July 1st, 2018

Virginia Delegates were up early today with our caucus meeting at 7 am; unless you are one of the few volunteers on the "issues committee."  Those committee members start at 6 am and review proposed new business items (NBIs) and constitutional amendments.  They research some of the proposed items and make suggestions to the caucus: Support, Oppose, or No Position. The caucus then votes to accept those recommendations or take an alternate position.  These positions come in handy later when we are on the main floor for the NEA Representative Assembly and may need a reminder of what we discussed.  When on the NEA floor delegates may vote how they wish.

Also today we accepted nominations for VEA members to serve on the NEA Resolutions Committee.  Chuck Ronco (Prince William) was re-elected to a 3 year term and Kimberly Adams (Fairfax) will serve as alternate.  There was also an opening to fill a vacancy of 2 years and Sonia Smith (Chesterfield) was elected and Carla Okouchi (Fairfax) will serve as alternate.

Your Blog Team's Top Three Things from today were: 

1.) Lively Debates...VEA delegates got into some interesting debates on proposed Constitutional Amendment 1: "To open NEA membership to public education allies while preserving NEA governance positions for education professionals and active equivalents."  It was very interesting to hear everyone's questions and concerns and gives new Delegates an idea of what to expect on the floor. You can check out the July 1st, 2018 RA Today

2.) Chance to explore our host city!  Our morning meeting went from 7-9 am, which means the rest of the day delegates could attend the NEA expo (to pick up some free goodies), complete some community outreach, attend open hearings, or explore Minneapolis. 

3.) The Human Civil Rights Awards Some members purchased tickets to attend a special awards ceremony. Attendees heard speeches from award winners and were entertained by Chaka Khan!