Communication key to member empowerment

 By Executive Director Lydia Garcia

January 2008

Welcome to the new and improved NEA-AKtivist newsletter! This bigger, brighter, better AKtivist is just one of many positive changes we are making to provide you with much more of the information you need: 

• About the latest in teaching and learning for our certified members.

• About issues that impact education support professionals.

• About legislative matters and the political landscape. 

• About locals and leaders from around the state.

• About building coalitions with other unions and education stakeholders. 

• About your achievements and awards.

• About member benefits and the many ways your membership can save you money. 

Communication is the essential element for keeping you and your colleagues engaged and united.  We strive to highlight your priorities and give you news that you can use to improve your working lives.  Communication is the first step in organizing for change, the first step toward empowerment.  When you are knowledgeable about education issues, you are indeed a force for the future. 

In Alaska, as you know, reaching out to you and our 13,000 other members is a constant challenge.  We pledge to help alleviate the inevitable professional isolation that so many educators experience, whether your local is large and urban or small and remote.  We will connect you with your colleagues across the state and remind you that we all share a common goal:  To provide an excellent education for every child in Alaska. 

The NEA-AKtivist is only one of many positive changes that you’ll be seeing.  Stay tuned for a redesigned and improved web site and other innovations that will keep you informed.

In closing, this is a new year, a new opportunity to combine our talents and energy and move forward together for a better tomorrow.