Purpose:
The Communications Committee supports the Association by promoting ACPOC's mission, programs, educational offerings, advocacy initiatives, and member engagement through internal and external communications.
Responsibilities

The committee shall:
·       Develop and recommend communication strategies.
·       Manage ACPOC's social media presence.
·       Assist with website content.
·       Promote educational programs and meetings.
·       Highlight member accomplishments and organizational initiatives.
·       Recommend methods to increase awareness of ACPOC.

Authority
The committee may develop communication materials and recommendations for Board approval. Routine communications approved by the Board or Executive Director may be published on behalf of the Association.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Speak on behalf of ACPOC regarding policy unless authorized by the Board.
·       Commit Association funds.
·       Enter contracts.
·       Make public policy statements without Board approval.

Industry Relations Committee

Purpose
The Industry Relations Committee develops and strengthens relationships between ACPOC and manufacturers, suppliers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other industry partners.

Responsibilities
The committee shall:
·       Maintain communication with exhibitors and sponsors.
·       Recruit new exhibitors.
·       Recommend sponsorship opportunities.
·       Assist with exhibitor communications.
·       Identify new industry partnerships.

Authority
The committee may communicate with industry partners on behalf of ACPOC regarding approved sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and make recommendations to the Board.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Negotiate or sign contracts.
·       Commit ACPOC financially.
·       Promise sponsorship benefits outside Board-approved policies.

Education Committee

Purpose
The Education Committee develops educational programming that advances the knowledge and professional development of ACPOC members.
Responsibilities

The committee shall:
·       Recommend educational priorities.
·       Develop webinars.
·       Create online educational resources.
·       Recommend speakers.
·       Support member education throughout the year.

Authority
The committee may organize educational activities and recommend programming for Board approval.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Establish continuing education policies independently.
·       Enter speaker contracts.
·       Approve educational budgets.

Membership Committee

Purpose
The Membership Committee promotes membership growth, engagement, recruitment, and retention while evaluating member needs.
Responsibilities

The committee shall:
·       Review membership benefits.
·       Conduct membership surveys.
·       Recommend membership recruitment strategies.
·       Evaluate membership categories.
·       Recommend retention initiatives.

Authority
The committee may make recommendations to the Board regarding membership policies and engagement activities.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Approve membership policy changes.
·       Change dues.
·       Remove or approve members independently unless specifically delegated.
 
Planning & Program Committee

Purpose
The Planning & Program Committee develops the educational program and assists in planning ACPOC's Annual Meeting and other educational events.
Responsibilities

The committee shall:
·       Develop the Annual Meeting program.
·       Manage the call for abstracts.
·       Review abstracts.
·       Recommend speakers.
·       Recommend future meeting locations.
·       Review meeting pricing and structure.

Authority
The committee may organize planning activities and make recommendations to the Board regarding meeting programming.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Execute venue contracts.
·       Establish registration fees.
·       Commit Association funds.
·       Change conference policies without Board approval.
 
Advocacy Committee

Purpose

The Advocacy Committee advances the interests of the orthotic and prosthetic clinical community and the patients they serve by identifying advocacy priorities and supporting public policy initiatives.
Responsibilities

The committee shall:
·       Identify advocacy priorities.
·       Collaborate with partner organizations.
·       Assist with policy statements.
·       Support patient advocacy initiatives.
·       Recommend advocacy strategies to the Board.

Authority
The committee may develop recommendations, draft advocacy materials, and collaborate with partner organizations as authorized by the Board.
Limitations

The committee shall not:
·       Represent ACPOC in legislative or regulatory matters without Board authorization.
·       Issue official policy positions independently.
·       Enter into formal partnerships without Board approval.