The authors argue that if the Conference on English Education (CEE) is to nurture and grow its membership in the coming years, we will need a more focused purpose related to the central mission of the organization: "the effective education and development of students and professionals in English language arts education." To that end, the authors offer several specific recommendations for CEE which could serve primarily the "inner circle" or heart of CEE membership. (Contains 1 figure and 1 footnote.) ["Becoming Centered: CEE Membership and Program Development" was written with Tonya Perry, Kia Jane Richmond, and David Schaafsma.]