Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1133200
Member Spotlight 11 WEA Hispanic Leaders Create a New Caucus By Andrea Shipley "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." –Margaret Mead On the top fl oor of the Laramie County School District #1 central offi ce building, a handful of WEA leaders, who are dedicated to the vision of creating welcoming schools for all families, recently met. Their eff orts resulted in WEA's fi rst-ever Hispanic Caucus. "If the WEA Hispanic caucus helps teachers feel supported and understand the resources that are available to them, then Hispanic students and their families will be able to identify issues that the caucus can begin to address," says WEA local leader Danelle Moyte. Danelle Moyte has teamed up with Lydia Rayfi eld, WEA's minority representative its Board of Directors and this year's NEA Global Fellow, to create the WEA Hispanic Caucus and want other members to take action together. Moyte works at Aff erbaugh Elementary School in Cheyenne, a school that has a 92 percent poverty rate. She explained that many of the students are in desperate need of health and dental care. They are also in need of food. "I hope that teachers, education support professionals and new educators can feel confi dent to ask the questions and share concerns about serving minority families in their schools. No one should feel fearful that if they voice an opinion or concern that their job may be at stake. As a caucus, we can speak with a unifi ed voice to get the answers we need to best serve our students and families," said Moyte. Eff orts to build statewide caucuses are an important way to help members get involved in the association in ways that are meaningful to them and that can positively impact their students. If you would like to get involved in the new Hispanic Caucus, please contact Danelle Moyte at 307-256-8823 or contact your Regional WEA UniServ Director. WEA members Danelle Moyte and Lydia Rayfi eld meet with WEA staff as they plan for the fi rst meeting of the WEA Hispanic Caucus. WEA members Danelle Moyte and Lydia Rayfi eld meet with WEA staff as they plan for the fi rst meeting of the WEA Hispanic Caucus. WEA Minority leaders gather at the 2019 WEA Delegate Assembly. From left: Lydia Rayfi eld, Jennifer Platt, Madeline Trujillo-Hamel, Dannelle Moyte, Barbara Gonzales, Thomas Bushyhead, and John Fabela Southwest Region UniServ Director Join the WEA Team as an Organizer, Advocate and Recruiter! Position Location: Rock Springs, WY Position Description: The essential functions of the position include assisting local WEA affi liates and WEA members in organization and program development through visitation, diagnosis, and planning of programs designed to implement the goals of the organization, strengthen and improve the welfare of members and enhance the educational climate. Advocacy and representation for members on a wide array of issues; developing and executing local association programs for membership, public relations, political action, member rights, organizational and leadership development; working collaboratively with governance and staff to implement national and state association programs and priorities. This region runs from Jackson to Evanston and Rawlins. Visit wyoea.org to learn more. This position vacancy closes on July 2, 2019. WE'RE WE'RE HIRING! HIRING!