Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/437000
WNTER 2014 | wyoea.org 15 WEA Supports Our Student Members Wyoming's own NEA Member Benefits representative, David Glenn, visited with students during the fall semester about all the benefits they receive with their membership. David creates interactive ways to get any kind of member involved and take advantage of their benefits. Would you like David to visit your Local? Contact your UniServ Director to schedule a visit! In addition to a visit from David Glenn, the Student Wyoming Education Association (SWEA) also took advantage of a PRAXIS-prep night with WEA Professional Issues Director Kathy Scheurman, and a visit from WEA's Government Relations Director, Ken Decaria. Ken stressed the importance of students being involved in the political process and how important it is to vote. During the spring semester, SWEA would love to have visits from new, veteran, and retired WEA members. If you're interested in speaking with college students about education in Wyoming and your experiences, please contact WEA Communications Director/State Student Organizer Coleen Haines at chaines@wyoea.org. Carbon County hired around 30 new teachers this year, most of them Millennials, so the local association is finding ways to get those new members active. Enter – THE BEWM CHILI COOK OFF! BEWM—Because Education in Wyoming Matters—is the WEA Millennial group aimed at young-member engagement and recruiting and retaining Millennials in the WEA. WEA member and BEWMer Molly Steer said, "Our intent is to make sure that these teachers are retained, informed, and supported." The local is hoping with the success of this event, they will continue to see membership grow and inactive members begin to participate in association activities. Fellow WEA members and BEWMers Jessica Hofmann and Maddy Rader were proud winners in the cook off: Jessica took home the People's Choice Award with Taco Chili, and Maddy earned the first place victory with her Cream Cheese Chicken Chili. Overall, nine people entered the cook off, with many local businesses donating facilities or supplies to support the event. BEWM GOES THE DYNAMITE IN CARBON COUNTY BEWMers Hold First Ever Chili Cook Off For information or ideas to get your local more active or to start your own BEWM group, contact WEA's Membership Organizing Specialist, Greg Herold, at gherold@wyoea.org.