What are some key activities my Local Association could begin organizing to help prepare for the 2007 Legislative Session?

• Schedule a presentation on AEA’s Legislative Agenda for your February Council of Representatives meeting. AEA can supply materials to distribute and discuss. Just contact paul.tristan@arizonaea.org (Materials will be available beginning November 4).
  
• Distribute a list of Legislators whose legislative districts cover your school district. See the List of School Districts sorted by Legislative District in Section 1 in your GREAT Manual. You can click here to view a map of Legislative Districts.
  
• Distribute subscription sign-up sheets for AEA’s Legislative Update. Click here and print a copy of the sign up page to reproduce and distribute widely. Return completed forms to Paul Tristan, AEA, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, 85004. Or, individuals can subscribe on line by going to http://capwiz.com/nea/az/mlm/signup/
  
• Some Regional GREAT Teams are hosting receptions for legislators or visits to the Capitol. Check with your Regional GREAT Chair and publicize such events to your members and community supporters.
  
• Does your school district have a parent or community legislative committee? If so, get involved in it and coordinate issues and plans for the upcoming session.

What lobbying activities can our Local Association participate in during the upcoming session?

• Send a team to AEA’s Education Day at the Capitol on March 7, 2007. Many Local Associations send key Local Association leaders and invite their superintendent, parent group leaders, and board members to join them. Get people invited now and have them hold the date until you get them more details.
  
• Shadow the AEA Lobbyists for a day. This program is available only to AEA GREAT Local Association Chairs, GREAT Regional Chairs, or GREAT Legislative Best Friends. You can invite your Local President to accompany you if you would like. These special shadow days will occur each Wednesday beginning in February and run through March into early April. Contact doug.kilgore@arizonaea.org to schedule.
  
• Organize a “back home” legislative visit with your members. Contact the legislators that represent your area. Identify a date that they are available to attend an Association meeting or organize a coffee or reception for local members and others to visit and discuss education issues. Your AEA Regional GREAT Chair and AEA Government Relations staff are a resource to help you plan for the meeting.

Where do I go for help?

• Contact your Regional GREAT Chair. Your Regional Chair also has the support of a Regional AEA Staff Member who is assigned to provide support to the Regional GREAT Team.
• Northern Region - Jeri Wolsey jeriteach@yahoo.com
• North Central Maricipa Region - Trina Hill - trinapacstuff@qwest.net
• Phoenix Metro Region - Susan Clark - susanclark515@yahoo.com
• East Valley and Mesa Region - Linda Somo - lasomo@orbitelcom.com
• Southern and Tucson EA Region
  Luci Messing - wildaboutdacats@cox.net
  Bob Gilby - bgilby@cox.net
  
• AEA Government Relations Staff can help. Just contact us. Doug Kilgore has the primary responsibility for supporting grassroots organizing. You can reach him at doug.kilgore@arizonaea.org. Jennifer Daily, the AEA Lead Lobbyist and Paul Tristan, the AEA Government Relations Associate are also available to help.