NEA/AEA Reaffirms Commitment to Republican Outreach Efforts

John Wright was one of four speakers making the case for bipartisanship as the governing body of the NEA reaffirmed its commitment to involving Republican members and engaging Republican public policy makers.

For the last three years the NEA has committed a significant amount of resources to encouraging Republican members to become more involved. Most significantly, they have organized and funded Republican Leadership Conferences. Last year the RLC was held in Minneapolis just prior the Republican National Convention. Local and state association leaders from around the country were given an opportunity participate in training sessions, collaborate on future plans, and interact with national Republican political leaders. This year the RLC will be held in Washington D.C. This year's focus will be involvement in precinct level politics. The funding for these conferences was authorized by a new business item offered at a previous Representative Assembly and needed to be renewed this year. The business item that passed this year calls for NEA to enhance its efforts and provides funding for another year.

It was my participation in last year's RLC that convinced me that the NEA and AEA were serious when they advocate for a "pro public education party". I want to take this opportunity to thank John Wright for speaking to the issue at the RA and his support as we endeavor to rebuild the AEA Republican Caucus.