Should we be politically active?

Should we be politically active?

The answer is a big YES!!!!

Every decision is a political decision and politicians remember what organizations and who helped them get elected.

What can you do? Volunteer to make phone calls, knock on doors, help with mailings or hold a house party to raise awareness about a pro-education NCAE endorsed candidate.

Are You an Active Member or do You Just Belong?

I had an opportunity to hear the outgoing NEA President Reg Weaver speak recently. I had to ask you the question he asked all of us. The question was in the form of a poem he had written.
It's titled:
"Are You an Active Member or do You Just Belong?"

Are you an active member the kind that would be missed?
Or are you just content that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock?
Or do you stay at home to criticize and knock?
Do you take an active part to help the work along?
Or are you satisfied to only just belong?
Do you work with your committee and get right in and mix?
Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the cliques?
Think it over, member --you know right from wrong!
Are you an active member or do you just belong?

Effective Leadership

Hey guys, it has been a while since my last post. So here goes!!!
I get so many questions about leadership. There are many books written on the subject, but one I reccomend is "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John C. Maxwell.

Here is some info that I found that may be helpful:

How to Be an Effective Association Leader

• An Effective Leader give direction, set an example, and share risks equally.
• An Effective Leader seeks to win respect without courting popularity.
• An Effective Leader leads by example; practices what he/she preaches.
• An Effective Leader listens with understanding; is willing to discuss and solve problems; is open to ideas; gives time to listen.
• An Effective Leader supports and helps; backs people up; effective leader are on their members side; remembers their problems.
• An Effective Leader uses a team approach; help members reach better decisions; facilitates cooperation.
• An Effective Leader avoids close supervision; does not over boss; does not dictate or rule by the book.
• An Effective Leader delegates authority; trusts members; relies on members judgment; permits group decisions; have faith in the creativity of others
• An Effective Leader communicate openly and honestly; tells people what you think; wins trust of the people.
• An Effective Leader brings out the best in members; have common touch with the members.

Happy New Year

Hey Guys: It has been a long time since we last talked. I wish all the staff and NCAE members, the happiest of new years. As I flip over the calendar page to the opening day of 2008, a leap year, I hope that the next 366 days bring you happiness and prosperity as NCAE members no matter what your job may be you are very important to us.