We are pleased to announce the recent non-profit incorporation of the Association of Cultural Exchange Organizations (ACEO).

The Association of Cultural Exchange Organizations (ACEO) was formed to legitimatize an effective platform that provides a strong voice and channel for initiatives benefiting small and medium sized J-1 sponsors. The unique concerns of small and mid-sized sponsors have historically been marginalized and too often overlooked by authorities and entities with regulatory and market control over diverse cultural programs. While the ACEO is appreciative of the advocacy work done by other associations in our industry, the ACEO remains sensitive to the size and budgetary considerations faced by many organizations in the sponsor and cultural exchange community.

The ACEO began as the “Small and Medium size Sponsors' Working Group”**. Our affiliates are like-minded sponsors sharing common goals, in pursuit of best practices, corrective actions, proactive relationship building with the DOS, and other relevant endeavors.

In fact, years ago key Department of State employees strongly agreed with us that an affordable association of sponsors should be formed to advocate for and take action on important matters unique to our particular segment of the sponsor community, at a fraction of the cost. As a direct result of taking those early discussions to heart, the original “Small Sponsor Working Group”** was created. It has become clear with time that it was necessary to ”formalize” the Association to maximize sponsors' effectiveness and influence to advocate, improve and take action whenever necessary on critical matters affecting our community.

Here are just some examples of our accomplishments and initiatives to date:

Among other endeavors beneficial to the entire sponsor community, the Working Group** has combined forces to invest significant human and financial capital to take the lead in:

• Authoring and issuing effective letters and appeals to Department of State leadership on matters believed detrimental to the sponsor community
• Taking legal action to enjoin the Department for its August 2019 blanket Letter of Concern against sponsors
• Cooperating with diverse entities to effectively advocate for a number of (ongoing) corrective actions
• Bringing about a fair and equitable end to the “DS moratorium” imposed on the Intern and Training categories
• Bringing about equity in re-designation fees
• Postponing category audits
• Instituting COVID-19 extension options for exchange visitors
• Submitting Freedom of Information Act requests
• Dialoging with other leading sponsor and cultural advocacy groups to advocate that they reduce their membership fees to allow equal access for sponsors of all sizes
• Retaining in-house counsel
• Forming a "Sponsor Advisory Committee" recognized by the Department of State