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UPCOMING DATES:
- January 1-March-1 ECOEA Nominations period for expiring terms
- February 22-24-OEA AOI, Columbus
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March 1-Deadline to register & pay deposit for Legislative Dinner, deadlines for Quinn Scholarships, PR Grants, Internal Organizing Grants, deadline for Letter of Intent for ECOEA Spring elections
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March 8-ECOEA Legislative Dinner, LaPizzaria, 6:00 PM
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April 12-OEA Fund Bowling at Park Centre Lanes, Canton, 6:00 PM
- April 13-ECOEA Spring RA-Stark State College 8:30 AM
- May 11-12-OEA Spring RA, Columbus Convention Center
- June 20-22-SAVE THE DATE! OEA Summer Academy
- June 25-SAVE THE DATE! ECOEA Summer Local Leaders Workshop-First Christian Church, 6900 Market Av N, Canton
- July 3-6-NEA Annual RA, Philadelphia
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Happy February!
After what felt like the longest January known to man, even with snow days and days off, February seems to be rushing by. It always seems like in these gray, cold months that energy is low, students are restless and people just need a bit of sunshine in their lives. As the days get warmer and the sun begins to shine a little more consistently, I want to remind locals of the grants and scholarships offered by ECOEA and OEA. Please take advantage of these funds offered and have a community outreach event promoting your local, a social gathering with members to increase engagement or a wellness opportunity for members to relax and feel appreciated.
In the upcoming months, there are many political races and initiatives being introduced to Congress as well as being voted upon. Many times the political scene is hard to navigate, unfair, and can be tough on education. Due to this, I would like to take this opportunity to promote our two upcoming events. Our first event has become one of my favorite events we host as a district. ECOEA’s Legislative Dinner is on Friday, March 8th, at LaPizzaria beginning at 6pm, and I would encourage all locals to send at least one member to this event. As educators, we have stories to tell, and this is a perfect opportunity to share it. The night will include dinner with the legislators as well as a panel discussion featuring key topics that are affecting educators. All details are later in this newsletter as well as on our website. I would love for you to be our guest. The second event is our inaugural OEA FUNdraiser at Park Centre Lanes hosted by ECOEA. Do you love to bowl? Do you enjoy a Friday night out? Then come join us as we raise money to fund the political initiatives and candidates that support education. Bowling is one of my personal favorites, and I hope we have a packed house. Additional details are in this newsletter as well as on our website. I hope you will join us for a striking good time!
I know it can feel like spring break or summer are far off, but I hope you can lean on your colleagues, take a moment for yourself and find the joy in the days ahead to finish off this school year on a positive note all while taking advantage of what your union can offer you!
In Solidarity,
Juliann Doerschuk
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ECOEA AOI SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
ECOEA is happy to award ten full scholarships of $100 to all members that applied so they may attend the OEA Advocacy and Organizing Institute in Columbus, February 22-24, at no cost to their local association. Enjoy your conference!
Congratulations to:
- Barb Newton-Northwest Teachers' Association
- Jill Rippeth-New Philadelphia Education Association
- Cathy Bond-Dover Education Association
- Heather Zuniga-Malvern Education Association
- Tina Bradley-Canton Professional Educators' Association
- Juliann Doerschuk-Canton Professional Educators' Association
- Elena Tell-Canton Professional Educators' Association
- Ashley Peterson-Alliance Education Association
- Julie Nelson-North Canton Education Association
- Jen McKelley-North Canton Education Association
Awarded a regional scholarship is Steven Pritchard, Newcomertown TA.
Congratulations to all scholarship awardees, and thanks for giving your time to sharpen leadership skills and learn more ways to engage our members.
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ECOEA will hold our annual Legislative Dinner at LaPizzaria Restaurant in Canton on Friday, March 8, 2024. Join us for dinner and conversation with area legislators, and then hear what they have to say during the moderated panel discussion about topics important to public educators.
