Where were you on May 17th & 18th?
No, this isn’t an interrogation, I promise.
At the MEA RA you say? Awesome! It was good to see you there!
For those of you who didn’t answer that way…. We missed you and hope you consider joining us next year.
What is the MEA RA or the Maine Education Association Representative Assembly?
It is a gathering of MEA members who were elected to represent others and to make decisions on issues of importance to the membership and association. It is a place where members yield their power over the direction of the union and make connections with other members around the state. It’s a great time and one you should be part of. There is even an awards dinner where you can get dressed up if you like.
If you are interested in attending next year, please ask an MEA board member or your local president for more information on how.
At each MEA RA, I get the opportunity to share some insights on the organization, to provide some information on how the union is doing on its strategic foci, and to discuss ways that the association can build power and influence.
While there are lots of types of power, I want to focus on four that seem the most relevant to our work together.
1) Power to – ability to achieve what you want – not about control or force.
MEA and its local leadership have developed significant skills which give MEA and local associations the power to manage the work of the association effectively and efficiently. Fifty-eight percent of locals have leaders who have attended treasurer/president trainings with 30 locals meeting the requirements of the MEA compliance policy. The number of delegates at the MEA RA this year increased over last year, bringing more voices into the mix.
2) Power Over – Built on control and force; held by some and not others.
This spring, MEA launched a campaign (5 for $500) to collect personal cell phone numbers and personal email addresses from all our members. Why does MEA want this information? The union needs this information so that we can stay connected to you directly and minimize the potential of outside entities having control over our work together for public education and our members. This will allow us to communicate important updates and happenings directly to you without any potential interference or disruption. It is the best way to stay informed on issues important to you, your union and public education. If you did not provide this info, you can always do so. MEA does not sell this info, nor does it use it for anything other than communicating with and empowering our members.
3) Power Within – Comes from self-awareness and knowing one’s capacities and desires.
Our local associations are incredibly important, and building membership in locals is vital to leveraging power and strengthening the union. Fifty percent of our local
associations grew by at least one member this year. This percentage has grown from 33% in 2022 to 50% this year. Many locals have also realized their potential by focusing on making connections to new folks to the profession. Over 70% of our locals have engaged in new hire events, building bridges with new educators.
4) Power With – Shared power that grows out of collaboration and relationships.
MEA membership has increased over the last two years and helps us build influence on the issues we care about. There is power in numbers, and more voices lifting up our issues makes us more influential whether at the legislature, a school board meeting, or in bargaining. MEA is also continuing our DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice) work, striving to be a place where all educators/members feel welcome.
I hope to see you at the MEA RA next year. And maybe I will have seen a real moose by then! (If you know, you know.)
Find the Sunshine,
Rachelle
