MEA Executive Director’s Letter – Winter 2026
Happy New Year! Another trip around the sun completed. Another year in the books. And a brand-new year ahead. And if you are like me, every January you take a moment (hopefully with a cherished pet by your side – for me, our beloved cat, Abby) to reflect on all that has happened the past year, assess what has come and gone, and find a path forward to embrace change and the possible. It is also the chance to listen to that voice in your head to take the hard path, the path that challenges you to be brave and try new things.
Given all that is happening in the world, there are a lot of opportunities to be courageous, to engage, to live our values, and to speak up for our beliefs and our communities. No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, one thing is clear—public education and democracy are under attack. Now is the time to get more involved in your union. Unions were made for this moment, and we are collectively stronger when more members engage in the work.
There are many paths to get involved at both the local and state level to add your voice to our collective whole. Here are a few that can have immediate impacts on our work together.
- Engage in MEA lobbying efforts.
Every legislative session, MEA advocates at the State House for the things our members believe in like equity in public education and a professional wage for all educators. As MEA is a member-driven organization, we need YOUR voice to help us influence elected officials on the issues you care about. A new legislative session has just begun, and I invite you to participate in a lobby day to talk with your representatives about the issues about which you are passionate. - Participate in the MEA political process for the 2026 election.
Whether we like it or not, elections impact everything we do. The folks who win those elections ultimately make decisions about our lives, our professions, and public education. MEA has a robust screening and endorsement process that is completely member driven. All local presidents, MEA Representative Assembly (RA) delegates, members of the Government Relations Committee, and the MEA Board of Directors may participate in the candidate screening and endorsement process. If you are in one of those categories, I encourage you to use your voice to impact the process and exercise your right to advocate for a candidate that you believe in. The outcome of the 2026 election could significantly change our current reality. - Take an active role in your union.
Your local association and MEA (and NEA) all need to hear from you and need your participation to be as powerful and influential as we can be. Seek out opportunities to be involved at the local or state level. Become an association or building representative. Run for a local executive board seat or officer position. Join an MEA committee. Run to be an MEA or NEA RA delegate. There are a variety of ways to get engaged in your union to bring your unique perspective to the conversation. We need everyone’s voice at the table.
As the new year progresses and history unfolds, MEA is here along with over 23,000 members standing with you to take on the challenges that currently exist in public education and the world we live in. If we stand and speak together, our voices are amplified and exponentially more powerful.
Together,
Rachelle
