NCAE member Kayi Mensah, lives by the mantra: “Alone you will go faster but together we will go further.” She believes if the Association follows this path, it will win.
A food service worker at Panther Creek High School in Wake County, Kayi is new to the NCAE/Wake NCAE family, joining in February of this year. “It is important for me to be active and involved because I want to pass the word down to everyone in public schools that they can make a difference in their lives by letting their voices be heard on education issues -- salaries, staffing shortages, lack of respect, etc. -- if they are united.”
Since becoming a member, Kayi has recruited several members into the fold, some of which joined during her time knocking doors as a Summer Member Organizer.
It was quite special being able to receive ‘yes’ responses from a few of her fellow coworkers because there is a myth among classified staff that they can’t belong or do not have the right to join. It’s a myth Kayi is working to dismantle.
“As they [ESPs] gain a better understanding that everyone can join, they are confident and want to be part of the movement to speak with one voice. Being able to let my coworkers know they have just as much right to join NCAE as any other educator is a highlight of being a member of this great organization.”
Kayi said she prides herself in being an attentive listener. She learns so much from the stories of her colleagues and helps them pour out their frustrations. The skills she has gleaned over the past several months have given her the confidence of, what she refers to, a “professional organizer.”
When it comes to the future of the profession, Kayi hopes the coalition of advocates the Association is building will strengthen its power to elect pro-public education candidates who will work alongside NCAE to provide every child with quality schools and a quality education.
“Our voices and our work are key to making public education accessible to future generations. We must continue to increase our numbers, fight the good fight, and win for them!”
Over the next few weeks, In the Loop will feature the stories of ESP members who were part of the Panel of Professionals discussion at this year’s Summer Leaders Conference. In this series they will share their “WHY,” the importance of membership, and their work to help grow the union, lead the profession and restore the promise of public schools and our democracy.
