MNEA-Missouri National Education Association

'Experience the power you have
as a member of the NEA.'

Have you ever wondered how NEA decides positions on issues or what the priorities of the Association will be each year? Have you read or heard about NEA issues you need to know more about? Are there NEA positions you don’t agree with?

Your duty, if you choose to accept it, is not only to find out how the decisions are made, but to actually make them. Each summer elected NEA members from across the country and around the world come together to set the priorities and direction for the National Education Association. These delegates are elected by members just like you to attend the NEA Representative Assembly. More than 100 Missouri members are elected each year to represent Missouri NEA and our local associations. These Missouri members join with almost 9,000 other NEA members to set the direction for the NEA. The NEA Representative Assembly is the world’s largest democratically elected decision-making body, and you can be part of it.

The 2006 NEA Representative Assembly will be held in Orlando, FL, from June 30 until July 5. In addition to being a key decision maker, you can expect to make many new friends. You’ll get to know your colleagues from Missouri and will have the opportunity to make new acquaintances from every state.

You will elect the officers of the NEA and determine the legislative platform. You’ll vote on the positions NEA should support, and you’ll have the chance to persuade almost 9,000 delegates to support your point of view.

By the way, even though we work hard, we also have a lot of fun. Join us for Missouri night. It’s a chance to find out more about the people from Missouri and what motivates them to get involved. Attend the Human and Civil Rights Awards dinner, where you’ll be moved and energized by the exemplary work done by everyday people, or spend the evening at one of the many state parties where you can compare and contrast ways to have fun.

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering how you can be elected as one of these decision makers. Most delegates are elected in one of two ways. You and the other members of your local association elect local delegates. The number of delegates depends on the size of your local association. Contact your local president to find out how to put your hat in the ring for one of these positions.

You can also run for a state delegate position. In an all-member ballot, we will elect 28 delegates to represent MNEA. Most of these will be teachers or education support professionals. One will be an administrator member or a member who works in a supervisory position. See page 11 in this issue of Something Better for more information about nominating yourself or a fellow member.

I want you to experience the power you have as a member of the NEA. Is it time to stop wondering how these decisions are made? Don’t just listen to people complain. Get involved. Campaign to be a delegate to the NEA R.A.

by Greg Jung
MNEA president

Other Reflections

'We speak for you.'

‘Students deserve more than a funny-money formula....’

‘Why are they stealing from Missouri kids?'

‘We on the front lines must take charge of making our schools safe for all children.’

‘MNEA is ready to fight this attack on teacher certification, but we cannot do it alone.’

‘Our recommendation process does exactly what it is designed to do.’

‘The best part of being an MNEA member is the power we have when we stand up for public education.’

‘Tell them their payment is well overdue.’

‘It’s time for people to recognize the value of the work we do.’

‘The people we elect to the PSRS Board...
will have the ability to make decisions that affect your retirement forever.’