A Place for Every Member

by NSEA President Tim Royers

Welcome to the start of what I am sure will be another exciting school year! As thousands of students pour back into our classrooms, from preschool through our colleges and universities, your hard work and dedication are already making a difference in students’ lives.

Being able to travel the state and meet new educators is energizing, and it reminds us here at the NSEA what a privilege it is to advocate for you and for our profession. This year, we are taking several steps to strengthen the connections between our members and the wider association.

Finding Your Place
This summer, NSEA members represented Nebraska at the NEA Representative Assembly (RA) in Denver, joining thousands of educators from across the country to help shape the direction of our national association. There were serious debates, important decisions and, apparently, at least one occasion that called for an inflatable unicorn costume. I have learned that representing Nebraska sometimes requires versatility.

But that is also part of what makes these experiences so valuable. RA brings together educators with different roles, backgrounds and perspectives around a shared purpose, while reminding us that being involved in our union can be meaningful, energizing and, yes, even fun.

That same idea was behind our decision this summer to hold six summer conferences across the state. We want to break down geographic barriers and make it easier for members to connect, learn and discover new ways to become involved.

That work continues this fall. Newly elected NEA Vice President Noel Candelaria visited Nebraska to tour schools, meet with members and potential members and connect with our community partners. Later this fall, the National Council of Urban Education Associations, which represents local affiliates with 250 or more certificated staff, will bring its annual fall conference to downtown Omaha. Both offer opportunities to strengthen the connections between Nebraska educators and the work happening across our national association.

What Comes Next
This school year, we are redesigning our strategic plan to set NSEA’s direction for the next several years. A core team representing perspectives from across our membership will lead that work, with opportunities for members at every level to be part of the process.

The Next Generation
Last year, we saw our best membership campaign in 15 years, growing across all membership categories. This year, we want to achieve a second consecutive year of growth while also growing the number of members who are actively engaged.

Whether you serve on a committee, attend a conference, participate in your local association or lend your voice to an issue you care about, your involvement strengthens our union and develops the leaders who will carry this work forward.

Our ability to keep this work moving forward comes down to you: your voices, your advocacy and your willingness to step up. Whatever your passion or interest, we can find an opportunity for you to get involved.

I hope you are having a great start to the school year, and I cannot wait to see all we will accomplish together in the coming months.