Congratulations on being named the PEP chairperson for your local association. The NJEA Public Education Partnership program (formerly the NJEA PRIDE in Public Education campaign) has existed since 1994 and offers resources and funding for your members to share the successes of their classrooms with the community and build strong community support for and involvement in our public schools.

Being a PEP chairperson is one of the most rewarding positions that you can hold in your local association. Your main responsibilities are:

• Organize and form a PEP committee that consists of members but may also include parents, community leaders, and even students. Hold PEP committee meetings.
• Work with the PEP committee to form a calendar of PEP events for the school year.
• Write and submit PEP proposals electronically.
• Order PEP promotional items from njeapridestore.com and submit original receipts to your regional office for reimbursement.
• Organize and coordinate PEP events.
• Advertise PEP events to members and the community.

Again, it is important to note that you won’t be doing this alone. Your local association has members who are already reaching out to the community and making connections. They would love to serve on your committee—you just need to find them and ask them for their support. Remember, any time parents, senior citizens, or members of the community come to a school for an event, it qualifies for PEP funding. Just think how many of your own members may be spending money out of their own pockets to support these projects, and now you can come to their rescue with PEP!

Contact NJEA field representatives below with questions.