Be a Leader. Use your Voice. Get Involved.

Engaging with AFCPE offers numerous opportunities to contribute to the advancement of financial counseling and education. Whether you’re interested in joining a Task Force, serving on the Board of Directors, or participating in the Certification Council, your involvement is invaluable to the strength of the organization. There are more than a dozen opportunities for leadership and involvement with AFCPE.

Why Volunteer? 

  • Make an Impact: Your voice and expertise can shape the future of AFCPE®.
  • Build Your Skills: Enhance your communication, leadership, and collaboration abilities.
  • Grow Your Network: Connect with professionals who share your passion for financial education and counseling.

Task Forces

Board of Directors

Certification Council

Task Forces: Driving AFCPE’s Mission Forward

Task forces play a crucial role in carrying out the work of the Association, ensuring its growth and sustainability. All current AFCPE® Members are encouraged to actively participate, with membership in AFCPE being a prerequisite for joining a task force.

New task forces may be established or existing ones discontinued at the discretion of the President, with approval from the Board of Directors. Your involvement helps shape the future of AFCPE and strengthens our shared mission.

Are you passionate about recognizing excellence and fostering inclusivity? AFCPE is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join the Awards Task Force! This dedicated group is essential to honoring outstanding contributions in the field of financial counseling and education. As a member, you will help shape the awards process, ensuring it remains inclusive, impactful, and reflective of AFCPE’s high standards.

Key Outcomes

  • Create a fair, inclusive, and streamlined awards application and review process.
  • Increase awareness and participation in AFCPE’s awards program.
  • Contribute to the development of a memorable and meaningful Awards Ceremony script that celebrates excellence and innovation.
  • Foster continuous improvement of the awards program.

Key Responsibilities

  • Update Awards Materials: Refine award applications, scoring rubrics, and the awards process manual to ensure clarity and accessibility.
  • DEI Lens: Review and enhance processes with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Simplify Questions: Streamline application questions to make them more concise while maintaining high standards.
  • Improve Outreach: Develop strategies to increase awareness of AFCPE’s awards program, including targeted marketing and outreach initiatives.
  • Support Reviewer Recruitment: Assist with recruiting additional reviewers in late spring.
  • Finalize Award Selections: Participate in the second stage of the review process to evaluate top applications and determine winners.
  • Audit for Improvements: Continuously evaluate and refine the awards process for greater effectiveness and impact.

Volunteer Criteria

  • Active AFCPE membership is required.
  • Commitment to upholding AFCPE’s values of inclusion, integrity, and excellence.
  • Familiarity with the awards program or similar processes is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable providing feedback and working collaboratively with others.
  • Ability to attend monthly task force meetings.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Contribute to celebrating and advancing excellence in financial counseling and education.
  • Collaborate with other passionate and dedicated AFCPE members.
  • Gain experience in event planning and awards program management.

Sign up today to help shape the future of AFCPE’s awards program!

AFCPE is seeking committed individuals to join our DEIA+ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging) Task Force. This task force is essential in ensuring AFCPE’s programs and initiatives promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all members. As a member of the DEIA+ Task Force, you will contribute to important DEIA+ efforts, including professional development, events, and accessibility initiatives.

Key Outcomes

  • Develop and host a DEI-themed AFCPE Professional Development Webinar.
  • Facilitate networking opportunities focused on DEI during the AFCPE Symposium.
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of a DEI-focused session at the AFCPE Symposium.
  • Support the launch of accessibility initiatives within AFCPE, to be implemented in 2025.

Key Responsibilities

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend monthly task force meetings to collaborate and strategize on DEIA+ initiatives.
  • Webinar Development: Help plan, organize, and promote a DEI-themed professional development webinar for AFCPE members.
  • Symposium Networking: Assist with organizing and promoting a DEI-focused networking topic chat during the AFCPE Symposium.
  • Symposium Session Support: Contribute to the development of a DEI session for the AFCPE Symposium, ensuring it aligns with current DEIA+ goals.
  • Accessibility Initiatives: Participate in the planning of accessibility initiatives to be launched in 2025, helping ensure these efforts support AFCPE’s commitment to inclusivity.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • A passion for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the AFCPE community.
  • Experience or interest in DEIA+ programming and initiatives.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to attend monthly task force meetings (date and time TBD).

