It is CTA s policy that extra rooms for visitors will be assigned after delegates have been assured of housing at the California delegation hotel.

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2 CTA Delegation Hotel This year all the California meetings will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA There are four hotels to choose from for housing see flyer attached for detailed information about the hotels. RA Registration Every delegate must register online at The deadline for registering is Wednesday, May 24 at 5:00 pm. To register, go to and choose NEA RA and then click the Register Now link. CTA requires all delegates to pay a $30 registration fee, which includes your ticket to California Night. Your registration fee must be paid during the registration process and is not reimbursable. The $30 registration fee will be charged to your credit card immediately. Arrival & Departure Dates Delegates are to arrive in Boston on Thursday, June 29. The RA will conclude the evening of Wednesday, July 5. All delegates are urged to stay until the closing of the RA so that we won t lose our quorum if voting occurs on the floor of the RA. You should plan to leave Boston on Thursday, July 6. Delegates staying until the end of the RA will be able to participate in a CTA drawing, which will be held at the close of the RA. Prizes include one year of CTA dues and more. You must be present to win. If you are attending a pre-convention function, you must make housing arrangements directly with NEA and stay at the hotel where the pre-convention function is being held. It is CTA s policy that extra rooms for visitors will be assigned after delegates have been assured of housing at the California delegation hotel. Housing Information Single Rooms If you wish to have a single room and/or wish to share a room with family/non-delegate, you will need to make your own reservations directly with one of the four hotels. During the RA registration process, you can click on the single room link to book your room directly. You will then be able to make any changes or cancellations to your reservation directly with the hotel. Delegates reserving a single room will receive a room reservation confirmation directly from the hotel. Rooms available on a first-come basis. Please reserve early to ensure your first-choice hotel is available. Housing Information Sharing Room With Another Delegate If you are sharing a room with another delegate, housing reservations MUST be made through the CTA Conference Coordination Center via the CTA online registration. Please do not attempt to book directly with the hotel if you are sharing with another delegate. Delegates requesting specific roommates should confirm such requests with each other BEFORE registering. Rooms will not be held or reserved without completed registrations for all 2

3 roommates. Delegates not requesting specific roommates will be assigned roommates (if possible). If roommates do not stay the same number of nights, the person(s) staying alone will pay the single rate for those nights he/she is alone. Hotel assignments will be made on a first come, first served basis, provided all information needed for processing is complete. The earlier you register, the more likely you will be assigned to your preferred accommodations. Any delegate wishing to visit the Boston area (not attending a pre-convention function) before or after our delegation room block (June 29-July 5) should indicate his/her preferred dates in the Additional Information box immediately below the arrival/departure area of the online registration. CTA cannot guarantee that the hotels will be able to accommodate your request; however, the hotel will send a confirmation via indicating the dates they have secured for you. Housing Information Cancellation, No-shows and Payments Note: All cancellations must be received by the CTA Conference Coordination Center at least five (5) days before your requested arrival date. A cancellation fee in the amount of the full first night s deposit may be charged for any cancellation received later than five (5) days in advance. If your cancellation is timely, you will be refunded the full first night s deposit. It is your responsibility to contact staff in the CTA Office at the Convention Center by 10:00 am following the day of your arrival if your roommate does not show up. CTA will then try to find you another roommate for the remainder of your stay and/or explain the proper reimbursement procedure for your expense statement. CTA is NOT responsible for any additional expenses. Credit Card Required to Secure Hotel Room In order to secure a hotel room and complete the registration process, you must provide your credit card information during the registration process. The credit card used must be valid through July 31, Your credit card will be charged by the hotel at check-in. California Directors Night This year, California Directors Night will be at the New England Aquarium, which will be held on Friday, June 30. You may purchase guest tickets for $35 each for adults and $20 each for children 16 and under when registering online with CTA. CTA will reimburse state delegates for transportation to and from the aquarium via the T (metro) or bus with receipt. State delegates will not be allowed to expense dinner on this night as dinner will be provided. See the enclosed California Directors Night flyer for additional details. Transportation to Boston Delegates are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to and from Boston and to and from the airport and the delegate s hotel. United Airlines Offers Reduced Rates to CTA Members BEST BOOKING OPTION Book Online: Log on to and enter discount code ZXFY in the offer code box when searching for flights. By using this code online, you will receive a discount of up to 10% off the internet fares with no service fees. 3

