Our Focus
Forward Together
Stronger Schools. United Educators. Accountable Leadership.
These are the cornerstone issues I will champion as your VEA President:
Grow Our Union, Reward Our Members
It’s time to reward the people building our union. Under Dr. Graves’ leadership, members who refer colleagues will receive gift cards that help cover real-life needs from groceries to utility bills. It’s a win-win: we grow stronger together, and members get practical support along the way.
Know Your Benefits,
Use Your Power
VEA and NEA offer valuable benefits but many members don’t know how to access them. This campaign will launch clear, ongoing communication through Hustle messages, emails, and live webinars led by Dr. Graves or VEA staff. When members are informed, we’re all empowered.
Fair Dues.
Transparent Rules.
Year after year, dues rise but membership declines. It’s time for fairness and transparency. Dr. Graves will push to change the bylaws, ending the use of unclear formulas and third-party systems. Members deserve to know how dues are set and have a say in keeping them reasonable.
Emergency Relief for Members in Crisis
Educators face real crises and our union should be a lifeline. This campaign will fight for a budgeted emergency assistance fund to help members at risk of losing heat, electricity, or stability. We’ll also work directly with utility companies to advocate for grace periods on behalf of our members.
Additional Commitments
Dr. Graves also supports efforts to:
-
Fighting for livable, competitive wages for all educators and school staff across Virginia.
-
Securing strong, enforceable contracts that reflect the real needs and voices of educators.
-
Creating safer, more accountable schools where students and educators can thrive.
-
Protecting daily planning time and educator wellness to support teaching and learning.
-
Advocate for an open-market health insurance option for employees and retirees
-
Establish a dedicated sick day bank for serious illness or hospitalization
-
Improve tracking and incident accountability on school buses
-
Demand reform of high-stakes SOL testing
-
Create alternative learning environments for students with chronic suspensions
-
Hold parents accountable for student behavior and involvement in the learning process
-
Ensure school leadership upholds effective and consistent discipline policies
