Affiliate Resource Page

The mission of the AAFCS is to provide leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life.

AAFCS-affiliated organizations are each their own legal entity.

When an individual joins AAFCS, they select the Affiliate they would like to be a member of. Individuals can select to join more than one Affiliate for a small fee. Members also have the option of joining the At Large Affiliate or founding their own Affiliate.

Dates to Know!

Check the AAFCS Calendar of Events frequently to identify upcoming meeting or deadlines.
Download the 2026 Affiliate Schedule which identifies key application, reporting, and registration dates.

Forms and Reporting

Due May 01, 2026 - Affiliate Annual Report - This report is detailed in the AAFCS Policies and is required as part of each Affiliate's annual renewal. It is a summary of the year's achievements and should include brief descriptions of activities/events, successes, and feedback. The report form link was emailed to affiliate leaders.
Submit When Applicable - Affiliate Leadership Updates form - Please complete this form whenever the Affiliate has a change in any of its leadership roles.
Submit When Applicable - In Memorial - Affiliates are invited to share information on members who have passed within the past year with AAFCS.
Due May 31, 2026 - All-Star Affiliate Award - The AAFCS All-Star Affiliate Award was introduced in 2026 and recognized Affiliates who have demonstrated good governance and their commitment to FCS and their Affiliate membership.

Participation in Governance Meetings

Affiliate Presidents Unit (APU): Affiliates each have two representatives on the Affiliate Presidents Unit. Typically the APU meets in person in conjunction with the Annual Conference and virtually throughout the year. Leadership Council events and deadlines will be communicated to Affiliate leaders via email and/or calendar invite.
Leadership Council (LC): An Affiliate's APU members also serve on the Leadership Council. Typically the Council meets in person in conjunction with the Annual Conference and virtually throughout the year. Leadership Council events and deadlines will be communicated to Affiliate leaders via email and/or calendar invite.

Requirements for AAFCS Affiliates

Requirements for AAFCS Affiliates: This document provides an outline of the requirements for AAFCS Affiliates to be recognized as Active and in Good Standing with the AAFCS. It summarizes requirements found in the AAFCS Bylaws, Policies and Procedures Manual, Affiliate Handbook, and Resolutions passed by the AAFCS Board.

Members-Only Essential Resources (sign-in required)

Affiliate President's Unit Forum: This forum is provided to APU members as a resource for sharing toolkits, flyers, and other documents and to connect with and learn from each other. Resources include affiliate logos and tutorials.
Affiliate Management via MyAAFCS: Leaders on record with AAFCS can email members within their Affiliate and download lists of current and lapsed members for their Affiliate. If you need to request access to this form, please use the Affiliate Leadership Update form listed under "Forms and Reporting."
PDU Pre-Approval Form: Use this online form to submit your events for preapproval of professional development units.
Recruitment Toolkit: Developed by a cohort of the AAFCS Leadership Academy, this toolkit shares recruitment tips, ideas for Affiliate activities, and more. Developed by leaders for leaders, it's a must-have for your Affiliate and includes resources like these:

To Do List: Recommendations for Affiliate Implementation

Need a template for reinvigorating affiliate involvement?

Engage: Create a dynamic Affiliate Leadership Team. Try to incorporate members from various membership categories and practice settings. Attend AAFCS governance meetings of the Leadership Council and Affiliate President's Unit and suggestion events, projects, and changes to enhance AAFCS efforts to recruit members and strengthen FCS.

Prepare: Have all members of the Leadership Team review the AAFCS website and read association communications, like the JFCS and member newsletters for news and events to share with your members.

Discuss: Convene meetings of the Leadership Team on a periodic basis to make sure everyone is comfortable in their role and progress.

Promote: Promote statewide completion of an Affiliate action plan. Share your action plan with your membership! Make it an affiliate-wide plan, and each member can feel good about the results.

Register: Register your Affiliate Student Unit Chapters to secure support and resources for your students.

Expand: Host Events, Conferences, and Webinars to reach students and professionals you would like to see become members and advocates of AAFCS and FCS in your State.

Highlight: Gain valuable recognition for your Affiliate by nominating your members for awards, scholarships, and grants. Encourage members to seek national officer, committees, and community leadership positions. Seek out All-Start Affiliate status.

For questions about AAFCS and assistance with any links or information on this page, please contact us. This page is maintained by AAFCS.

Promotional Materials (i.e. Flyers, Signage, Templates) for Affiliate Use

Each spring, AAFCS provides Affiliates an opportunity to request Promotional Packets for pick-up at the AAFCS Annual Conference. These packets include a membership form, Elevate Flyer, INVEST Flyer, CAREER Flyer, and Printable Resources Flyer.

Additional documents/flyers can be printed from the Resources page.

AAFCS prefers that new members register online through the AAFCS portal. This ensures that AAFCS receives all needed information and prevents delays related to that individual gaining access to member resources.

If an Affiliate wishes to accept membership forms and payment and remit those items to AAFCS. The Affiliate must collect the correct membership fees and all required information as identified in the membership forms. That member will not be considered a member of AAFCS or the Affiliate until the completed forms and payment are submitted to AAFCS.

AAFCS Microsite

Microsites are websites that Affiliates can utilize that are hosted through AAFCSs website platform.

Affiliates seeking an AAFCS Microsite to host their Affiliate website, must assign a microsite editor who is responsible for maintaining the site. AAFCS will provide training and help when needed only.

If an Affiliate is interested in opening a microsite, a current Affiliate leader must complete this form and pay all related fees.

Affiliate Paper-Based Testing for Professional Certification Exams

Affiliates planning to offer the professional certification examinations at their annual meetings must complete the online Application for Paper Based Testing.

AAFCS will manage the registration and fee payment process for Affiliate testing. Prior to completing the application, affiliates must:

Secure a certified AAFCS professional to serve as the proctor for the exam administration.
Allow sufficient time for the Affiliate to promote the examination and AAFCS to meet the order submission requirements of the testing vendor. The recommended timeline is a minimum of 6 weeks prior to requested examination administration.

After the application is submitted, the Affiliates must be able to:

Promote the examination with the registration link provided by AAFCS.
Schedule a 3 ½ hour block of time and a quiet testing room set classroom style at the conference for the exam administration.
Communicate with registered participants and provide information on the testing location, time, and items for participants to bring to the testing room.

Contact certification staff by email here to answer questions regarding the affiliate paper-based administration of professional certification exams.