The Chapter-in-Politics Award in Honor of Joyce Fadem, the late CTA Director of Governmental Relations, recognizes an outstanding chapter in politics for their contribution to the education profession through political action.

With the approval of the State Council of Education and the CTA Board of Directors, this tribute to Joyce Fadem was inaugurated in 1985, with the first award presentation in 1986. The award is designed to honor CTA chapters for outstanding contributions to their colleagues throughout the state through effective use of the political process.

One award each will be given for small, medium and large chapters, and additionally one statewide award to a “Rookie” chapter that has not been politically active prior to the election for which the nomination is submitted.

Chapters are encouraged to apply. Each chapter president will be provided a nomination form for this purpose.

Each chapter nominee will be awarded a certificate. The certificates will be prepared by CTA and forwarded to the SCC chairpersons for presentation to the nominees at an appropriate SCC event.

The Awards Committee will screen and assess all information received about the nominees and will select one small, one medium, one large and one “Rookie” chapter from among those nominated to receive the award.

The chapters selected will be honored by the CTA State Council of Education at its March meeting as the “Chapter-In-Politics of the Year” recipient.

Nominees must be chapters who devote their time, energy, and expertise to promoting member-participation in the political process.

What political activities has the chapter participated in which would qualify for the Chapter-In-Politics Award for the calendar year?

Recent political activity is necessary to qualify, but past work is important for providing background information.

Information should be provided about the following:

• Chapter activities to get the membership involved in politics.
• Involvement in statewide CTA legislative/political priority activities such as school finance, political campaigns, and initiatives.
• Involvement in local CTA priorities such as campaigns of recommended candidates, school board elections, political training workshops, legislative newsletters, or organizing chapter political action committees.
• Involvement in partisan and/or nonpartisan political activities at the local, state, and/or federal level in campaigns of “friends of education” or “educationally-related” issue campaigns.
• Involvement in coalition-building, either single issue (i.e., propositions) or long-term coalitions (i.e., public employee, school community).

What specific impact did the above activities have on one or more of the following groups or organizations? 

• Members
• Chapters
• The Service Center Council
• CTA
• NEA
• The Community

Please submit samples of letters, fliers, newsletters, etc., used by chapter indicating political activities. Please include as much supporting data as possible.