Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1205100
4 | WEAnews The success of WEA depends on members stepping up and getting involved in our member-driven organization. Without members like you getting involved, we would not be able to be as successful as we are in advocating for our students and our profession. There are many ways that you can be active in your Association. One way is to run for office. The WEA offices that will be on the ballot this year are listed on page 6. All the information you need to run for office is on the WEA website: wyoea.org. We will be electing statewide officers, regional officers from the different regions, and at-large representatives to the WEA board who represent their constituency groups. We need active, involved members like you to serve on the WEA board of directors, so consider running for one of these positions. We need your knowledge and expertise on our board! You could be instrumental in setting the direction of your Association and education in our state. The NEA Representative Assembly is held each year over the fourth of July. This year it will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. We will be electing both state and cluster delegates to attend the NEA Representative Assembly, and you could be one of them! As a RA delegate, you would be part of setting the next two- year NEA budget and setting the course for NEA. We will debate and vote on national education issues and learn about what is happening in education around our nation. It is a great way to learn more about the NEA and to meet education employees from all over the US. GET INVOLVED: Legislative Wins Depend on Active WEA Members If you are not ready to step up at the regional or state level, consider running for a position at your local level. Talk to your local president about running for a local office or being a building representative for your worksite. The strength of your local depends on people like you stepping up and getting involved. It is a great way to have your voice heard at the local level! We will be holding our WEA Delegate Assembly (DA) March 27 – 29 at the Red Lion Hotel in Cheyenne. DA is your opportunity to set the direction for the Wyoming Education Association for the next year. We will be reviewing and making possible amendments to our constitution, bylaws, platforms, budget, and any new business items that members bring forward. DA also provides a unique opportunity for delegates to network with education employees from around our state. We will be holding a candidate forum for delegates to ask questions of the people running for WEA president and vice president; it will be a great way to learn more about these candidates! Maybe WEA local office isn't a good fit for you, but public office is! 2020 is an election year: The entire Wyoming House and half of the Senate will be up for election. We need to have pro-education people running for these positions in our state! If you know someone who would make an excellent legislator, inquire with them about their interest in running for office. Or, consider running for a seat, yourself. We need more educators in the legislature. When we work together, we can accomplish great things for students and education in Wyoming. Kathy Vetter, WEA President, kvetter@wyoea.org Members interested in running for a vacant office must submit necessary candidate forms and additional materials to WEA Membership Specialist, Linda Bottom at lbottom@wyoea.org no later than Friday, February 28, 2020. To learn more about running and download the appropriate forms, visit www.runforwea.com.