“It’s always just in my blood to get involved,” Braun explains. “When I join an organization, I naturally want to get more involved and contribute to its improvement.”

Braun also enjoys the opportunity to provide feedback and make her voice heard.

“I found it easy to express my ideas and give my feedback,” Braun recalls. “I feel like it really matters, and the issues and suggestions we discuss in the committees are taken seriously. Everyone listens to your input whether it is negative or positive. I feel heard.”

ATPE state committees comprise members from all across Texas, allowing members to network with people they might not normally talk to. This is something that both Hendon and Braun mention as a hugely positive aspect of serving on committees.

“It was nice to collaborate with other people in different regions,” Hendon said. “I got to see how people in bigger regions approached things. I also love networking. I was able to get to know people from other places and start building relationships with them as well.”

Braun agrees: “It’s nice to talk with other educators across Texas and see that we have similarities. I am in Cy-Fair ISD, which is a huge district. It’s reassuring to see that educators in smaller districts face similar challenges and experiences.”

The Value of Membership

Hendon believes serving on ATPE committees has also helped her grow as a leader and feel more confident taking on new responsibilities.

“It has given me a chance to become a better communicator,” Hendon says. “There are all these doors opening up now. I am going to be the Abilene ATPE president, and I am going to be on another committee at my school. I am able to take these skills I have learned and use them to better collaborate and communicate with other members and colleagues.”

Hendon and Braun also believe their committee service has given them a deeper understanding of how ATPE works and what it offers members beyond just on-the-job legal protection.

“It’s not just the insurance benefits,” Hendon says. “There’s a lot more to ATPE membership than just insurance that I talk about with potential members. I really strive to promote ATPE the best I can to help grow the association.”

How to Join a Committee

Those interested may volunteer to serve on nine different committees:

• Leader Development: Reviews and makes recommendations regarding association programs related to the identification, recruitment, training, maintenance, and recognition of ATPE’s volunteer leader corps.
• Membership (two-year term): Discusses and reviews ATPE’s membership recruitment program, membership materials, and services and discounts.
• Nomination/​Election: Reviews the current ATPE state officer election rules, makes recommended changes to the rules, and assists with recruiting nominees for state office.
• Legislative (two-year term): Reviews ATPE’s Legislative Program and proposes recommendations to be considered by the House of Delegates. Once the program is approved by the HOD, the ATPE Lobby Team uses the program to help influence positive change regarding public education policy by the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress, boards, and agencies.
• ATPE-PAC: The ATPE Political Action Committee discusses ATPE-PAC revenue and expenditures, plus election results for PAC-supported candidates. Committee members brainstorm PAC fundraising strategies and review ATPE’s recognition programs for PAC donors.
• Resolutions: Reviews ATPE’s current and standing resolutions and proposes new resolutions to be considered by the House of Delegates.
• Public Information: Reviews ATPE’s publications, website and online presence, and media coverage. Committee members also review the finalists for the Alafair Hammett Media Award and select a winner.
• Educator of the Year (EOY): Reviews EOY award applications, interviews finalists, and selects winners.
• Leader of the Year (LOY): Reviews and scores LOY and Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award applications, interviews finalists, and selects winners.
• Summit Programming Committee: Advises ATPE Events and ATPE Professional Learning on keynote and professional learning programming for ATPE’s annual conference. Committee members also evaluate professional learning breakout session proposals.

The application process for these committees takes place twice a year. Right now, ATPE is accepting applications for the Leader Development, Legislative (two-year term), Membership (two-year term), and Nomination/Election committees. To learn more about the committees, including when they meet, as well as to apply, visit the State Committee Service page on atpe.org. Members may apply to serve on the other committees in November. You will also find an interest form online where you can sign up to be notified when the application period for these committees opens.

Take the Leap

Hendon recommends those on the fence about whether to volunteer for a committee should go ahead and sign up.

“If you are thinking about it, then go out and do it,” Hendon advises. “I know these are busy times for teachers, but it really doesn’t take that much time.”