and let them know that this is just a sample of the many professional tools available through their membership. They just might feel more comfortable signing the application without your presence. If not, be sure to bring another form with you at your next meeting. • Use well thought-out follow-up techniques. When necessary, assign a different person to go back on the second contact. • Forward membership information immediately to the local membership chair. Why people join the association “Membership is doing for yourself what you cannot do by yourself. It is an investment in your future. It is not a purchase or a donation. Consider membership for its long-range benefits rather than immediate results.” • Someone asked. Few people join an organization without being asked. School employees will join the association when a knowledgeable and credible recruiter convinces them that their employment interests are best served by joining. • Protection. School employees are very much aware of the many demands being placed on today’s school systems. They know that their job security, their salaries and fringe benefits and their working conditions will be protected and improved only through an organization which fights to enhance their careers. • Professionalism. Many school employees know that their professional interest can be advanced by adding their 14 – AR Handbook strength and numbers to the association’s long standing commitment to the goals of public education. They join to continue that commitment. • A Special Service. Some people join the association to take advantage of one or more of the many special services made available through the potential purchasing power of the association’s broad base of membership. These services can save members a great deal of money especially when they purchase one or more of our insurance programs. What does the association do for me? • Protects you from improper and illegal dismissal or suspension (call your UniServ office right away). • Negotiates your contract – improves it and fights off attempts to strip it. • Represents you in Trenton in the Legislature and with the various commissions and agencies that affect your work life. • Continues to advocate for your retirement benefits. • Provides full-time professional staff alerted to your professional needs in the speed of a phone call. • Floods the state with imagebuilding billboards, news releases, features, educational materials, koffee klatches, TV ads, Social Media (Twitter & Facebook) • Puts on an annual battle to win subsidy money for school districts and colleges (directly benefits your contract). • Helps you to enforce your contract. • In case of trouble, provides staff and legal assistance as appropriate. • Analyzes your district’s budget to find funds that otherwise would be hidden from the negotiators of your contract. • Provides access to lowcost member-only disability insurance plans. • Trains your local leaders in techniques of bargaining your contract; protecting it from abuse; advising you in safeguarding your job, retirement income, working conditions. What do I get for my dues dollars? Your dues dollars generate big dividends. Did you know that because of NJEA’s hard work, when you retire after 25 years of service, you earn lifetime health benefits? This benefit alone allows you to recoup all of your dues investment in just the first two years of retirement. NJEA also advocates for you in many ways. • NJEA provides a multitude of professional development opportunities, such as the NJEA Convention. • NJEA lobbyists pursue legislation that protects our members and public schools. • NJEA members are eligible to receive scores of discounts through the Consumer Services program. • NJEA publications provide upto date information on issues affecting members and their professional careers.
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