Blair’s Vision for IREA & Presidency

Improve accountability for our officers, especially the President

  • President will provide a monthly President’s Report which would include a list of activities completed

  • Seek member feedback on scheduled President Office Hours to allow members to pop in with questions or concerns

Increased visibility of President

  • Attend building 10-minute meetings, staff meetings, staff events, etc. regularly with the goal of attending a meeting at every building throughout each year

Increased contact and collaboration with community organizations, politicians, and Board of Education members

  • Partner with these groups and individuals to discuss pressing educational issues and increase their understanding of what our schools need

  • Activate and empower members to speak at local meetings to build positive rapport with our community and fight for political actions that are needed

Continue to increase direct communication to members

  • Seek feedback from members about their preferred ways to receive information

  • Monthly Newsletters? Weekly email updates? Social Media sites? Text messages?

  • Communication only works if it meets the needs of those receiving it

Continue to increase member engagement

  • We’ve had more member engagement than ever! 

  • Continue to provide opportunities to join IREA, DSEA, and NEA activities

  • Work to identify specific members that may be ready to get more involved…when we see that spark, let’s find ways to use each member’s skillset to grow our union

Continue to grow our diversity

  • In the last few years our EMAC (Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee) has come together and is growing

  • Let’s continue this work and ensure that our IREA membership, and those involved as Reps/Chairs/Leadership , reflect the diversity we have throughout our staff and community in all ways

Continue to be present

  • I’ve spent the last two years attending just about every meeting held in the District and at the state-level…because of all the information I receive, I am able to assist members promptly and completely 

  • If you send me an email or if you send me a text, I have always answered promptly…that will continue

  • Union work is not 9 to 5 work…members deserve a leader who will be there for them when they need them

Grow each unit with the same level of attention and commitment

  • All school staff are important…and our local can’t be strong without focusing on all of our units (teachers, paras, custodians, and secretaries)

  • We are strongest when all voices are at the table

Increase Member Knowledge and Advocacy Skills

  • Our union is strongest when members know their rights and they feel strong in their right to speak up

  • We are all needed to win each fight…let’s come together and be the big fish!