The Advocate

Delegate Assembly to consider bylaw amendments

3 minutes

At the NJEA Delegate Assembly (D.A.) meeting on Sept. 19, delegates will consider amendments to the NJEA Membership Committee’s charges, which are in the bylaws. Amendments to the bylaws may be proposed by a majority vote of the Executive Committee or by a majority vote of the D.A.

Amendments so proposed shall be submitted to the Constitution Review Committee for review and recommendation and shall be published in full in the official publication of the association. A three-fourths vote of all the members of the D.A. shall then be necessary for the adoption of such amendments.

RULE RECOMMENDATION NO. 1: that NJEA amend the charges of the NJEA Membership Committee to align with the Jan. 10, 2026, Delegate Assembly adopted strategic vision and current membership landscape as follows:

  1. [Promotes and maintains] Foster U[u]nified [Association] M[m]embership[;] Engagement: Cultivate and sustain a cohesive membership base, ensuring active participation and engagement across all NJEA, NJAEA, and NJREA members.
  2. [Reviews appropriateness of] Evaluate Membership Categories & Dues [categories] Structure: Regularly assess the relevance, inclusivity, and effectiveness of current membership categories and dues structures to ensure alignment with member needs and organizational goals.
  3. [Secures members for NJEA and the National Education Association;]Recruitment & Retention Strategy: Implement dynamic recruitment strategies, emphasizing member value and collective strength, while actively working to retain and engage members long-term.
  4. [Reviews and studies the means used to orient members to the programs and services of NJEA;] Member Onboarding & Orientation: Continuously evaluate and improve onboarding processes, ensuring new members are effectively oriented to the full scope of NJEA programs, services, and advocacy efforts.
  5. [Gathers] [d]Data-Driven [on ] [m]Membership Growth: Collect, analyze, [projections] and [makes recommendations for creating membership] growth; and utilize membership data to project trends, identify opportunities for growth, and develop targeted strategies to expand the membership base across all categories of membership.
  6. Collaborative Support for Local Membership Leaders: Coordinate[s] [activities of] with county and local membership chairpersons[;], offering resources and guidance to help them implement effective strategies for member engagement and retention.
  7. Reviews and M[m]aintains [names, address, and original information] Accurate Membership Information: Ensure up-to-date and comprehensive records of NJEA members[.] across all categories of membership, including contact information, organizational affiliations, and membership status.

RULE RECOMMENDATION NO.2: that the NJEA Bylaw 43. Membership Committee, be amended as follows: The Membership Committee shall consist of not less than one member from each county. It shall be responsible for advancing and sustaining the strength, growth, and engagement of the Association’s membership. [This committee] It shall: [secure, promote, maintain, and coordinate Association membership and shall review and make recommendations concerning procedures and programs relating thereto.]

  1. Foster Unified Membership Engagement: Cultivate and sustain a cohesive membership base, ensuring active participation and engagement across all NJEA, NJAEA, and NJREA members.
  2. Evaluate Membership Categories & Dues Structure: Regularly assess the relevance, inclusivity, and effectiveness of current membership categories and dues structures to ensure alignment with member needs and organizational goals.
  3. Recruitment & Retention Strategy: Implement dynamic recruitment strategies, emphasizing member value and collective strength, while actively working to retain and engage members long-term.
  4. Member Onboarding & Orientation: Continuously evaluate and improve onboarding processes, ensuring new members are effectively oriented to the full scope of NJEA programs, services, and advocacy efforts.
  5. Data-Driven Membership Growth: Collect, analyze, and utilize membership data to project trends, identify opportunities for growth, and develop targeted strategies to expand the membership base across all categories of membership.
  6. Collaborative Support for Local Membership Leaders: Coordinate with county and local membership chairpersons, offering resources and guidance to help them implement effective strategies for member engagement and retention.
  7. Reviews and Maintains Accurate Membership Information: Ensure up-to-date and comprehensive records of NJEA members across all categories of membership, including contact information, organizational affiliations, and membership status.