Roadtrip Part 2: NEA

 The first major stop of this road trip was in Denver CO for The Representative Assembly of The National Education Association. The largest union in America.  I have been a proud union member my entire career. My first 3 districts were under AFT, but I have spent the last 9 years under NEA and am proud of what my local state and national unions have done to support educators and education around the country.  I've been asked for years to attend WEA and NEA and this year felt like a good time to try something new and go for it. I'll be honest I've been scared to do it. 7,000 people makes me anxious, taking care of my sensory needs makes me nervous but I decided I was going to try. 

So after day 1 I forgot to write anything and 2 days post conference I'm honestly having a hard time SO. 

Basic run down July 4th-7th was a minimum of 12 hour days. 7-9am was WEA caucus at the hotel. Then a bus down to the Denver convention center for New Business Items (NBIs), Legislated proposals, Bylaw, Constitution and Policy Amendments from 10- 7pm on the 4th and 5th.  On the 6th we had learning in the afternoon and on the 7th we had learning in the morning followed by more NBIs in the afternoon til 7ish pm. 

 I tried to get up and talk 3 different times, but debate was closed before I could. There was a guy who had some big opinions on Disability being a bad word and using that logic to say switching from Handicapped to Disability wasn't far enough- for those that know me- you know I had some thoughts to share- for those that don't 1. It's not a bad word 2. I am disabled and need accommodations like the "ears" (see below) to access spaces like this. But here's a photo of me at the podium anyway. 

I enjoyed my 2nd day of learning more than the first and will take some of the Federal Lobbying strategies with me both for working within the bureaucracy of my district but also in moving the needle at state and federal levels. 

On the 4th we went out for Mexican and much needed beverages. Lots of laughter ensued.  On the 5th I took the night in because I knew the 6th would be a very long day.  On the 6th in addition to a fully schedule during the day, I got a ticket to the LGBTQ+ Gala and was out til nearly 11- which made for a very sleepy 7/7. 

On the 7th the VP of my local had her NBI passed- Super proud of her for that and we celebrated by going out to a local Champagne lounge/bar in downtown Denver.  Certainly a great way to celebrate the end of a very long week. I learned a lot, there are things I want to do know that I didn't know exists and I'm glad I did it.  

The 5600 people were overwhelming but the accommodations I asked for - specifically my "Ears" an over the ear amplification device that allowed me to focus in on the main speaker at any time made the space much more accessible for me.