& News From Our Division Chairs & Past-President William McDevitt 856-794-6800 x2539 billnjmea@aol.com
Random Thoughts In a recent “Random Thoughts”, I addressed the workings of the NJMEA Board of Directors. In this edition, I would like to address the topic of “NAfME and You: Perfect Together.” I can still hear the voice of Governor Tom Kean promoting New Jersey as a perfect tourist destination, with the New England accent. As you read the information below, about the workings of NAfME, please imagine it in an appropriate New Jersey accent. Over the past decade, I have been lucky enough to be involved in a number of activities of NAfME and the Eastern Division as both a participant and an observer. Throughout this time, I have gained insight into how our organization functions and learned some things that I never really knew before. The first thing that I would like to say is that our national organization (NAfME) is staffed by a group of amazing people, all of whom work very hard for our membership. They all have specific jobs (although those roles tend to change as time progresses), and will do anything in their power to address our needs if called upon. On a daily basis, they are in the office answering phones, working on the website, meeting with members of Congress, preparing professional development opportunities, and the list goes on and on. While I saw their names in print for many years, it wasn’t until my first National Assembly that I actually had the opportunity to meet them and match a face with the name. These people are the ones that keep our organization moving every day. They are the constant and the organizational memory that we hear about so often in member driven organizations like ours. Our National Executive Board (NEB) consists of 13 individuals. This includes our National Officers (President Nancy Ditmer, PresidentElect Glenn Nierman, and Past-President Scott Shuler), the Presidents of the 6 Divisions, and several of the Past Division Presidents. New Jersey is a member of the Eastern Division (ED) which consists of all of the states from D.C to Maine and out to Pennsylvania. Also included in the ED is Europe. We have a President (Tom Dean from Maryland), Past President (John Kuhner from Connecticut), and President-Elect (Bob Frampton from NEW JERSEY). Also included on the ED Board is a representative, usually the President, from each of the represented states. The NEB meets face-to-face several times throughout the year. They are our decision-making body so their meetings last for several days. The ED meets twice a year, normally in the location of each upcoming ED Conference. Lately we’ve been meeting in Hartford. Each time that these Boards meet, the only voting members are the elected members of the board. Anyone can go to a meeting and be an observer, but they are not allowed to interrupt, comment, or vote. It is all a well-oiled machine. The ED meets for two main functions: 1) to discuss/advise the ED President and Past-President on issues directly pertaining to the NEB, 2) to plan and implement the ED Conference and the All-Eastern Ensembles. Before I became involved, I had no clue how ED Ensembles were chosen or administered. This has been one of the most eye-opening experiences I have had. For those that have had concerns in the past, I can assure you that the system that is in place is the fairest way that this can be done without the use of auditions. If anyone has concerns, I would be happy to sit with them to discuss the process. Attending a National Assembly is also an eye-opening experience. Since the NEB really makes the decisions for NAfME, the representatives from each state mostly sit and listen to the information that is being provided by NAfME Staff and Board. Occasionally, there is an opportunity for the state Presidents to vote. For example, the National Assembly will determine the two finalists that will run for NAfME President. Over the years, our National organization has made major strides in customer service, evident by the improvements and wealth of materials available on the NAfME website. If you get the opportunity, start by browsing the Advocacy section at www.nafme.org. Anything that you could possibly need is available there. If you can’t find what you are looking for, search the forums or log in and start a topic of your own. Your dues pay for the upkeep of this site, so if you don’t find it – ASK! While most of our NJ members will never see NAfME or the ED at work, I can assure you from being there, that there are many people who are working every day to make sure that you have an opportunity to be the best teacher that you can be. Take advantage of what is offered. Make it “NAfME and YOU: Perfect Together!” continued on page 8
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MARCH 2013
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