Volunteer Benefits

  • Play a key role in promoting DEIA+ principles within AFCPE.
  • Gain valuable experience in organizing DEI-related professional development and events.
  • Network with like-minded individuals committed to advancing DEIA+ efforts.

Does this sound like you? Sign up today!

AFCPE is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Government Relations Task Force. This task force is focused on keeping AFCPE members informed about governmental issues impacting our profession while coordinating efforts to raise awareness for the important work of AFCPE professionals among policymakers and key influencers. As a member of this task force, you will play a crucial role in advocating for policies that support consumer finance education and the work of AFCPE members.

Key Outcomes

  • Raise awareness of governmental and regulatory issues that affect the consumer finance profession.
  • Strengthen AFCPE’s advocacy efforts and the visibility of AFCPE professionals among policymakers and influencers.
  • Develop, and maintain, a Member Advocacy Toolkit to help AFCPE members engage in advocacy and raise awareness.
  • Build closer relationships with key organizations such as the FTC, CFPB, AARP, and other influential stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend bi-monthly meetings (every other month on Thursdays from 4 PM – 5:30 PM) to stay informed and collaborate with fellow members.
  • Member Advocacy Toolkit: Assist in creating a toolkit to empower AFCPE members to engage in advocacy and raise awareness on relevant issues.
  • Governmental Awareness: Help identify and share key governmental issues and regulations impacting the financial counseling profession.
  • Building Relationships: Contribute to fostering relationships with influential organizations like the FTC, CFPB, AARP, and others.
  • Symposium Session: Collaborate to develop an Advocacy Best Practices session for the 2023 AFCPE Symposium.
  • AFCPE on the Hill: Help plan and advocate for an “AFCPE on the Hill” day, ensuring our voice is heard on legislative matters.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • Passion for consumer finance issues and government relations.
  • Strong research, communication, and networking skills.
  • Ability to attend bi-monthly task force meetings on Thursdays from 4 PM – 5:30 PM. (If you are unable to attend at this time but still wish to participate, please reach out.)

Volunteer Benefits

  • Play an integral role in influencing policies that impact the profession.
  • Network with key stakeholders and governmental leaders.
  • Gain valuable experience in advocacy, government relations, and policy awareness.

Sign up today!

AFCPE is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Member Engagement Task Force. This task force is responsible for developing strategies and providing recommendations for membership resources, programs, and communications to enhance the involvement and growth of our members. As a member of this task force, you will have the opportunity to be a thought leader within the AFCPE member community, shaping initiatives that foster engagement and connection.

Key Outcomes

  • Develop and implement strategies to enhance member involvement and foster community growth.
  • Increase member engagement on the Member Exchange platform and through community-driven networking events and engaging posts.
  • Successfully launch new empowerment communities and moderate community pages on the Member Exchange.

Key Responsibilities

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend monthly task force meetings to discuss progress, share insights, and collaborate with other members on key initiatives.
  • Community Success Committee: Assist with creating engaging content, interacting within the community, welcoming new members, and organizing networking events on the Member Exchange platform.
  • Empowerment Community Group Managers Committee: Support the launch and management of new empowerment communities, including moderating and fostering engagement on the Mobilize platform.
  • Thought Leadership: Be a thought leader within the AFCPE community, contributing to the development of resources and programs that increase member involvement.
  • Member Engagement Initiatives: Provide strategic recommendations for increasing member engagement and enhancing the overall member experience through targeted communications, resources, and programs.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • Passion for creating community-driven engagement and enhancing the member experience.
  • Experience with community management or content creation preferred.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to attend monthly task force meetings and contribute to ongoing initiatives.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Influence the development of programs and resources that directly impact member engagement and growth.
  • Network with other AFCPE members and leaders within the community.
  • Gain valuable experience in community management, member engagement, and organizational development.

Does this sound like you? Sign up today!

AFCPE is seeking individuals to join our Newsletter Task Force. The task force plays a vital role in ensuring the successful creation, editing, and distribution of our quarterly newsletter. As a member, you will contribute to planning, finding innovative content, and promoting AFCPE’s message to our diverse audience. This is a great opportunity to help shape the direction of our communications and raise awareness of AFCPE’s work.

Key Outcomes

  • Successfully produce and distribute a quarterly newsletter that connects with AFCPE’s audience.
  • Increase readership and engagement through innovative and relevant content.
  • Build awareness of AFCPE through articles, contributions, and strategic outreach.

