I look at my union, the Illinois Education Association, and the NEA, and I find a lot of comfort in them. There are a lot of like-minded people who work hard to improve public schools for their students, and I find the more involved I am with my union, the more it welcomes me—and I appreciate that.
I'm currently receiving training from IEA to learn how to engage with new educators, who are also new to the union. I'm learning how to inspire them and put their own aspirations and efforts into actual play. I'll eventually train local presidents, building representatives, and teaching councils so they can do the same.
I can get behind this kind of work because it's not theoretical. We're not just going to talk about it. People's work, efforts, and ideas are in constant motion.
Bottom line: You get what you put into it, and it starts with each individual member feeling personally empowered to connect with their union. I know that if I want to get something done I have this national support group to help me accomplish my goals.
Now that I've engaged with my unions, I'm attached to them.
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