What is the NEA RA?
The annual National Education Association Representative Assembly (NEA RA) charts the direction of NEA. It adopts the NEA budget, and adopts the association’s legislative program, resolutions, policies, and other items of business. Delegates also vote on proposed amendments to the NEA Constitution and Bylaws, elect NEA officers, Executive Committee members, and at-large NEA Board of Directors members in their respective election years.
This year, the NEA RA will be held in Orlando, Florida, from July 2 to July 6. Delegates arrive on July 1 and depart on July 7.
Why would I want to be an NEA RA delegate?
The NEA RA is the largest democratic deliberative assembly in the world. As a delegate to the NEA RA, you are the voice of the members you represent in your state, county and local associations.
The NEA RA is also a wonderful opportunity to work closely among and socialize with teachers and educational support professionals from throughout the nation. Delegates often make lifelong professional connections and friendships with members of the public education family across the U.S.
Delegates must be elected
All delegates must be elected. Candidates for NEA RA delegate positions must nominate themselves online between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28. Elections are held by mail-in ballot in April. To complete the online self-nomination form to run as a state delegate, go to njea.org/NJEAelections between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28.
For nomination and election as a local delegate, check with your local association.
You may run as both a state and local delegate. If you win both, you must choose which position you will take, so a successor delegate can claim the position you don’t take.
Your odds of winning are good: together with its local associations, NJEA is entitled to send more than 800 delegates to the NEA RA.
How are my travel, food, and lodging expenses paid?
NEA RA delegates receive a flat reimbursement intended to cover the cost of airfare, meals, and lodging. For state delegates, the entire reimbursement comes from NJEA. For delegates elected at the local level, the reimbursement is a combination of state, county and local association funds.
Delegates receive the first half of their reimbursement in early June prior to the NEA RA. They receive the second half at the conclusion of the NEA RA. Hotel reservations are handled through NJEA, but delegates arrange their own transportation to Orlando.
What am I waiting for?
That’s a good question. Go to njea.org/NJEAelections to learn more about the NEA RA and how you can be a part of it.