4 With Delta Airlines, you may include NEA s Sky Bonus number to help NEA earn free tickets while you continue to earn your personal frequent flyer miles. These free tickets are used to pay for higher fare travel. Carrier Reservations Meeting Code Delta Airlines SkyMiles # Amtrak Convention Fare Discount Amtrak offers a 10% discount off the best available rail fare to Boston between June 27, 2017 and July 8, To book your reservation call Amtrak at or contact your local travel agent. Refer to Convention Fare Code X59E-968 to receive a 10% discount. Conventions cannot be booked via the internet. This offer is not valid on the Auto Train and Acela service. Offer valid with Sleepers, Business Class or First Class seats with payment of the full applicable accommodation charges. Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional, all departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Convention Site The 2017 NEA Convention will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA in HALL B. As with many convention centers, we advise you and your guests to bring a light wrap to deal with variations in the temperature within the center. Transportation to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from the California Hotels NEA will provide busing from the four California delegation hotels (Doubletree by Hilton Boston Downtown, Hyatt Regency Boston, Omni Parker House and the Wyndham Beacon Hill) to the convention center starting July 2, 2017 at 6:30 a.m. only. Before July 2 (from June 30-July 1), NEA will be providing shuttle bus service between all of the state delegation hotels and the convention center every minutes. Shuttle bus service will be provided to delegates registered as physically challenged (see page 7 of this newsletter) and to all delegates requiring service for the bus transfer following the Conference on Racial and Social Justice on June 28. Shuttle bus service will also be provided for the Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner on July 1 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from hotels to the convention center and back to the hotels at 9:30 p.m. or when the dinner ends. Funding for Local Delegates Local delegates should arrange funding, if any, through their local chapters. Funding for State Delegates The CTA Board of Directors has set funding for California State Delegates at up to $2,450 each, with appropriate receipts attached to the member expense statement. CTA will reimburse lodging expenses using the same expense guidelines as we do for State Council, 4

5 which is paying for one-half of the double room rate. The total expenses submitted may not exceed $2,450. Expense guidelines are listed on the back of the member expense statement, which you will receive when you register. State delegates may apply for an advance of $980. This request must be received by the CTA Governance Support Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, The form to request an advance is enclosed. California Caucus Registration The California Caucus registration will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, room TBA. Please see the enclosed CTA and NEA Schedule of Events for exact dates and times for the California Caucus registration. Upon registering, delegates will receive a California packet, which includes valuable information on the NEA Annual Meeting. The packet also has space for keeping materials that will be distributed at the meetings. Each delegate will receive a California ribbon, which must be worn at all California Caucus meetings. This ribbon will identify you as a voting member of the Caucus. Delegates must register with their state and with NEA. Key Details For New Delegate Registration Process NEA WILL BE ING CREDENTIAL INFORMATION TO ALL DELEGATES THIS YEAR. NO CREDENTIALS WILL BE MAILED VIA USPS. Delegate credential information will be ed to a valid, unique, personal address the delegate has on file in the NEA registration system. The following are the key details regarding this new process: An invite will be sent to delegates around June 1 st, instructing them to follow a link within the , to register for the NEA RA. Delegate registration will utilize the delegate s personal address found in the NEA registration system as of June 1, The delegate must register using the link in order to check-in at the RA. As part of the registration process, delegates will have the option to add any guests who will also be attending the RA. Once registered, a confirmation/credential will be automatically sent to the delegate. The delegate will use the confirmation/credential at the RA to check-in and to print their badge, starting at 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., June 30, 2017 in Boston, MA. Delegates will also have the opportunity to check in and print their badge on July 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The NEA registration area will be located at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the pre-function space in front of HALL B. Every delegate must register with NEA in order to receive his/her credential. Delegate adjustment counters will still be provided for any changes or switches of delegates and successors. IMPORTANT: If at the last moment an elected local delegate is unable to attend the convention, the chapter president must notify the CTA Governance Support Department at (650) in order for an elected successor to be moved up to take the delegate s place. If you have any questions regarding credentialing, please call the CTA Governance Support Department at (650)

