Guest blog: Emmons first-time delegate to NEA RA reflects on experience
07/08/2016
The National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly (RA) in Washington, D.C., has come to a close. First-time delegate Dee Emmons shares her observations on the process and her fellow delegates. Thanks to all of our Indiana delegates for representing our nearly 40,000 members.
Edited by Kara Seward
This was my first NEA RA even though I have been a member since I was a student teacher 10 years ago. I am always amazed at what occurs when so many like-minded professionals, teachers and ESPs alike, converge for a common cause. Even though we don't always agree, we are respectful of one another's perspective. We accept and embrace the differences of one another and generally do our best to look at issues through different lenses in order to have a better understanding. After all, isn't that what we wish to teach our students?
Because our union is one of the purest forms of democracy in practice, every delegate – every member, for that matter – has the opportunity to speak to any issue brought forth, and we each have a vote that counts. In caucus, I was fascinated mostly by the opinions given by those who do not support a particular issue as much as I was by those who do. Why do they believe differently? Do they make a valid point? Do they have personal knowledge or experience that I do not have? What can I learn from each unique perspective? Those were the answers I listened for.
As I participated in each day's meetings, I became more involved and knowledgeable about our purpose and our goals. I listened. I asked questions. I voiced my opinion. I watched the interactions and animated conversations among my peers. I learned from my peers.
This week I learned that even though I am one person among thousands, I have the opportunity to question and voice my concern on any topic or issue to better my profession and help our kids be better educated and equipped to navigate life's obstacles. Every member of ISTA and NEA has this very same opportunity. The voice of one can become the impetus of many. It’s a beautiful and wondrous feeling.
As I get to know my brothers and sisters, I am comfortable in knowing that I belong to an organization that cares about humans and their well-being – ALL humans. I belong to a great organization made up of different genders, races, cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. I teach young people who are made up of different genders, races, cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. And, I love and respect each of them for who they are.
My hope is that each of our members know that they are important to this organization. That it is because each one of them are members that we exist and have a collective voice that is heard across the nation.
Emmons has a Master's and teaches English at Western High School in Howard County. She is a member of the Western Education Association.