JEA’s upcoming centennial, set to kick off Jan. 1, 2024, is a unique and significant opportunity for the association to articulate its remarkable trajectory — unparalleled in scholastic media education. The celebration will deepen understanding of JEA’s history, inspire pride in the past and elevate the organization’s unique identity and characteristics in order to strengthen the association for its future.
A team of 24 volunteers began planning in May and will continue to meet remotely to coordinate details related to a JEA 100 website, promotional efforts, convention festivities, member giveaways, contests, activities and a series of state and national proclamations.
Over the next six months, the centennial committee will continue to focus on these priorities:
- Initiatives will communicate JEA’s impact, innovation and leadership in scholastic media education — in mentoring, curriculum, press rights advocacy and more.
- Activities and promotional materials will project and reflect JEA’s excellence and institutional aspirations to serve teachers and help them better serve their students.
- The approach will be creative, inclusive and within budget.
- The centennial will extend a compelling avenue for members and partners to engage more deeply with JEA.
Committee chair Sarah Nichols, MJE, said, “As we acknowledge this milestone and celebrate the rich history of our association, I’m excited to use the opportunity as a springboard to widen and deepen JEA’s reach in education for the next 100 years.”
Board members are working to tie their efforts to the JEA Centennial as well.
When the board met for its retreat earlier this summer, leaders decided on two priorities for the year: (1) membership and improving the member experience and (2) member outreach. Multiple projects will tie into these goals and align with centennial activities.
“We want all of our members to be a part of the centennial celebration. As an organization of volunteers, we can participate as much as we would like in this historical event,” JEA President Val Kibler, MJE, said. “We will be rolling out some membership incentives and making some big changes to our website so our member services are more streamlined.
“We’ve hired an amazing curriculum specialist in Jim Streisel, MJE, and he is helping to highlight and compliment our extensive curriculum. Members will be able to set up individualized consulting sessions with Jim to customize their curriculum. This will happen at conventions and virtually so all members can participate.”
From headquarters, JEA’s staff continues to explore ways to better serve advisers and their students. In addition to a website redesign in the works, the staff has completed a technology assessment of its systems and software.
“We know there are untapped segments of potential members that we want to reach and ensure they are plugged into this vital professional learning community,” JEA Executive Director Veronica Purvis said. “The centennial is an opportunity to gain more visibility and connect with those advisers so that we can welcome them into this vibrant community.”
Looking ahead, the JEA Centennial is also an opportunity to strengthen the association’s sustainability. A new endowment fund will support diverse groups, including members and their students, mainly in the form of scholarships.
“Our centennial will be filled with activities, events and opportunities for the JEA community,” Purvis said. “We are proud to celebrate 100 years of supporting scholastic journalism, and we are poised to promote and protect the profession well into the future.”
Founded in 1924, JEA supports free and responsible scholastic journalism by providing resources and educational opportunities, promoting professionalism, encouraging and rewarding student excellence and teacher achievement, and an atmosphere which encompasses diversity yet builds unity. It is headquartered at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.
Lindsay Porter