6 Seating on the floor of the Representative Assembly is reserved for the delegates only. Visitors are not permitted in the delegate seating areas. NEA provides a special visitors seating section. California Caucus Meetings The California Caucus meetings will be held in the Ballroom of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The first California Caucus meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 30 from 10:15 a.m. 12:00 noon. Lunch (on your own) will be from 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. The second California Caucus will be held from 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Please refer to the enclosed Schedule of Events for other caucus meeting times. Volunteers Volunteers (who are delegates) are needed to serve on the following committees: Caucus Elections Committee, California Night, Materials/Sign Carriers, the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, Protocol, Registration, Sales and State Contacts. Please indicate your willingness to be appointed to a committee (form enclosed). Forms must be returned by May 24, 2017 to the CTA Governance Support Department via mail to CTA Governance Support Department, 1705 Murchison Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010; or by fax to (650) Forms can also be scanned and ed to RA@cta.org. Guidelines for Delegates with Physical Challenges The Office of Physically Challenged Services will be located in room 50 on the Exhibit Level of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Drop-off and pick-up locations will correspond to the dates and be convenient to the designated PC office location. To receive special services, delegates who qualify for PC Services must fill out the Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form by June 1, 2017 and register on-site at PC Delegate Registration. The form is located online at Delegates can also access this link when they register online with CTA. PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED SERVICE REQUIREMENTS This year, delegates who have been approved for physically challenged services consistently over the past 3 years will not have to submit documentation to receive services. Delegates who do not meet the above criteria must submit only ONE of the following three items: 1. A signed letter dated within the past six months from your physician on his/her letterhead indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services. 2. A signed physician s prescription form indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services dated within the past six months. 3. A valid state-issued vehicle registration card with Physically Challenged endorsement. (Handicapped car placards are no longer accepted.) 6

7 Registration and Voting for Delegates with Physical Challenges Routine delegate registrations that don t require adjustments will be made at the Physically Challenged office in Room 50, eliminating the need for delegates with physical challenges to make their way to General Registration. Voting for PC-Registered Delegates will take place in the back of HALL B. Delegates should verify their preferred voting location upon registration at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. RA Seating Options for Delegates with Physical Challenges Physically Challenged delegates have an option to be seated with their state delegations or in the Physically Challenged designated area. To guarantee seating with your state delegation, you must submit your request via the online Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form ( by June 1, To comply with fire codes and accommodate the growing number of delegates in the Physically Challenged Seating area of the RA Floor, there will be one table between two delegates to share in the wheelchair and scooter accessible area, as well as an additional seating area, with chairs set theater style. NEA will make every effort to arrange floor seating if notified by June 1, While it may not appear complicated, RA seating is a challenge entailing compliance with fire code regulations/safety concerns and attention to power sources, sight lines, and the conflicting demands of state delegations and RA activities. Once you make your seating decision, please stay with the decision. Transportation for Delegates with Physical Challenges To receive transportation services, delegates who qualify for Physically Challenged Services must fill out the online form for Physically Challenged Delegates and submit it by June 1, The 2017 Physically Challenged Shuttle Brochure will be posted in June. Transportation is provided for official Annual Meeting events only and does not include airport transfers or state sponsored functions and events. NEA does not arrange or pay for airport transportation. This transfer is the responsibility of delegates. Transportation is limited to qualifying delegates only (not former delegates, friends, family or guests). If a companion is required to assist a delegate, a physician s note indicating that need and dated within the last six months is required. If you travel with medical equipment, you may want to have your physician recommend a travel companion as the NEA or the shuttle bus staff is not responsible for carrying medical equipment or other personal items. All transportation requests require advance notice and will be coordinated with other delegates requests. NEVER assume service will be provided without confirmation from the Physically Challenged Office. Physically Challenged delegates who own their own chairs are expected to bring their own equipment. NEA rents several wheelchairs for people who need a chair to navigate the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, but are not regular users of wheelchairs. 7

