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.