Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/85591
YOUR WEA AT WORK Two important questions could make a world of difference Organizing is the buzzword of the year within WEA. As our Membership Organizing Specialist, Erin Cochran, and other trained staff and governance are visiting the locals, organizing is taking shape – in big steps and in small. WEA is looking to work with locals who are seeking new and different ways to assist with membership and engagement. The goals of organizing on a statewide level are to: 1) Strengthen current membership through engagement 2) Identify leaders and potential leaders and engage them 3) Strengthen locals through identification of issues and avenues for change 4) Recruit and engage new members Cody Education Association began efforts last fall to strengthen internal relationships among members through increased member engagement in building relationships with external community leaders. They've focused their relationship-building specifically on Park County's Representative Sam Krone and Senator Hank Coe with great success and look forward to expanding their outreach to other elected officials this winter. Several other locals are working to build the infrastructure from the inside out by starting with leadership development. As WEA shifts away from a service BACK TO SCHOOL 2012 | wyoea.org 5 model, it is seeking to help locals establish a culture that more easily allows for change. One way in which this is being done is to review outdated constitutions and bylaws. Some locals are even considering replacing traditional officers with leadership teams that share responsibility in creating functioning, strong locals. Most importantly, this shift is meant to help each individual local redefine its own values and goals so that a plan can be put in place that will help serve the wants and needs of the local membership. Two very important, simple questions that can jumpstart this conversation are: "What should the purpose of your local association be?" "How can your local association realize that purpose?" Consider discussing these two questions at your next local meeting, with fellow members, and with your local leadership. A solid understanding of the wants and needs of members is the best place to start. WEA wants its members to get the most out of their memberships. No better way to fulfill those needs than by building that relationship through positive member input and engagement. For more information regarding organizing, please contact your region UniServ Director or WEA President Kathy Vetter.