Before Renee became a coordinator, Virginia was dormant with the volunteer program. Renee was asked to help restart Virginia's participation by Meg Gruber, a past president of VEA. Renee works with the other coordinators via teleconferencing and emailing to come up with activities that NEA Delegates can do during their stay in the host city.
This year, Renee has taken the lead on working with "Teachers Aid" in Houston. "The Teachers Aid program provides supplies to teachers in schools that meet the following criteria:
– Teachers Aid Agreement must be submitted.
– 60% of students are on free or reduced price lunch
– Participate in the Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program or School Market."
– 60% of students are on free or reduced price lunch
– Participate in the Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program or School Market."
The organizers worked to find volunteers, collect supplies, work on preparing meals, pack backpacks, and serving meals to homeless teens. They also helped make clean bags, which contain toiletries for homeless, and pack purses with feminine items for homeless women.
Renee is also an active volunteer in Spotsylvania. Why does Renee volunteer and do community outreach? She says, "It's all about giving back. It's always been in my nature to help others, my community."
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| Renee (R) with volunteers |
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| Renee with volunteers and with NEA Secretary-Treasurer Princess Moss |
