NEA RA takes place June 30-July 5 in Chicago

The National Education Association Representative Assembly, the NEA's major decision-making body, will be June 30-July 5 in Chicago.

"The NEA RA provides an opportunity for connecting with educators from around the country. The assembly’s work ensures that members’ voices help in directing the NEA," Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said. "Celebrating good work ensures that building excellence in our profession will continue from our collective action."

All active Education Minnesota members are eligible to run for state credential delegate. Filings opened Nov. 1 and close Dec. 10. Elections will take place in local districts Feb. 15-17 and Feb. 22-24. Ballots will be mailed the first week of February to all local presidents in election districts where an election is necessary.

Nominations for state credential student delegates opened Nov. 1 and close Feb. 15. Elections will take place on a date to be determined in April.

Education Minnesota headquarters hotel
Education Minnesota members will stay at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown, 600 N. State St. Rates are $218.11 for a single and $241.19 for a double, tax included. Delegates receive a breakfast buffet and evening beverage and snack reception.

Funding information for state credential delegates
To receive funding, state credential delegates must attend the entire RA, beginning with the first Minnesota caucus meeting June 30 through adjournment July 5. State elected delegates are expected to attend all caucus meetings and be on the convention floor for all proceedings.

Funding includes the following:

Airfare, with travel arrangements to be made through the designated travel agent and direct billed to Education Minnesota (alternative transportation will be reimbursed up to a predetermined amount).
Half the cost of a double room at the delegation hotel (to be direct billed) for an authorized number of days.

Reimbursement for meals and other convention-related expenses has been increased to $455 (with receipts). Substitute costs for state delegates working in year-round school settings will be covered as outlined in the Education Minnesota Financial Policy for Governance and Members.

Delegates are also eligible to claim mileage from their home to the airport as follows:

$15 if delegates live 30 or fewer miles from the airport
$30 if delegates live 31 to 100 miles from the airport
$60 if the delegate lives 101 or more miles from the airport

No funding is available for Category 2 delegates, those who are retired or inactive members.

Funding to small locals of 150 members or fewer
This program helps locals with 150 members or fewer send a delegate to the RA or AFT QuEST. Local presidents will receive application information and details. Contact Vice President Paul Mueller for details.

November 04, 2010