During the legislative session, there are many bills that your SDEA Lobbying team review to determine whether SDEA will take a position to advocate for or against. How do we come to those decisions? We let the SDEA Legislative Agenda guide those decisions. How is the Legislative Agenda determined? By our members at the annual SDEA Representative Assembly.
There are some issues that are obvious. Of course, we support more funding for education to increase pay for educators and oppose issues like school vouchers and bans on collective bargaining, but there are many other issues that impact public schools and students and we look to the Legislative Agenda to see where our members stand. This is why it is so important that our members participate in the spring Representative Assembly. If you attend, you help set the legislative priorities for the next year.
If you or your fellow members are ever concerned about a position SDEA is taking or not taking on an issue, then you should consider attending the Representative Assembly as a local delegate. Delegates can propose changes to the agenda and ultimately get the final say on our position on issues. As your President, I work with the lobby team to carry out your wishes.
Delegates at the Representative Assembly also set the state stage for the coming year. They vote on Association by-law changes, pass new business items which prioritize the work of the Association, and they kick off the election for SDEA officers, board members and NEA RA delegates. It really is doing the important work of the Association. It is important that we have as many voices in the room as possible to ensure educators feel represented.
How do you become a delegate to the SDEA RA? Every local association is allowed to send at least one delegate to Pierre. Check with your local association president to see how your local selects its delegates. Attending the SDEA RA is a great way for you to get involved at the state and local level. It’s an opportunity for you to hear about the concerns of your fellow educators and how we can work together to make change. Your vote on items like the SDEA Legislative Agenda is yet another way you can use your educator voice to make things better for your fellow educators and students.
I am looking forward to leading my third SDEA RA, which will take place March 31 to April 1 in Pierre. I hope you will consider joining me as we do the important work of the Association. Your voice really does matter and I hope to see you in Pierre.
