Calling all NEA Republicans: Want to Go to Minneapolis This Summer?

Florida teacher Sandra Ross (at left in picture) left NEA's Republican Leaders Conference last summer energized and ready to make a difference for public education. After the conference, she attended debates, did a television interview, and chatted with GOP candidates in local, state, and national elections, telling them "there are many Republican educators out there for their votes and that they needed to remember that when forming their educational stances."

Now NEA members around the country have the opportunity to follow in Ross's footsteps, by attending the second Republican Leaders Conference, Aug. 27-30 at the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis. That's immediately before the Republican National Convention. Four participants from each state can attend at NEA expense, which includes meals, hotels, and the lowest airfare determined by the Association's travel agency.

This year’s conference will feature workshops and panels of NEA members, activists, and political consultants involved in the Republican Party at all levels. (They're not hard to find. An estimated 1 million of NEA's 3.2 million members are Republicans, which can translate to significant influence on Republican candidates when it comes to education policy and funding that bolsters public education.) Topics will include online activism, grassroots organizing, volunteer strategy, press relations, communications, and messaging. After the conference, participants will be asked to help recruit fellow NEA Republicans, and encourage them to become active in the party and take leadership roles such as joining committees and running for office. 

Also invited: elected and party officials in town for the Republican National Convention, which starts Sept. 1. If they're going to be there, shouldn't you? If you're interested, call your state affiliate office. All participants must be approved by the president of a state affiliate.