If you are like me, you basked in the warmth of a 60 plus degree day recently, hoping for the end of the cold dreary days of a hard winter in Maine. It was only a peek though, and winter was still in full force as I drove to the office in 30-degree snowy weather just a few days later. One thing is true though – that spring is right around the corner with sunny days and blooming flowers (and not just pipe cleaner ones).
In addition to longer days and warmer weather, April 1st is the beginning of early enrollment for new MEA members. Early enrollment is the period of time that educators can join and not pay any dues until the next membership year which begins each September. It is like a free trial period for union membership. This trial period (the time up to September) allows new members many rights of membership but not all; the complete list can be found on the MEA website. It is a great way to show value to those who are thinking of joining us and our mission.
While early enrollment is not new, the way new members will engage with our union is. MEA has a new Join Now portal which streamlines the enrollment process and provides the new member and local leadership quick confirmation of their union membership. In addition, the MEA Board of Directors recently voted to explore different methods of dues collection, and we are beginning with all new members. Potential members will be directed to our new Join Now portal which will allow them to directly enter all the personal information electronically and pick a new method of dues collection – like credit card or electronic funds transfer.
MEA is not limiting these different options to just new members. Over the next year and beyond, we will be seeking to partner with local associations who want to offer these new dues collection methods to their current members. We will also be providing opportunities for current members to individually convert their membership to these new methods. Stay tuned for more information in the near future.
While change can be difficult, it is essential to protect the union and build power and influence. MEA has been using the same methods to enroll members and collect dues for decades, arguably since its inception. It is time to evolve and strengthen our relationship with our members and their goals. The connection between you and MEA, your union, is the most important relationship for MEA’s success. Putting the power and control in the hands of members will be essential to navigate these current times.
Speaking of power, MEA is still collecting members’ personal emails and cell phone numbers so we can provide members with essential information and updates without going through public entities. If you have not updated your contact information, please consider doing so soon.
To help promote early enrollment and the new Join Now portal with new dues options, MEA has developed new membership materials to facilitate membership enrollment and answer questions folks may have. Local leaders have access to these on the MEA website and through your Uniserv Director.
But to summarize a few key points…
1) The new Join Now portal went live on the MEA website in February.
2) MEA has moved away from paper forms and sends potential members to our secure online Join Now portal. Membership materials have QR codes and links for easy access.
3) MEA does not have access to, nor do we see, any banking information inputted into the system by a member.
4) Current members will be invited to convert to a different dues collection method in the future. No current member is being forced to convert to a different dues collection method at this point in time.
While membership processes are changing for growth and influence, the fact remains that our members are the most important part of the MEA. That will never change.
Forward,
Rachelle Bristol
MEA Executive Director
