Perspectives: Why Being Involved in the MEA

Why being involved in the MEA helps Students and Schools

Reflections from the National Education Association's Representative Assembly in Minneapolis, MN 2018 By Vickie Lailer and Vanessa Kilbreth

As two newbies to the NEA Representative Assembly, we had an incredibly humbling and profound kickoff to the week of work to benefit our students by participating in the “Families Belong Together March.” Equality for our students and their families is a key issue for the Association and we were excited to participate in the March with so many other educators. While waiting for the March to begin, we had the opportunity to chat (and snap a selfie) with NEA Lewiston EA members pictured with NEA President Lily Eskelsen-Garcia President, Lily EskelsenGarcia. Seen L-R: Allison Lytton, Vickie Lailer, NEA President Lily Eskelsen-Garcia and Vanessa Kilbreth The official opening of business was an example of President Eskelsen-Garcia’s grace as she yielded her keynote time to David Hogg, a former Stoneham Douglas High student. He surprised the Assembly by not speaking against the NRA or owners of guns but focused his attention on pleading with us to put our efforts into supporting measures for background checks.

Our days of discussion on the floor of the RA with the other 6,000 plus educators from around the country were full. We discussed many key education issues, and set the course for NEA's policies for the coming year. Several Maine delegates would have pre-caucus breakfast meetings to discuss the new business items of the day so that we were able to go to our State caucus meetings feeling informed and ready to speak on our positions. As new delegates, this was incredibly helpful and an example of the dedication of the members and the level of support provided by our mentors, Jesse Hargrove and Allison Lytton. With information gathered on the floor and diverse perspectives, our positions were changed on more than one occasion. It was powerful to be a witness of this democracy in action.

The Red for Ed day was inspiring to see the floor covered in red. To see so many educators gathered in one spot, during their summer vacation, volunteering their time for the greater good. We all showed up with the unified goal of trying to exercise democracy in order to improve the world our students are growing and learning in.

Each day, at the close of business, and the final closing of business for the week, were concluded with “hospitality,” a sharing of thoughts and reflections on the day. This was another invaluable time in which the veteran delegates shared their experience and collective wisdom with us.

We have returned to our students in Lewiston feeling unified, empowered, passionate, humbled, inspired, and more dedicated than ever! Watch out anyone who wants to get in the way of quality education for all students!