MNEA Progress Awards

The MNEA Progress Awards recognize outstanding contributions by MNEA members that benefit their local constituencies or communities in the areas outlined by the Human Rights Council Committees: EMAC, SEAM, SOGI, and WIC. 

The Human Rights Council is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights within the Association and public schools. The HRC provides fundraisers, education, and training to members of MNEA on human rights issues, working to create a culture of respect and inclusion within the Association. 

The Human Rights Council consists of the following committees:

Ethnic Minority Advisory Committee (EMAC)

EMAC membership includes representation of Native People, Asian, Black, Latin(o/a/x), Middle Eastern and North African, Multiracial, and Pacific Islander MNEA members. EMAC supports greater racial equity, inclusion, and ethnic minority involvement:

  • Provides input into programs and services that increase ethnic-minority membership and participation.
  • Recognizes local association efforts to involve Native People and People of Color members.
  • Supports the leadership development of MNEA members of color.
  • Recommends and assists with Association trainings focused on ethnic-minority issues. 
  • Assists with Leadership Development and Professional Development trainings.

 

Special Education and Mental Health (SEAM) Committee

The Special Education and Mental Health Committee supports creating safe, inclusive, and fair public schools and workplaces for all students and members:

  • Curate resources, training, and best practices available to members regarding special education and mental health that promote academic success, safety, and social and emotional wellness for students and educators in public schools.
  • Recommend and assist with Association trainings focused on special education and mental health issues.
  • Advocate for developmentally appropriate special education and mental health-inclusive curricula.
  • Advocate for the fair administration of student discipline policies that treat all students with dignity and respect.
  • Assist with Leadership Development and Professional Development trainings.


Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee (SOGI)

The SOGI Committee works to raise awareness of issues relevant to students and members of the LGBTQ+ community:

  • Curate resources, training, and best practices available to members, focusing on fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for diverse gender identities and expressions.
  • Support the leadership development of MNEA LGBTQ+ members.
  • Share best practices for educators as allies to students and members of the LGBTQ+ community.  
  • Recommend and assist with Association trainings focused on LGBTQ+ issues.  
  • Assist with Leadership Development and Professional Development trainings.


Women’s Issues Committee (WIC)

The Women’s Issues Committee promotes gender equity in public education:

  • Curate resources, training, and best practices available to members that address the unique challenges faced by female students and educators.
  • Share resources, training, and best practices available to members, focusing on strategies to close gender gaps in academic achievement, enrollment in STEM fields, and leadership positions.
  • Recommending and assisting with Association trainings focused on women’s issues.
  • Support the leadership development of women MNEA members.
  • Assist with Leadership Development and Professional Development trainings.

 

Award: Individual recipients will receive a financial grant for attendance at an MNEA/NEA conference or training.

Nominations Due: October 1

This award will be presented at the MNEA Fall Conference.