8 Motorized wheelchairs or electric scooters can be rented, at the delegate s expense, by contacting Boston Orthopedic & Respiratory Equipment, LLC toll-free at (800) , or through their website at CTA Website This newsletter and pertinent forms listed below are available at RA Newsletter #1 CTA Hotels Information Flyers Volunteer Form 2017 CTA and NEA Schedule of Events California Directors Night Flyer NEA Resolutions Committee Declaration of Candidacy Form NEA Delegates Resources Link You can get up to the minute information regarding the 2017 NEA Annual Meeting at: NEA Resolutions Committee Election for members of the NEA Resolutions Committee is held during the NEA RA. Elections will be held for the following California Resolutions Committee members at the 2017 RA: District 1 District 4 District 11 District 2 District 5 The term of office for the District 1 seat is September 1, August 31, 2019 (to fill the unexpired term of Tara Jean, who was elected NEA Director, District 1 effective September 1, 2017). The term of office for the District 2, 4, 5 and 11 seats is: September 1, August 31, The following NEA Resolutions Committee alternate seat will be open for election at the 2017 NEA RA to fill an unexpired term for a vacant alternate seat: District Term of Office 16 Date of election August 31, 2018 (Need to fill vacancy) The Resolutions Committee is responsible for preparing and presenting to the Representative Assembly proposed resolutions for adoption. Only credentialed delegates are eligible to be candidates. This year s NEA Resolutions Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, June 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, July 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Terrace Room of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA. 8

9 Declaration of Candidacy Forms for the NEA Resolutions Committee In order to provide those delegates who are employed in Districts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 11; and the District 16 alternate seat, which is a statewide seat and means that any elected delegate is eligible to run for this seat, with the opportunity to run for the NEA Resolutions Committee from California, the following procedure has been adopted: The declaration of candidacy form for the NEA Resolutions Committee can be accessed at or by contacting the CTA Governance Support Department at (650) The completed declaration of candidacy form may be mailed to the CTA Governance Support Department, 1705 Murchison Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010; faxed to (650) ; or scanned and ed to RA@cta.org by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, Any forms received in the CTA Governance Support Department by this date will be taken to Boston and turned in at the podium area before the second California Caucus ends on Friday, June 30, Delegates may also obtain a declaration of candidacy form from the CTA Office at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center or from the podium area at the first/second California Caucus meetings on Friday, June 30, All completed declaration of candidacy forms MUST be submitted at the podium area of the caucus by the close of the second California Caucus on Friday, June 30, The period for filing a declaration of candidacy form shall begin with the mailing of this first preconvention NEA RA Delegate Newsletter and end at the close of the second California Caucus on June 30, Resolution Committee members will be elected to three-year terms in accordance with NEA Standing Rule 7B. When a Resolutions Committee member serving a multi-year term is not subsequently elected as a state or local delegate to an upcoming NEA RA, their service will end when the Resolutions Committee concludes its summer meeting prior to the NEA RA. This will result in an unexpired term. In the event of a vacancy by resignation or other inability to serve, the alternate shall complete the Committee member s term of service. An election to complete the term of the alternate will be conducted at the next NEA RA. The California Caucus shall elect as many members to the NEA Resolutions Committee as there are NEA State Directors for California using the same geographical boundaries as provided for electing NEA State Directors. A candidate shall be employed in the area to be represented. However, any elected delegate is eligible to run for the District 16 seat as it is a statewide seat. Caucus members who have had an opportunity to vote for and to elect Resolutions Committee members at either the NEA-Retired or NEA Student Program representative assemblies are ineligible to vote for Resolutions Committee members elected by the California Caucus. The election shall be handled in accordance with the following procedures: a. Ballot Order. After the deadline for submission of declaration of candidacy forms, the order on the ballot shall be established by listing the candidates within each district using the CTA Elections Alphabet. b. Statement of Qualifications. Candidates shall be afforded the opportunity to submit a written advance statement of qualifications not to exceed 30 words, which shall be compiled for all candidates and distributed to the Caucus. At the established time, all 9