Key Responsibilities

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend regular meetings to review progress, brainstorm content ideas, and collaborate with fellow members on newsletter planning.
  • Article Creation & Planning: Plan and create articles for each quarter, contributing ideas for relevant and engaging topics.
  • Content Strategy: Identify innovative ways to connect with AFCPE’s audience through articles, including seeking out diverse and unique authors to contribute.
  • Editing & Review: Edit and review article submissions to ensure they meet editorial standards, are clear, and align with AFCPE’s goals.
  • Awareness Building: Identify opportunities to help promote and raise awareness of AFCPE’s mission through content in the newsletter.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
  • Passion for storytelling and content creation.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute creative ideas.
  • Willingness to participate in the review and editorial process for newsletter content.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Play a key role in shaping AFCPE’s newsletter and contributing to its success.
  • Work with a dedicated team of individuals passionate about content creation and communication.
  • Gain experience in editing, publishing, and strategic communication within a professional organization.

Does this sound like you? Sign up today!

AFCPE is seeking dedicated individuals to join the Research to Practice Task Force. This task force is focused on bridging the gap between research and practice by raising awareness for AFCPE research and fostering collaboration between researchers and practitioners. As a member of the task force, you’ll contribute to impactful projects, including reviewing grant applications, translating research into practical resources, and supporting the field with knowledge from the latest studies.

Key Outcomes

  • Support the Insight to Impact Grant program by reviewing Letters of Intent (LOI) and Full Proposals.
  • Develop practical applications for studies featured in the Journal of Financial Counseling and Planning (JFCP).
  • Contribute to AFCPE’s newsletter and blog to keep the community informed about the latest research findings.
  • Collaborate with other task force members to enhance the connection between researchers and practitioners in the financial counseling field.

Key Responsibilities

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend quarterly meetings (February, May, September, October) to discuss progress, share insights, and collaborate with members.
  • Grant Application Review: Assist with reviewing grant applications during the LOI and Full Proposal phases of the Insight to Impact Grant program.
  • Content Contributions: Write and contribute to the AFCPE Newsletter and Blog, sharing updates on research findings and their practical applications.
  • Research Translation: Help develop strategies for turning research studies into actionable insights that can benefit financial counseling professionals.
  • Collaborate on Grant Materials: Assist in developing materials and resources for the Insight to Impact Grant program, such as videos and web pages, to raise awareness and ensure effective rollout.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • Strong interest in research and its practical application to the financial counseling field.
  • Availability to participate in the review process for both LOI and Full Proposal phases of the Insight to Impact Grant program.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Willingness to work closely with other task force members and contribute to the success of the grant initiative.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Play an integral role in shaping the Insight to Impact Grant program by participating in the grant review process.
  • Gain experience in reviewing research proposals and helping direct funding toward impactful initiatives.
  • Collaborate with a network of professionals who share a commitment to advancing financial counseling and planning.

Does this sound like you? Sign up today!

AFCPE is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Student Task Force. The Student Task Force plays a crucial role in bringing students and their voices into the AFCPE Community and their AFC Certification experience. As a member of this task force, you will actively contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of our organization’s student outreach and engagement initiatives.

Key Outcomes

  • See an increase in volume of student AFC enrollments
  • Select the Knowledge Bowl Teams for the competition
  • Support the creation of AFCPE’s student centered presentations
  • Review all Symposium sessions to identify a selection of Student Sessions for students attending the Symposium

Key Responsibilities 

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend task force meetings to discuss progress, share insights, and collaborate with other members.
  • REP Outreach: Provide insights and information for AFCPE’s student outreach.
  • Review and Selection: Participate in the thorough review and evaluation of the Knowledge Bowl applications to select participating teams for the Knowledge Bowl.
  • Partnership Outreach: Support development of ideas, questions, resources, and slide content for 2025 student centered presentations.

Volunteer Criteria

  • AFCPE membership required.
  • Passion for student outreach and growth of the AFC among students
  • Familiarity with the association’s values
  • Able to attend all 4 2025 Task Force meetings (times and dates TBD by Task Force Members in January 2025).
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team and contribute to discussions.

Applications may close early based on volume. Not all who apply will be selected.

