Vancouver Education Association

I pay dues.  Am I a member?

Not necessarily.

Everyone covered under the VEA-VSD Comprehensive Professional Agreement (CPA) pays a fee equivalent to dues, because everyone benefits from the same contractual protections and everyone has rights to advocacy.  However, you are a member only if you have signed an enrollment form.  This form is available from your building rep or from the VEA office.

What is the benefit of being a member?

There are many benefits to being a member of the association.  A few of the top benefits follow.

As a member, your WEA/NEA insurance provides up to $25,000 in attorney fees if you are charged with a crime related to your job.  (Remember, you dont have to be guilty to be charged.)  If you are sued in civil court (if, for example, a student is injured while under your supervision), as a non-member, you would not be eligible for up to $1 million in insurance coverage to pay attorney fees and damages in employment-related lawsuits.

As a member, your have a voice in determining your salary, benefits, working conditions, and important policies through the bargaining process.

Members vote in all elections pertaining to VEA leadership and representation of the organization at various conventions.  Members are eligible to run for VEA office, including being a building representative.

When you join the association, you join forces with over 1350 of your colleagues in the Vancouver School district, with over 80,000 of your colleagues in Washington State, and more than 2.5 million members nationwide.  That strong membership base gives us the strength, power, and resources to accomplish more together than any individual or small group can do alone. 

Members also have access to the Attorney Referral program and other member benefits.