10 candidates who have met the filing deadline shall also be afforded the opportunity of making an oral statement to the Caucus, not to exceed one minute (write-in candidates not included). These statements will be made in the same order as the names of the candidates appear on the ballot. c. Requirements for Election. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes in each district shall be elected as members of the NEA Resolutions Committee from California. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes from each district will be the alternate. The election shall be by plurality vote. The ballot and counting procedures for electing Resolution Committee members are as follows: a. Printing of Ballots and Instructions. The CTA Secretary-Treasurer shall provide for the printing of ballots and instructions for the Elections Committee. b. Distribution of Ballots. At the time established for balloting, the Elections Committee shall distribute the ballots and accompanying instructions by rows to the California Caucus members who have proper badges and are seated in the voting section. c. Marking and Collection. After the ballots are marked by voting members of the Caucus, they shall be sent to the end of each row for collection by the Elections Committee. d. Prohibition on Campaigning. While ballots are being distributed and marked, there shall be no campaigning by the candidates or others. e. Counting and Observers. Ballots shall be counted by the Elections Committee, using voting machines wherever appropriate. Each candidate shall be given the opportunity of having an observer present during the counting. f. Tellers Report. The Chairperson of the Elections Committee shall prepare the Tellers Report, which shall also be signed by members of the Elections Committee in verification of the results. g. Announcement of Results. After completion and verification by the required signatures, the Tellers Report shall be immediately given to the Caucus Chairperson for announcement of the results to the Caucus. The official election results shall include the number of votes. h. Report to NEA. The CTA President shall be responsible for reporting the election results to the NEA. Pre-Convention Meetings The National Council of Urban Education Associations Conference The National Council of Urban Education Associations Conference will be held June 25-28, 2017 at the Omni Parker House Hotel, 60 School Street, Boston, MA To register go to The early registration fees are $375 for NCUEA members and $475 for non-members. Registration fees after June 3 are $395 for members and $495 for non-members. Online registration closes June 19, Participants are encouraged to register online. For more information, contact Toccaro Barkley at tbarkley@nea.org. Conference on Racial and Social Justice The 2017 Conference on Racial and Social Justice (formerly known as the Joint Conference on the Concerns of Minorities and Women) will be held on June 28 June 29, 2017 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center located at 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA. The conference is limited to 600 pre-registered members who are delegates to the 2017 RA and 100 pre-registered members who are non-delegates. Delegate status will be verified. 10