We are looking forward to welcoming the following guests:
- Representative Scott Oelslager, HD 48
- Representative Jim Thomas, HD 49
- Representative Brett Hillyer, HD 51
- Representative Lauren McNally, HD 59
- Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, HD 79
- State Board of Education member Michelle Newman, District 8
The dinner is open to all members for no charge; guests are welcome for a $25 guest fee. See full details and make your reservation at the button below.
New! We now can take a credit card payment for your deposit. No more mailing a check! We look forward to seeing you there!
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QUINN SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR MEMBERS AND CHILD OF A MEMBER
Applications are now being accepted for the Quinn Scholarships. Two scholarships are offered, both chosen by lottery drawing from all qualified applicants. The Member Scholarship is for $500 and is open to all members who wish to continue their education. The Scholarship can be used for tuition or conference registration fees and is paid by reimbursement upon successful completion of the class.
The Child of a Member Scholarship is for $1,500 and is for a student enrolled or accepted in a program leading to a degree in education.
The scholarships are named in honor of William and Dolores Quinn-the first Executive Director and Executive Secretary of ECOEA. Mr. Quinn was the ECOEA Executive Director for 36 years, beginning in 1959 when ECOEA was founded. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024.
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ECOEA EXPIRING TERMS AND VACANCIES
The ECOEA expiring terms and vacancies for 2024 will be elected at the ECOEA Spring Representative Assembly on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Stark State College. According to ECOEA policy, any eligible member who would like to their name on the ballot, must file a Letter of Intent for their desired position. The Letter of Intent should be filed with the ECOEA Business Manager no later than Friday, March 1, 2024. The Letter of Intent may be filed electronically or hard copy through the mail but it must be received by the deadline. County Representatives must be from a local in that county to be eligiible. All expiring term positions are for a three-year term. The Letter of Intent is at the button below. There are no nominations from the floor except for positions that have no declared candidate.
Also on the ballot is the OEA Board of Directors member for ECOEA Unit-2, three-year term beginning July 15, 2024 through July 14, 2027. The deadline for Declaration of Candidacy had to be filed with OEA by January 29. 2024, in order to appear on the ballot. The nominations period for this position is now closed.
Expiring ECOEA Executive Committee terms (2024-2027):
- Columbiana County Rep #1
- Stark County Rep #3 (correction)
- Wayne County Rep #1
- Education Support Professional (ESP) #1
- Education Support Professional (ESP) #2
- MInority Member
Expiring OEA Board of Directors (2024-2027):
Vacant Executive Committee (2023-2026):
ECOEA Representative to OEA Standing Committees (2024-2027):
- Legislative Committee
- Resoutions Committee
- Local Training and Development Committee
- Human and Civil Rights Committee
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ECOEA INTERNAL ORGANIZING GRANTS
Internal Organizing Grants of up to $500 are available to eligible locals to strengthen and retain membership. Grant proposals should promote member engagement in the local. Examples of past grants are listed on the ECOEA Website along with the link to the grant application. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. Activities and documentation must be completed by December 31, 2024.
ECOEA policy for our grants allows only locals that elected and sent delegates to the ECOEA RA in the previous year to apply. Locals with outstanding undocumented grants are also ineligible.
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ECOEA SPRING PUBLIC RELATIONS GRANTS
ECOEA will offer another round of Public Relations Grants of up to $500 to promote the image of your local by giving back to your community. Only locals that elected and sent delegates last year (2022-2023) are eligible. Locals that received a Fall PR grant are ineligible for a spring grant. Visit the ECOEA website to see past grant projects and a link to the application. Activities and documentation must be completed by December 31, 2024. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2024.
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ECOEA REP TO OEA-R ADVISORY COUNCIL NEWSBRIEF
Here's news and happenings from the OEA Advisory Council from Kathleen Purdy, retired from Plain Local Teacher's Association.
Congratulations, Kathleen, on being elected as a delegate to the Democratic Convention!
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GOT STUDENT LOANS?
Guy Kendall-Freas, of NEA Member Benefits, continues to help members with student loans CHANGE THEIR LIVES by providing the resources to apply for Student Loan Forgiveness. Do you have student loans? Take advantage of this free assistance through NEA Member Benefits to see if you qualify and how to start the application process.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
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