(Usually Held in April or May)
Overview of the Meeting’s Purpose and Goals:
The MTA Annual Meeting is, perhaps, the largest democratic decision-making body gathered together in one place in the state of Massachusetts. Up to 2000 MTA member delegates are sent by locals across the state each year to determine:
- How the $45+ million budget will be allocated and spent:
- personnel;
- Political and legislative agendas to improve the lives and working environments of educators;
- Dues amounts and divisions;
- What will be our priorities in terms of organizing, and what we will push in terms of state-wide and national legislation;
- And, this year, who will lead the organization for the next two years (both the president and the vice president are up for election, as are a number of seats on the Executive Committee, etc.).
Traditionally, the meeting has been held in Boston, but this year it will be held close-by, in Springfield. This, also, was decided at the Annual Meeting and represents a rise in the influence and representation at the meeting from members from Western Massachusetts.
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The Role and Responsibilities of a Local Delegate to Annual Meeting
Gateway has, for many years, been granted 4 spots at the Annual Meeting. This is our allotted voice in the cumulative voice of MTA locals throughout the state and it’s important that we use it fully.
Delegates nominate themselves at the local level and are chosen (when necessary) by election by the local members. Those chosen are expected to attend the meeting on both Friday and Saturday, in full. While the official meeting goes on for most of both days (voting on the budget, resolutions, and new business proposed by members in the months and weeks leading up to the meeting), it’s also a great opportunity to network with members throughout the state, compare experiences, and build connections.
The official responsibilities of a Local Delegate to Annual Meeting are:
- maintaining a presence (all four delegates whenever possible) to vote on important issues and items that arise throughout the meeting;
- Voting in a way you feel best represents the members of your local who sent you to represent them;
- Working to convince other delegates to vote you way on issues that are important you you and your local;
- Speaking in front of the assembly (when needed) to add to the discussion.
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