CEFPI Membership: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is CEFPI?
A: The Council is a professional association whose members - individuals, institutions and corporations - are actively involved in planning, designing, building and equipping schools and colleges. The association serves its members through three key strategic areas:

Q: How large is The Council of Educational Facility Planners?
A: The Council represents nearly 2,915 people world wide, all actively engaged in school planning, design and construction. At its current rate of growth, the Council will have nearly 4,000 members by 2004, The Georgia Chapter currently has about 180 members. We hope to double the Georgia Chapter's membership during the next year.  

Q: Who belongs to CEFPI?
A: The Council is comprised of a variety of leaders and visionaries who are actively involved in the various phases of school planning. The diversity of our members is the key to the Council's success, CEFPI members are architects, planners, K-12 administrators, higher education professors, facility maintenance and operations professionals, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, and state and provincial agency representatives.  

Q: Why should I join the Council?
A: We believe that the Council provides value for your membership dollar. In addition to the tangible membership benefits, such as newsletters, workshops and practitioner-based publications, your membership provides you access to expertise and information - you are exposed to professionals with whom the networking opportunities are limitless. The ability to learn and share information, see how best practices are implemented, and meet experts to identify solutions to key problems are by far our greatest strengths. In this regard, CEFPI is The School Building Association.  

Q: How do I join, as an individual or a corporate member?
A: Whether you are an individual or belong to a corporation or school district we have membership categories that are affordable and allow you to utilize and enjoy Council services. Corporate or institutional membership entitles the entity up to three (3) voting representatives. Discounts are extended to employees of corporate members who receive the member rate on products and services offered by the Council. Individual membership entitles you to full voting privileges. Whichever option best suites your circumstances, both are affordably priced. For more information about joining CEFPI contact Ted Gilbert in the Georgia Chapter.  

Q: Who governs the association?
A: As a member of the Council you help establish and drive the issues and agendas that have made us so very successful. A member-elected Board of Directors consisting of international representation oversees the policy and direction of the association. Regional and local chapter organizations leverage our information network and help bring your input to the Board in a member-driven fashion. On a day-to-day basis, the Council employs a professional staff, led by an executive director, who administers the ongoing operations of the organization. Working together, the membership, its international and regional officers, and the staff, build relationships that constructively advance the association.  

Q: How are your association’s resources used?
A: The Council derives its operating revenues from a variety of sources. However, less than one-third of our funds come from member dues. Sales of publications, conferences, workshops and other ancillary programs help insure that the cost of your membership remains low. On behalf of its members, CEFPI applies its resources in three areas of focus - Advocacy, Training and Research. The Council is organized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Therefore, all funds are used to the ultimate benefit of its membership.  

Q: How do I become affiliated with a Region or Chapter?
A: By virtue of your international membership in the Council you are assigned to a Region. Your state, province, or country of residence dictates which Region and Chapter affiliate is most appropriate. Using the Region and Chapter model allows the Council to reach the broadest marketplace possible in order to disseminate information and obtain the greatest feedback. Your affiliation with a Region and Chapter is a valuable component of your membership and is provided at no additional cost to you beyond your annual dues. For more information about joining CEFPI contact Ted Gilbert.  

Q: Where will I fit?
A: The Council is composed of seven (7) Regions. Six are in North America where more than 90% of our membership resides. The remaining Region encompasses the rest of the continents around the globe. The Georgia Chapter is in the Southeastern Region of CEFPI.  

Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: The Council maintains a well-trained and accommodating staff. Questions regarding any aspect of your Council membership can be directed to the International Headquarters via phone: 480.391.0840, fax: 480.391.0940, or email membercare@cefpi.org