• Advisor – The AR is the first person a member contacts when information is needed about association programs and services. • Advocate – The AR who knows what standing together can do for members is the chief proponent for a strong, unified profession. • Communicator – The AR makes sure that all associationrelated information is distributed, posted or in some other way available to members. A file of special NJEA/NEA publications helps the AR answer members’ questions. 6 – AR Handbook • Contract Enforcer – The AR must know the current negotiated agreement between the association and the school board. Association representatives make certain that violations of the contract are corrected promptly by assisting members in taking appropriate action. • Organizer – The AR actively recruits members into professional association membership by understanding and promoting services and functions of local, county, state, and national associations. And, as an organizer, the AR works to gain active participation of all members in association programs. • Problem Solver – The AR assists members by identifying problems at early stages and resolving minor difficulties before they become major association concerns. • Spokesperson – The AR communicates members’ ideas. ARs report member concerns directly to officers or to the Association Council on which they serve. Contact your UniServ office for a more detailed look at the AR’s vital role in an active local association. AR Responsibilities As a Communicator, I: • understand and communicate what it means to be a member of the profession of which I am an important part. • am an active listener to member concerns about the association. • make use of association resources to respond to those concerns. • inform the association of member concerns and vice versa. As a Promoter & Maintainer of Membership, I: • recognize that people join the association for various reasons. • approach potential members on the basis of their self-interest. • encourage member involvement in the association because involvement leads to commitment. • show a personal interest in the welfare of members (problems, recognitions, birthdays, etc.) As an Organizer, I: • know the people I am supposed to represent (constituency). • use a personal approach in my relationship with the people I represent. • have credibility because I follow through. • work well with other leaders. • am the association in the eyes of my constituents. • attend NJEA, county, and/or local training to increase my knowledge and skills. As an Advocate for Members, I • know the contract and school district policy. • understand the grievance procedure and explain it when necessary. • listen to complaints and grievances. • represent members in complaints and grievances. • advise members accurately as to alternatives when they have problems. • know where to turn for technical advice and assistance. • have experienced the reward that comes from helping others. As an Association Legislator or Policy Maker, I: • understand and can explain how association governance works at all levels. • assist in formulating and carrying out policy and programs. • feel accountable to my constituency and their best interests. • communicate policy decisions to constituents to increase understanding and support. 6 – AR Handbook
20333FG
To see the actual publication please follow the link above