11 On-site registration is not guaranteed; it is limited and dependent upon available space. No hotel accommodations will be provided with on-site registration. To register go to The early-bird registration fee is $125 and closes May 19, After May 19, 2017, the regular registration fee will be $150. The regular registration deadline is June 2, If paying by check, payment must be postmarked by June 2, RA delegates attending the Conference on Racial and Social Justice will receive a two-night stay (double occupancy) at the Boston Renaissance Hotel for the nights of June 27 and 28. Non-delegates must pay for their own room, and payment must be made at the time of registration. Please direct any questions to Aisha Hayes, conference registrar, by leaving a voice message on the Conference for Racial and Social Justice message line at (202) or by ing ahaynes@nea.org. NEA-Retired Annual Meeting The 2017 NEA Retired Annual Meeting will be held June 27-28, 2017 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel located at 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA. The conference is open to all NEA-Retired elected delegates, NEA-Retired members and guests. All attendees, including delegates, non-delegates and guests, are required to register online to ensure adequate seating and material preparation. Registration information is available at Hotel rooms are available for attendees at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Student Leadership Conference NEA Student Leadership Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, June 27-June 30, Student members will participate in a community service project, leadership development trainings, and elect student representatives for NEA committees. You can use the following link to make your hotel reservations online: or you can call (617) (be sure to ask for the Event Name (NEA 2017 Student Leadership Conference). The hotel reservation deadline is May 22, For more information, contact Evette Brown at (202) or Gail Watts at (650) Events of Interest NEA Community Outreach Each year since 1995, delegates to the NEA RA have had the opportunity to participate in ongoing projects through DONATIONS that give back to the Host City. School Supplies & Art Supplies Drive: Delegates can donate needed supplies to children of the Host City. These supplies can be dropped off at the Food Bank Booth during the NEA - RA. The supplies will be donated to one or two local organizations for distribution. Book Drive: Delegates can donate new and gently used books as well as story props (i.e. stuffed animals) to children staying at the Ronald McDonald House or to a children s hospital in the Host City. 11

12 Items can be dropped off at the Food Bank Booth during the NEA - RA. THIS YEAR A SPECIAL VIRTUAL BOOK DRIVE (VBD) THROUGH FIRST BOOK WILL BE OPEN TO DELEGATES FOR CASH DONATIONS: MAY - SEPTEMBER. Toiletries Drive: Delegates can collect or bring toiletries from home and drop them off at the Food Bank Booth during the NEA RA. These toiletries will be given to local shelters and families in need in the Host City. Food Drive: Delegates can drop off food and money at the Food Bank Booth during the NEA RA that will be donated to the Host City Food Bank. State delegations are encouraged to be creative in their fundraising effort to support this cause. This has been an NEA tradition since the 1970s! Volunteer Activities Each year delegates have the opportunity to VOLUNTEER part of their time by participating in organized activities that give back to the Host Community. The NEA Community Outreach Committee plans volunteer opportunities for the two days before the NEA RA. These opportunities may vary from city to city, but in past years the following activities have been available. Contact information for each annual activity is included: Food Bank Booth: Junka Ezkai Je43@hotmail.com Volunteers will staff the booth during the RA to talk to delegates, plus collect and organize contributions. Contributions of school supplies, books, toiletries, food, and money will be donated to local organizations. Food Bank or other available activity: Cathy Savage csavage55@gmail.com Volunteers will work at a local food bank. They may sort and organize food for distribution, build shelves, or whatever needs to be done. If the food bank in the host city is unavailable, another activity will be chosen. Serve a Meal: Karen McInnis mcinn002@tc.umn.edu Volunteers will help prepare and serve a meal to underprivileged community members through a shelter, mission, or other organization. Habitat for Humanity and Restore: Mary Kennedy mary_kennedy@hboe.org Volunteers will work at a HFH Restore or build site, if one is available. Volunteers may paint, hammer, drill, put up siding, move dirt, or whatever is needed. If no HFH opportunity is available, the committee will do their best to find some other outdoor activity for volunteers. 12

13 Ronald McDonald House: Lynda Currington Volunteers may help clean, sanitize, and/or organize playrooms, or whatever is needed to be done at a local Ronald McDonald House. Local Teacher Supply Store: Renee Beverly rbeverly_2000@yahoo.com Volunteers may help clean, stock, organize, and categorize teaching materials for teachers, staff, and students in local schools in need. NEA Hearings The following NEA open hearings will be held on Friday, June 30: (1) Resolutions from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Proposed Charter Schools Policy Statement from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The following open hearings will be held on Saturday, July 1: (1) NEA Strategic Plan and Budget from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; (2) Legislative from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; (3) Constitution, Bylaws and Rules from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and (4) Sexual Orientation/Gender Identification (SOGI) Committee hearing from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. All open hearings will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards Program The Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner 50 th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, July, 1, 2017 in the Ballroom at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis from April 1 until sold out. The cost is $75.00 per ticket or $750 per table of 10. Tickets will not be mailed. Tickets will be distributed at the Conference on Racial and Social Justice on June 28-29, 2017 (located at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center), at the Awards Dinner ticket booth at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on July 1 until noon and at the "will call" desk in front of the Ballroom of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center before the dinner. Purchase tickets by going to For more information, contact Shannon Nephew at snephew@nea.org. NEA Exhibits Delegates are encouraged to visit the exhibits at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in HALL C to see the latest products and services offered by a select group of exhibitors. Exhibit hours are Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 13

