EMAC is responsible for proposing policies and programs related to issues of concern to ethnic minority groups. It monitors the Association’s implementation of its policies and governance provisions regarding ethnic minorities, and it reviews the Association’s programs affecting ethnic minorities and makes recommendations regarding their implementation as appropriate.
Of its official charges, EMAC reviews existing Bylaw 3-1(g) state plans for promising sustainable and measurable strategies and/or practices that support greater racial equity in inclusion and directly improve ethnic minority involvement and participation at all levels of the Association to be shared with affiliates as they work to improve their plans.
What is 3-1(g) Plan?
The Association will achieve ethnic-minority delegate representation equal to the proportion of identified ethnic-minority populations within each state. Each year, before December 1, each state affiliate submits to the NEA Executive Committee for its approval a legally permissible plan which is designed to achieve a total state and local delegation to the Representative Assembly held each year which reflects these ethnic-minority proportions.
What is the Representative Assembly?
The National Education Association Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly, also known as the NEA-RA, is the world’s largest democratic body and the decision-making body for NEA’s nearly three million members. Every year, delegates come together to draft and debate new policies, adopt a strategic plan and budget, listen to NEA leaders and other prominent educators and activists, and elect new leaders.
Prior to the general assembly, delegates take part in state delegation meetings where most of the work is done in preparation for the general assembly. Once the general assembly takes center stage, the forum of collective educator voices take action in the form of debates that lead to voting on resolutions that will guide the NEA’s stand on critical educational issues. Witnessing this democratic process is a humbling and empowering experience. Besides participating in the general assembly, delegates can network with each other, sharing innovative ideas of best practices, and strategies to bring back to our schools and institutions.
After attending the NEA-RA, one can return home with new knowledge, ideas and sense of purpose. The Representative Assembly reinforces firsthand the importance and power of collective action and advocacy in the field of education. We hope that you consider joining us at next year’s NEA-RA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Why is it important to Identify?
When you begin filling out the NEA’s New Member Enrollment form there is a box titled "Ethnicity”. To help NEA-NM and EMAC continue to improve our ethnic-minority involvement and ensure an equitable representation in the Association it is recommended that this section be completed. If you choose not to complete this section it will not affect your membership status, rights or benefits. It should be of note that this section will be kept confidential.
When you identify, it allows us to provide focused training for our ethnic-minority members. It also allows the ability to provide statewide networking opportunities. They say there is strength in numbers. By identifying your ethnic-minority status you model strength for your students and your community.