When Nes Griffin, Jaye Rich, and Krista St. Cyr of the Lewiston Education Association (LEA) discovered they could apply for an MEA Professional Development Grant to support a local event, they saw more than just funding—they saw an opportunity to build union power, deepen community ties, and engage both current and potential members in meaningful ways.
“When I first joined the union, I didn’t know all the benefits that were available to me,” said Griffin. “So when I learned about the grant, I thought, ‘This is a great way to educate our members about the nuts and bolts of LEA and MEA, as well as how to get involved.’”
That idea became Rock ED Revolution, a professional development event held in April—timed to coincide with the start of the Early Enrollment period. The event was a grassroots effort from start to finish. LEA members coordinated speakers, organized sessions, secured local door prizes, and even brought in a Somali-owned catering business to serve up a delicious lunch.
“What I really loved is that we kept it local,” said LEA Vice President Jaye Rich. “From the food to the prizes, we were able to highlight our community and show that we’re all in this together.”
Art, Action, Advocacy
As the planning took shape, Griffin drew inspiration from a session she attended at the NEA Racial & Social Justice Conference called Art for Activism. She brought that energy back to Lewiston, where educators created powerful posters using artwork by Favianna Rodriguez. The posters were later used at a “Hands Off” rally held the same day.
“Members enjoyed having the opportunity to create something with purpose,” said Griffin. “It gave them a way to express themselves, take action, and it was fun.”
The event also featured an immigration panel designed to engage educators in meaningful dialogue about how to support immigrant families in today’s political climate. LEA says the session was especially well-received by members in Lewiston—one of the most culturally diverse districts in Maine and home to many immigrant families.
“The immigration panel was incredibly popular and very well received,” said Rich. “Our members are eager to engage in meaningful conversations about the issues that impact their classrooms and the families that they work with.”
A Model for Member Engagement
For LEA, Rock ED Revolution wasn’t just a one-time event—it was the beginning of something bigger that they hope will expand and evolve.
“This was an awesome experience for LEA and our members,” said LEA President Krista St. Cyr. “We’re hoping to make this a yearly conference that continues to grow. I’d encourage other locals to apply for an MEA grant and try something like this. It’s a great way to engage members and build community.”
The MEA Professional Development Grant gave LEA the flexibility to design an event that reflected the unique needs and values of their local association. From creating art and advocating for justice, to understanding contracts, supporting students, and strengthening union engagement—Rock ED Revolution shows what’s possible when educators come together with a shared purpose—and a little support.
