Nearly 100 CEA members are on their way to Chicago today to join thousands of other teachers for the National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly—the world’s largest democratic deliberative body. After two years of virtual RAs, delegates are back in-person this year to chart the future of the nation’s largest labor union.
The RA, NEA’s highest decision-making body, adopts the Association’s strategic plan and budget, resolutions, the legislative program, and other policies. Delegates vote by secret ballot on proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws and elect leaders.
[Above, NEA-Danbury members Lammia Agoora and Luanelly Iglesias sport #redfored at the 2019 NEA RA. Both are delegates to the NEA RA again this year.]
The RA takes place July 3-6 this year, and is preceded by days of meetings, caucuses, and special events honoring educators.
Earlier this year, CEA members elected their peers to represent their concerns as delegates to the NEA RA. Delegates represent state and local affiliates, student members, retired members, and other segments of the NEA membership.
Every year new delegates mix with those who have attended the NEA RA in the past. Delegates say the chance to meet and talk with new people, from Connecticut and around the nation, is one of their favorite parts of the RA.
The days at the RA are busy ones for CEA members, with meetings that last from 7:00 in the morning until 6:00 at night. State delegation meetings precede the NEA RA every morning.
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