Latest Info for Locals

Central's Local Participation Award Program is intended to build stronger, better-informed Local Associations by rewarding active participation in Central’s programming, along with meeting other defined criteria. Local Associations that meet all the required criteria (see below) will earn a total award of $1300 annually. An initial awards payment will be made to Local Associations in January, with the balance of the award paid in June.

Qualifying Events:

Attend fall and winter Area Meetings* 100
3 or more Education Advocate Leaders* 50
Attend and vote at both OEA RAs** 100
Elect full complement of delegates to OEA RA** 100
Attend and vote at Central RA* 100
Attend OEA Treasurers’ Workshop* 50
Constitution & Bylaws compliance** 50
Produce and submit four or more local newsletters*** 200
Meet your OEA Fund goal** 50
Membership: 90%+ or increase by 3%** 200
Attend FCPE candidate screening** 50
Attend Central’s building rep training* 50
Attend Central’s presidents training* 50
Attend Central’s All Area Dinner* 50
Members attending Central’s Power Up Conference* 50
Members attending Central’s Diversity Conference* 50
TOTAL $1300

*Online registration via Central's website is mandatory for tracking local association attendance at events and determining monetary awards.
**Data received from OEA or Central OEA/NEA
***Submit to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Member Communication/Newsletter
Quarterly newsletters shall go out to all local members and share from the following suggestions along with any local news:
1. Central, OEA and/or NEA upcoming events for: PD, leadership development, diversity training, lobbying, FCPE drive, RA news, etc.
2. Local tidbits: such as meeting dates and places, a “contractual right of members”, something positive about one or more member or local committee
3. Share with your local’s newsletter editor that s/he should send a digital copy when sending to your members to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you email your newsletters, please include your Local's full name in the subject line. Newsletters are due May 31st to be included in the balance of the award paid in June.

Central’s Growth & Development Grants are intended to: support ideas that grow and develop locals, increase member engagement, and help locals continuously become stronger and more effective.

Locals may apply more than once at any time during the year. Please note it may take up to 60 days to review, process and be approved. Any monies spent prior to application approval will not be reimbursed.

Maximum grant amount is based on membership of the local:
  • 1- 100 members - up to $2,000
  • 101- 400 members - up to $3,000
  • 401- 800 members - up to $4,000
  • 801+ members - up to $5,000

Locals must have had a member attend the Central Representative Assembly, All-Area meeting or Area meeting, within the last 12 months, to be eligible for a Central OEA/NEA Growth and Development Grant.

Each application must designate a Grant Coordinator who will receive a $100 stipend for being in charge of the local's grant process.

All grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis. If a local has a special need to receive grant funds prior to completion of an activity, advancement of grant funds will be considered upon request. No gift cards (per NEA recommendation) or alcohol will be reimbursed.

All expenditures must be submitted on the Growth & Development Voucher form. The voucher will require:
  • the date/s the activities were completed
  • an itemization of the individual expenditures for goods or services for the specific goal
  • the itemized cost/s of the purchased items or services
  • an attached sheet bearing the original itemized receipts verifying the delineated expenditures

The Project Manager is available to meet with local grant coordinators at their request to assist with applications.
Per Central vendor policy, unionized firms or suppliers, if available, shall provide goods or services.

You may apply online using this form

Central OEA/NEA offers a number of grant and incentive programs for its locals. A brief description of each can be found below. A more detailed description, including how to apply, can be found using the appropriate menu on the right.

Local Participation Award Program
Central's Local Participation Award Program is intended to build stronger, better-informed Local Associations by rewarding active participation in Central’s programming, as well as meeting other defined criteria. Local Associations that meet all required criteria can earn a total award of $1300 annually.

Growth & Development Grants
Central’s Growth & Development Grants are intended to: support ideas that grow and develop Local Associations, increase member engagement, and help locals continuously become stronger and more effective.

Local Emergency Grants
The Local Emergency Grant Program was created to assist Local Associations with projects of an immediate or urgent nature. Community initiatives such as school district levy or bond campaigns are examples of activities that align with the intended target of these grants.

Lobby Day Substitute Grant
In order to allow members to participate in OEA Lobby Days when they may not otherwise be able to, Central can award up to $100 per Local Association to cover the expense of a substitute. To qualify, a local must have conducted an OEA Fund drive.

ESP PD Substitute Grant
In order to allow ESP members to participate in professional development organized by Central OEA, Central can award funds to help cover the expense of a substitute for an individual or a team from the same local. Central will award up to $100 per individual member or up to $400 per local. To qualify, the local must have conducted an OEA Fund drive.

Public Relations Grant
Local Associations are eligible for a Central OEA/NEA’s Public Relations Grant of up to $500 once every three years. Central will fund up to 20 Local Associations per year. The grant is considered seed money. It is hoped that the Local Association will build the activity into their budget over that period and be prepared to continue the program after Central OEA/NEA’s initial investment.

Central OEA/NEA’S Public Relations Grant is designed to provide support to Local Associations in engaging their members with the community. Grant funds can be used for a variety of items including, but not limited to:
  • Apparel
  • Awards
  • Banners
  • Buttons
  • Fair Booth
  • Involvement in a community charitable event
  • Yard signs welcoming kindergarteners or honoring graduating seniors

Central OEA/NEA encompasses 8 OEA units. Each unit is represented by an elected OEA Board of Directors member, who serve on the Central Executive committee.


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