Welcome to this edition of The Affiliate News. My name is Janet Pierce and as Member A of the Affiliate Leadership Council (ALC) it is my task to gather news from the ALC leadership and TESOL affiliates and organize a newsletter that aims to keep TESOL’s affiliates in touch with each other and with TESOL leadership. As the incoming Member A at our last TESOL convention in New Orleans I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful, interesting people from the various TESOL affiliates around the world. I was inspired by their willingness to share insights from their cultures, their hopes, and insights into promoting professional development for English teachers everywhere. As I took pictures of affiliate leaders at the various ALC events I was struck anew by the diversity we embrace and the graciousness of affiliate leaders to share information. Pictures from these events are on the Ning.

In this edition we have updates from our affiliates around the world, including highlights from the past year’s conferences and meetings and news of upcoming events. These articles are inspirational and a good resource for affiliate leaders to get ideas for speakers along with strategies for planning and organizing professional learning activities. You will also find announcements including a call for nominations to the ALC and news of upcoming affiliate events and conferences.

I encourage you to send this newsletter to your affiliate TESOL board and members. This newsletter is an ideal vehicle to share ideas, resources, and, most important, to make connections across our global profession. I also look forward to receiving articles and items for our winter 2012 newsletter. If you have comments or questions about this newsletter or are interested in submitting an article, please e-mail me at jpierce494@comcast.net.