Contact:   Michelle Hudgins  202-822-7823

September 10, 2007

NEA President Extends Hand To Faith Community

Educators Join Forces with Church Leaders to Improve Public Schools

WASHINGTON—Addressing thousands of delegates to the 127th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., NEA President Reg Weaver outlined a partnership plan of action for one of the largest gatherings of minority church leaders in the country. The newly-formed partnership between NEA and NBCUSA holds the potential to unite communities of color across the country in efforts to improve public education and make life better for families and students for years to come.

During his remarks to the delegates assembled in Philadelphia, Pa., Weaver shared four NEA program initiatives that he would like NBC members to help implement. Those programs focus on dropout prevention, the ESEA reauthorization, a minority community outreach campaign and school funding, with an emphasis on equal access for minorities.

“Faith and education both have the power to move mountains, by moving people out of difficult circumstances, and by opening minds and hearts. Together, we can ensure that every child has access to a great public school,” said Weaver.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., is the nation’s oldest and largest African-American religious convention with an estimated membership of 7.5 million. NBC’s president is Reverend Dr. William J. Shaw of Philadelphia, Pastor of the White Rock Baptist Church.

In closing, Weaver reiterated the goals set forth by NEA in establishing its Minority Community Outreach Department, commenting that “NEA is working to ensure that we are in touch with the needs and concerns of our communities, so we can be a knowledgeable advocate and friend.” He went on to express his enthusiasm for the partnership with NBC and said, “Together, we must join hands and continue the struggle for freedom and equal opportunity. We look forward to working with the National Baptist Convention USA as we fight together for a season of change.”

To learn more about NEA minority community outreach initiatives, please visit:
www.nea.org/mco/index.html

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators
and students preparing to become teachers.