Volunteer Benefits

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on the association and its members.
  • Networking opportunities within the association’s leadership and fellow task force members.
  • Recognition for your contribution to the success of the Student Task Force.

 AFCPE is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Symposium Task Force. The Symposium Task Force plays a crucial role in recommending Symposium speakers, reviewing proposal submissions, suggesting potential sponsors and exhibitors, development of the Proceedings, and assisting with logistics as needed virtually and/or onsite during the annual Symposium. As a member of this task force, you will actively contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of our annual AFCPE Research and Training Symposium. 

Key Outcomes 

  • Ensure the Invitation to Present submission and selection process for breakout sessions is fair, equitable, and efficient, achieving a diverse program. 
  • Increased attendance of Symposium – in person and virtually of more than 900 attendees. 
  • Symposium event conducted successfully. 

Key Responsibilities  

  • Task Force Meetings: Attend monthly task force meetings (typically February through September) to discuss progress, share insights, and collaborate with other members. 
  • Event Ideas and Trends: Share innovative event ideas and/or trends.  
  • Speaker Suggestions: Share keynote recommendations relevant to current topics and industry trends.  
  • Sponsor and Exhibitor Recommendations: Connect the AFCPE Partner Relations team with any sponsors and/or exhibitors where a relationship with AFCPE could be mutually beneficial. 
  • Review Submissions: Work collaboratively to review the proposals as they are submitted (May and June) for any identifying information to ensure each can be reviewed anonymously. 
  • Session Selection: A subgroup of taskforce members will be invited to attend 1-2 Session Selection meetings in mid-July/early August to finalize breakout sessions. Participants will review the top scoring submissions and collaboratively select presentations. 
  • Promote Symposium Engagement: Taskforce members are encouraged to share AFCPE posts with personal networks, including the Invitation to Present opportunity, attendance at the Symposium, and other information as requested on specific social channels. (i.e., AFCPE Member Exchange, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) 
  • Onsite Symposium Support: Assist with virtual and/or onsite tasks as needed, leading up to and in person, during the Symposium. 

Volunteer Criteria: 

  • AFCPE® membership required. 
  • Passion for planning and programing within the association’s industry. 
  • Familiarity with the association’s values. 
  • Has attended at least one AFCPE® Symposium, in person or virtually. 
  • Experience with or comfortable with conducting outreach. 
  • Able to attend all monthly Task Force meetings on the 3rd Tuesday, of each month at 1pm ET. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team and contribute to discussions. 
  • Able to attend the 2025 AFCPE® Symposium in person in Phoenix, AZ (preferred).  

Applications may close early based on volume. Not all who apply will be selected. 

Volunteer Benefits:  

  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on the association and its members. 
  • Networking opportunities within the association’s leadership and fellow task force members. 
  • Recognition for your contribution to the success of the Symposium. 
  • 10% off of 2025 AFCPE Symposium Member Price with active involvement.

Does this sound like you? Sign up today! 

AFCPE Board of Directors

AFCPE® is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board acts on behalf of the members to provide fiduciary oversight and develop the organization’s strategic direction. The Board is committed to ensuring accountability for the organization’s positive performance and to addressing the needs of AFCPE® professionals and the people they serve.

We look for leaders who share our Values:

Highest Standards: Accreditation through NCCA sets the AFC® certification mark apart and emphasizes the highest standard of excellence that AFCPE has built for this field. 

Integrity: AFCPE professionals abide by a strong Code of Ethics and work with each client to better support their unique needs and goals.

Accessibility: AFCPE believes in an inclusive financial system that eliminates barriers to entry and ensures that all people have access to education and professional services that meet their needs and goals.

Sustainability: AFCPE continually strives to offer programs and services that make positive financial, social and environmental impacts.

Equity: AFCPE partners with organizations that share our values and vision around the highest standards of excellence in the field, ethics in business practice and professional conduct, and measurable and meaningful impact in our society.

 

Leaders who share our Guiding Principles:

Shift in Behavior: AFCPE professionals are focused on long-term shifts in behavior to empower individuals to take control of their financial lives and achieve lasting financial well-being.

Shift in Engagement: AFCPE professionals expand research, exchange best practices, and create a continuum of care for all individuals and families.

Shift in Policy: AFCPE advocates for a required fiduciary standard and the highest standards for the financial counseling, education, and coaching professions

Purpose:  

The Board supports the mission and work of AFCPE by providing leadership, strategic governance, and fiduciary oversight.  

