First time in Delegates Assembly!
        The spring issue of the Gazette is about renewal, rejuvenation and inspiration. In keeping with this theme I decided to share my experiences at Delegates Assembly in Chicago at the NAEA convention this past March. It was indeed rejuvenating and refreshing to represent Maryland, as well as be introduced to the legislative process including all fifty states and interest groups. The President and President-Elect or Vice President of each association are the representatives and are voting on the initiatives, motions or resolutions, that are later sent to the NAEA Board of directors for ratification.

        Before we broke into groups to brainstorm about resolutions or needs we heard from the Presidents of Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. We were shown videos of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Two hundred and sixty three schools suffered damage in Mississippi. Forty five percent of the teachers on the coast are living in trailers and fifty to sixty percent of the students are living in overcrowded homes. Residents’ incomes are greatly reduced and they are still cleaning up in Louisiana. We were saddened and touched by the stories of art teachers living in F.E.M.A. trailers and schools wiped out by water and wind. We learned about the NAEA Disatster Relief Fund, where individuals or state associations can donate. Dick Blick Art Supplies donated the original seed money of $25,000 dollars and will match dollar for dollar up to another $25,000. The rebuilding is still going on; many of our fellow art teachers lost their homes, their schools, their art room, their art supplies and personal belongings. In Delegates Assembly we learned that the NAEA Disaster Relief Foundation can donate $1,000 to members in need.   This was refreshing to the spirit. It is not too late to donate.

     In Mississippi “Operation Art Lift was started to give people hope and encouragement. Money was raised to bring artists and art supplies to help many children create kites with poetry to lift their spirits. It was a big success to see them flying and very inspiring.

     We also had the opportunity to view a publicity campaign initiated by the Georgia Art Education Association. The GAEA created a billboard campaign for art advocacy utilizing children’s artwork with the theme “What’s your vision? Ours is a visual

art education for every child!” The billboard was replete with student created colorful sunglasses. This was rejuvenating to see how Art is front and center and art teachers make themselves heard about the importance of a quality art education for all. I understand the students and teachers actually painted the billboard themselves!

     Some of the initiatives or motions that were voted on in Delegates assembly include: 

• creation of a stamp design contest for a national postal stamp promoting visual arts
• funding for a professional photographer to be available to photograph NAEA award winners for the publications
• funds to be set aside for a national television commercial, public service announcement or advocacy campaign
• designation of a Special Educator for art teacher’s award
• providing for National award winners a paid luncheon ticket at the conference
• a joint meeting is arranged between the Music Arts Ed Association and the NAEA board in summer 2007. 

These are but a few of the initiatives or resolutions passed at Delegates assembly but they will come up before the NAEA board for a vote this summer.

     Being a part of the Chicago conference and representing all of you at Delegates Assembly, meeting all the wonderful folks from across the United States and beyond was rejuvenating, inspiring and refreshing. It was my pleasure to see so many art educators who commit themselves to furthering art education and to making this art community a better place for all to dwell.