WEA-Eastern Washington - UniServ
MEA belongs to WEA-Eastern Washington UniServ Council and Pat Clark is Mead's UniServ representative. Pat also works closely with UniServ representatives Mike Boyer and Sally McNair. Through them, our Association not only receives legal advice, but also the training and resources needed to better serve our members. In addition, we also have the expertise of Field Assistant Staff Teri Embrey, and Pat Montgomery. Services of the Council include on-site professional assistance in:
Bargaining
Instructional and professional trainings
Grievance through arbitration
Organizing local, council and state issues
Research
Communications
Political action
Public relations
Local Association trainings
Community Outreach
Legal assistance
UniServ is funded by member dues dollars, WEA and NEA. The UniServ office is located at 230 E. Montgomery. Phone 326-4046. Web site www.wea-eastern.org
WEA - Washington Education Association
Our WEA President is Charles Haase and WEA Vice-President is Dave Scott. WEA Eastern Washington Directors to the WEA Board are: Jocelyn Merhab, Mead EA and Bev Schafer, East Valley EA.
As a member of the Washington Education Association, you may draw on the following services: www.washingtonea.org
WEA Salary Protection Plan
NEA Liability Insurance
WEA Auto Insurance
NEA Dues Tab Insurance (free)
WEA Attorney Referral Service
WEA/NEA Workshops and Classes
Legal Defense Program
Special Member Discounts: Call 1-800-622-3393 or Log on to www.neamb.com
WEA Tax Sheltered Annuities
WEA Sponsored Fringe Benefit Plans
WEA Publication-ACTION
Instruction and Professional Development
WEA Positions Listing Service
In addition to member services, WEA coordinates:
Legislative programs
Human Relations Training
Research
WEALA Conference
WEA LEGAL SERVICES
If you need a lawyer, the NEA provides WEA/NEA members with the services of an attorney at a discounted hourly rate. The Attorney referral Program (ARP) is a service provided to NEA members, on personal legal matters, i.e. not employment-related.
Participating ARP attorneys provide each member with two (2) free 30-minute consultationsessions during each year of the program (Sept. 1-Aug. 31). These two free consultations are taken separately and deal with two different questions. This benefit allows you to discuss your problem with an attorney to determine whether you need additional legal services. Do not expect the attorney to draft or review documents during a consultation. It is important to discuss any fee arrangements at your initial meeting.
If you problem falls within any of the areas listed below, the attorney's fees are discounted 30% for anything over 30 minutes.
Real estate matters
Wills and estates
Domestic relations i.e. divorce
Consumer protection and
Traffic violations
The participating attorney will not represent a member in a suit against another member, the WEA, NEA affiliate, or a UniServ Council.
Local WEA Attorneys
Bill Powell.......................................................... 455-9080
Cheryl Phillabaum Assoc............................... 838-6055
J. Craig Barrile.......................................276-7184
WEA Children's Fund
We've all seen students in need: The first-grader who can't go outside at recess because she doesn't have a warm coat. The middle-school student wearing boots two sizes too small.The sophomore who borrows pens and paper because her family can't afford to buy school supplies.
The WEA Children's Fund can help. The Fund was established to meet the modest and immediate needs of students encountered by WEA members in their daily workplaces. Any WEA member can make one phone call 1-800-622-3393 or visit the web site (www.washingtonea.org) to explain the student's need and situation. A staff member will contact you regarding approval to make a purchase. Then, just send in a receipt and the Children's Fund will reimburse you for the expense.
You, your colleagues, your family members and friends can help the WEA Children's Fund help kids. Because it is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 organizations, contributions are tax deductible. That means anyone can make a charitable donation and even designate United Way contributions to go to the Fund.
For a complete list of guidelines and information, visit the Children's Fund Website at:www.washingtonea.org quick link = Children's Fund Charity.
NEA - National Education Association
Helping Teachers
We are affiliated with the National Education Association. NEA provides us with the following benefits: www.nea.org
Nation's leading voice for education reform
Sponsorship of UniServ support networks
Legal assistance in protecting member's rights
Promoting respect for the educational profession
Instructional and professional development
Computer research network for bargaining
Political networks
Involvement in Educational Issues
Local Political Action Committee comprised of representatives from each building, provides current information on national, state, and local educational issues. They organize activities to encourage our involvement in elections and legislative sessions. On the local level, MEA has been active in supporting special levy drives and school board elections.
WEA-PAC is the political action arm of NEA. It has the same goals as PULSE only on a national level. The voluntary contribution is $1.00 per month. A person wishing to contribute to NEA-PAC must fill out an opt-in form available from the Association treasurer.