Arizona Education Association

Advocate Fall 2011

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Mesa EA ARs attend AR training. IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK Faces of the AEA: Association Representatives Association representatives (AR) are the face of the organization as this person is usually the first point of contact when members join, have a question, or need assistance. Association rep- resentatives represent the values of the organi- zation to members and what AEA and the local association stand for in their actions and words. There are over 1,300 ARs across the state, working together as a network of individual agents of the Association. They go by different names – Association representative, site rep, building rep, and site leader – depending on the local association. Some work alone as the only representative at their building site; others work in teams with a number of representatives col- laborating as a building action team. These ARs are responsible for maintain- ing the Association at their building site. This means they must share and pass along information to and from members and their local association leadership. They hold regular meetings to build member relations and provide important information. They serve as a source of informa- tion on Association news and questions about anything ranging from changes in education policy to bargained agreements. They are also advocates for members and provide assistance and support when members are in need. The process of becoming an AR can be Once a member has been selected as an AR, then he or she goes through training conducted by AEA staff on the role and responsibilities of Association representatives. The training covers membership recruitment and retention, how to conduct building meetings, advocacy issues, how to handle grievances, and addressing members’ questions and needs. They also learn about the Association and its structure and how to be an effective organizer. Association representatives are the link because they believe in the mission of Keeping the who volunteer their time ARs are members Promise of Quality Public Education. between individual members and the organiza- tion as a whole. They are vital to members and to the Association. A good AR offers support to members in providing assistance and informa- tion, and an effective AR helps the Association grow in strength, power, and capacity. The AR’s ability to cre- ate relationships with members and op- portunities for them to become actively involved is critical to the health of the organization. The AR tells the Association story to members, reflects members’ needs and beliefs to decision makers, and provides prompt Association support to individual members when help is needed. ARs are members who volunteer their time as complicated as campaigning and getting elected by a majority vote of local members or as simple as being the only one to volunteer for the job. It all depends on the local association and what the needs of the members are. because they believe in the mission of Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education. Be sure to thank your AR for their hard work and dedication to the Association. Also, if you are interested in becoming an AR and getting more involved in Association activities, contact your local association president. AEA Advocate ❘ Fall 2011 19 IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK IN DEPTH LOOK Continued on next page

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