New School Year, New Opportunities

I hope this note finds you and yours well as we transition from what I hope was an invigorating and restorative summer to a rewarding and beautiful autumn. Thank you for all you do in service to our friends and neighbors across the state. 

Our once hushed and empty classrooms are once again humming with the vibrant energy that only you, our dedicated teachers, faculty and education support professionals, can bring. You are the architects of inspiration, the guides of knowledge and the nurturing souls who mold the future of our society. Your passion and commitment continue to be the bedrock upon which we will build a freer and more inclusive democracy.  

Equally important and inspiring are the non-education members of North Dakota United. Your resolute efforts to deliver the vital public services that propel our state forward and improve our living standards are very much appreciated by all North Dakotans. I shudder to think of what this state would look like without your good work on everyone’s behalf. 

I want to thank you for your membership in ND United! Your membership and advocacy are responsible for a great deal of good that happens across our state and in our Legislature. Any organization would be happy to have members like ours! More members than ever before have taken the time to become engaged in the work of the enterprise by writing to their legislators and other elected officials, encouraging them to propose and adopt policies that strengthen education and public service in the state. Your efforts were certainly noticed by policymakers on both sides of the aisle this past legislative session, and we hope to keep the momentum going as we do our work during the interim. 

Now is a great time to tell you about two more opportunities to get more involved in NDU governance, as well as that of our national affiliates, NEA and AFT.  

First, the 2024 NDU Delegate Assembly will be held at the Gateway to Science Center in Bismarck in April. Every seat on the NDU Board of Directors, except those of the president, vice presidents and NEA director, is on the ballot. In addition, we will also elect delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly, which will be held in Philadelphia next summer. So, if you would like to serve on the NDU Board of Directors and/or attend the NEA RA, here’s what you can do. Keep reading this edition of United Voices, and you will find an excellent preview of upcoming events that would benefit greatly from your participation.  

Thanks again for your membership in ND United, and thank you for the excellent work you do in service to the people of North Dakota!