Responsibilities:  

  • Attest that the organization has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission while remaining accountable to its stakeholders.
  • Ensure the organization is adequately insured.
  • Verify controls are in place to protect the security of private information.
  • Review organizational compliance and risk management practices, as well as performance and quality improvement outcome monitoring initiatives.
  • Select, evaluate, and review compensation for the Executive Director.
  • Conduct annual self-evaluation of the Board of Directors.
  • Engage in long-term organizational planning and strategic development, and measure progress against the plan.
  • Review, analyze, and approve annual budget, audit, and periodic financial reports.
  • Represent AFCPE to external stakeholders; act as an ambassador and advocate for the organization.
  • Assist in the recruitment of new Board members.
  • Ensure the organization has adequate resources by participating in the achievement of fundraising goals and introducing the organization to potential donors positioned to help fulfill its mission.
  • Review Board materials, attend, and actively participate in scheduled Board meetings.
  • Participate in at least one Board subcommittee.  

Board Term:  

  • The term of office for Board members is 3 years, beginning on January 1 following an election.
  • No Board member may serve more than two consecutive 3-year terms.
  • No Board member shall hold more than one office at a time.

Time Commitment:

  • The typical time commitment of a board member is 2-6 hours per month. Board meetings occur quarterly and are held virtually, with the exception of the Q4 board meeting which is held in person the Tuesday prior to the Symposium.
  • In addition to meetings, Board members are expected to serve on a Board Committee, and attend the Annual Business meeting typically held virtually the first Monday of October.
  • Typical time commitment for Board members averages 2-6 hours per month (Board meetings, committee meetings, preparation, learning/advocacy/ambassadorship/events).

Note: Board members will be provided a code to receive a 50% discount on Symposium registration, a one-night complimentary hotel stay (if onsite event), and planned meals on the day of the meeting (if onsite event). All additional expenses will be the responsibility of the individual board member. Any additional face-to-face meetings will be funded by AFCPE.

Criteria for Consideration:

  • Be a current AFCPE Member
  • Demonstrated leadership commitment to AFCPE
  • Relevant experience in organizational management
  • Time to commit and participate
  • Positive leadership attributes 
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • Ability to engage in appropriate debate/discussion
  • Visionary and strategic drive
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • A career focus within the field of personal finance
    • Preferred: An AFC credential
    • Expertise in marketing, development, research, and/or fundraising. 

Benefits of Serving on the Board:

There are many benefits of serving as a volunteer leader, including:

  • Playing a significant role in advancing the profession and the organization’s strategic plan;
  • Having an opportunity to enhance the value of AFCPE and the AFC to our members, certified professionals, and general public.
  • Accessing up-to-date information about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession; and
  • Helping to lead the association in its mission to positively impact the financial well-being of ALL people by ensuring the highest standards for financial counseling, coaching, and education.

Join us in advancing excellence, integrity, and equity in the field of financial counseling and education.

Applications for the Board of Directors are currently closed. Please check back this summer.

AFCPE Certification Council

The AFCPE® Certification Council oversees the Association’s Certification Program, operating independently to manage all certification-related policies and procedures. This includes eligibility requirements, examination development and administration, recertification standards, and the establishment of a code of conduct and disciplinary policies.

The Certification Council ensures the integrity and autonomy of the certification process but does not develop or approve educational or preparatory courses. All decisions align with AFCPE Bylaws and require Board of Directors’ approval for significant changes, such as developing or discontinuing certifications.

The Council comprises seven voting members: three Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFCs) in good standing, one public representative, and three members representing stakeholder groups. The Certification Program Director serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member. Members serve staggered three-year terms, ensuring continuity, with leadership roles rotating annually.

By joining the Certification Council, you’ll contribute to the future of certification standards, uphold excellence, and support the professional growth of AFCPE members. Explore how you can make an impact!

There currently are no open seats in the certification council.

A call for applicants will be announced in 2026. 

AFCPE’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

“Diversity and inclusion ensure a safe, positive, nurturing, and tolerant environment with mutual respect, free of prejudice. They celebrate differences, including those visible and invisible, in addition to thoughts and opinions that are essential for the involvement and empowerment of our society.”

– Definition established by AFCPE Diversity & Inclusion Task Force

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