VEA Summer Organizing Institute Builds Powerful Locals
July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
Local VEA leaders at our Union’s Summer Organizing Institute spent two days immersed in learning how to achieve Union goals by building strength, developing collective power, and working to create locals that are a formidable force in public education policy in their communities.
They did it by directing their time to one of four tracks: Political involvement, Communications, Collective Bargaining for Locals with Active Campaigns, and Growing your Local.
“I absolutely loved attending the Summer Organizing Institute,” says Virginia Beach Education Association member Cat Evans. “It helped me to better support our local PAC, VBEA PACE, connect with other VEA members, and hear powerful stories that inspired me. As a union of educators, we have so much to give and share with each other. We have this wealth of untapped skill, knowledge, and intuition. Coming together we can collaborate and help each other grow.”
Optional SOI add-ons were also offered to participants, including a canvassing outing in Spotsylvania County and a book club meeting to discuss Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson.
According to a poll conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, 66% of Virginians say public schools do not have enough funding to meet their needs.
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