14 General Information Green Delegates For additional information and resources, Green delegates should visit Green delegates will have a letter G printed on their credential form to indicate that they are a Green participant. At the RA they will receive a green ribbon in lieu of a full delegate packet. There will be a supply of PAC envelopes for those who prefer to use them at the PAC kiosks. Child Care Services Accent on Childcare Arrangements is NEA s service provider for both Camp NEA and Club NEA. Register early to guarantee space at by clicking on Child Care Services. CAMP NEA provides childcare for children ages 6 months to 9 years and is in operation during the official hours of the 2017 Annual Meeting at no charge to delegates. Accent will charge a fee of $10/day for each day a registered child does not show up for Camp NEA. The camp is located in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, room TBA. CLUB NEA welcomes youth ages 10 through 16 years. Club NEA provides a free, supervised recreational service area and lounge for children who are registered as family members of delegates and who present a guest badge. Accent will charge a fee of $10/day for each day a registered child does not show up for Club NEA. Identification tags will be used to differentiate those who have parental permission to come and go from the facility from those who must remain under supervision. The club is located in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room TBA. Parents should note that supervision is provided only for those children actually in the Club NEA room. Hours for Camp NEA and Club NEA are as follows: June 28 (pre-conference): 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 29-30: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 1-5: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. If your child is not in Camp/Club NEA by 10:00 a.m. on the date you have registered your child(ren), your space will be given up to any onsite child(ren) on the waiting list. Human Rights & Civil Rights Awards Dinner: Child care services will be available at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Room TBA, during the Human and Civil Rights Dinner on July 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weather and Clothing Boston has a subtropical climate; summer days and evenings are hot and humid. Thunderstorms are common, so bring a good umbrella. Pack loose-fitting clothing; cotton and other natural fabrics are much more comfortable than synthetic materials that do not breathe in the heat. However, you will need a sweater and other layers for the convention center and other public buildings that can become quite cool in the air-conditioning. 14

15 Travel Safety Tips Be aware of your surroundings and other people. If your car is bumped or if a stranger says something is wrong with your car, try to avoid stopping except in well-lighted, populated areas. Don t pull over just because someone flashes car lights. It may not be a police car. When away from Annual Meeting events, remove your credential badge. Never flash sums of money or expensive items in public. Use the guest room safe or hotel safe deposit boxes for valuables. Do not leave expensive items visible in your car. Use security locks when in your hotel room. Never open your hotel room door to a stranger. Verify a visit by hotel personnel with the front desk. Check to see that any sliding doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked. If you see suspicious activity, please report your observations to the hotel management. Don t needlessly display guest room keys in public or leave them on restaurant tables, swimming pools or other places where they can be easily stolen. Travel in groups when possible. There is safety in numbers. When using an automatic teller machine, use one in a well-lighted, populated area, preferably in the company of fellow travelers. Beware of distractions set up by potential pick pockets on the streets or in the crowds. Carry money separately from credit cards. Carry purses close to your body and wallets in secure pockets. Avoid poorly lit areas and shrubbery. When returning to your hotel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots. Advice for Air Travel Allow extra time when traveling with children or during busy periods. When traveling with children, prepare a plan of action in the event that you are stopped for additional screening by airport security. For example, instruct your children in advance to wait at the security checkpoint until you are through and have picked up your carry-on baggage. Know what you are carrying. Expect to have your bags searched. Both carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched. Airport security is requesting that you do not lock your baggage. In the event that your bags are hand-searched and are locked, the locks will be broken. All carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounces or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. All carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. Leave gifts unwrapped until after you arrive at your destination. 15

