Your Association
Getting the Bigger Picture MEA RA delegates set new course Nearly 140 members from across the state attended the 87th MEA Representative Assembly or RA. The MEA RA is where members decide the focus for the Association in the coming year. Members have a chance to elect new officers, offer new ideas, debate key education issues, and reconnect with friends. We asked the members, who are voted to attend as delegates for their local association, why attending makes a difference.
Rebecca Cole Sebago East Shore EA Participating in the RA, particularly at a time of the year when our energy and inspiration are most challenged, provides an opportunity for me to collaborate, to connect, and to rediscover my passion for my work. In turn, I carry that passion and rejuvenation back to my local members and am motivated to recruit new members.
Terry Martin Merrymeeting TA The MEA RA is kind of like a family gathering, plus it’s great to debate the issues. At the RA, you connect with people and you go back to your local after and hopefully can convey the enthusiasm that happens here. It always feels like we are getting something accomplished to help schools and students.
Earl Wiman NEA Executive Committee, Keynote Speaker
Tavia Lunt Gardiner TA Being a delegate at the MEA RA allows me to "touch base" with others that can truly relate to my everyday life, the good parts and the struggles. They truly appreciate me! I get to make new friends and know I can rely on them because they're in my same boat and have my back. Sometimes it's easy to feel isolated and alone, but we're not. Being a delegate renews my hope and gives me the strength to get up each day and "go for it" again.
April Miller Bangor EA The MEA RA is where the decisions are made! Attending the RA every year keeps me informed and allows me to play a role in deciding the focus of the MEA.
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Maine Educator • June 2015
We must be the voice for all the students who spend all of their allowance before Tuesday, who like ghost stories, who shove their dirty clothes under the bed. We must also be the voice for those who live nightmares during the day, for those who’ve never seen a dentist, who scrape together scraps of food. We must be their voice too. We must continue to be the heroes.