16 Be aware that during the security screening process you could be separated from your wallets, purses, carry-on luggage and laptop computers. Airport security does not accept responsibility for items left on or stolen from the belt. Colleagues traveling together are encouraged to assist each other during the security screening process. Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Don t leave for the airport without re-confirming your flight. Be alert to code sharing. Now that many airlines have formed alliances, read your itinerary carefully to note when flights ticketed by one airline are actually operated by another airline. This can make check-in confusing if you re caught unaware! Humor is not an option. Do not joke about having a bomb or firearm in your possession. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal and may set off the alarm on the metal detector and result in a pat-down search. Wear footwear that is easily removable. Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened. For additional advice on air travel log on to the TSA website at Departure Necessities In addition to your temporary credential and registration materials, be sure to bring your CTA/NEA membership card, driver s license, or other official identification. Also bring your hotel room confirmation, medical insurance/hospitalization card, necessary medication (which should be carried with you and not in your luggage), automobile insurance identification, if driving, as well as adequate traveler s checks and credit cards. For further information or concerns you may have regarding the upcoming convention, please call the CTA Governance Support Department at (650) Your officers look forward to seeing all of you in Boston. We are sure that this year s NEA Representative Assembly will be productive as well as a wonderful experience for all of us! ECH:TM:DBG:dlc Enclosures: Advance Request Form (State Delegates Only) CTA Hotels Information Flyers 2017 CTA and NEA Schedule of Events Volunteer Form California Directors Night Flyer 16

17 INDEX WELCOME... 1 NEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY 2017 THEME... 1 ORIENTATION... 1 IMPORTANT ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS... 1 CTA DELEGATION HOTEL... 2 RA REGISTRATION... 2 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DATES... 2 HOUSING INFORMATION SINGLE ROOMS... 2 HOUSING INFORMATION SHARING ROOM WITH ANOTHER DELEGATE... 2 HOUSING INFORMATION CANCELLATION, NO-SHOWS AND PAYMENTS... 3 CALIFORNIA DIRECTORS NIGHT... 3 TRANSPORTATION TO BOSTON... 3 CONVENTION SITE... 4 TRANSPORTATION TO THE BOSTON CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER FROM THE CALIFORNIA HOTELS... 4 FUNDING FOR LOCAL DELEGATES... 4 FUNDING FOR STATE DELEGATES... 4 CALIFORNIA CAUCUS REGISTRATION... 5 KEY DETAILS FOR NEW DELEGATE REGISTRATION PROCESS... 5 CALIFORNIA CAUCUS MEETINGS... 6 VOLUNTEERS... 6 GUIDELINES FOR DELEGATES WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES... 6 PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED SERVICE REQUIREMENTS... 6 REGISTRATION AND VOTING FOR DELEGATES WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES... 7 RA SEATING OPTIONS FOR DELEGATES WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES... 7 TRANSPORTATION FOR DELEGATES WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES... 7 CTA WEBSITE... 8 NEA DELEGATES RESOURCES LINK... 8 NEA RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE... 8 DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FORMS FOR THE NEA RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE... 9 PRE-CONVENTION MEETINGS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF URBAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS CONFERENCE CONFERENCE ON RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE NEA-RETIRED ANNUAL MEETING STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE EVENTS OF INTEREST NEA COMMUNITY OUTREACH VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES NEA HEARINGS NEA HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS AWARDS PROGRAM NEA EXHIBITS GENERAL INFORMATION GREEN DELEGATES CHILD CARE SERVICES WEATHER AND CLOTHING TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS ADVICE FOR AIR TRAVEL DEPARTURE NECESSITIES