The digital age has greatly enhanced communications, but there is still nothing like personal conversations.

That is the approach being taken in the Indiana Area Education Association, Indiana County, this spring.

For the 230-member local’s membership retention drive, EA President Mike Tshudy, Vice President Paul McCue, and Membership Chair Jason Rougeaux planned a sort of “world building tour.’’

Their goal was to visit groups of 10 to 12 teachers in all of the Indiana Area School District’s six buildings.

“We thought this was a more efficient and non-confrontational way to reach members,’’ Tshudy said. “Rather than just the union president or another officer approaching a member about the benefits of the union, the roundtable format encourages more interaction. We can ask them what they see as the benefits of union membership and go from there. If anyone starts questioning the value of membership, we address that.’’

The officers make sure various points are touched on – representation on negotiations, grievances, and arbitration; the importance of PSEA’s UniServs, other staff members, and the Association’s various divisions; and member benefits programs.

“We particularly note the $1 million in liability insurance that they get as members that non-members don’t,’’ Tshudy said.

Bargaining unit members are covered by the contract and the union’s duty of fair representation. Association members have additional benefits such as legal representation in licensure and certification matters, and for unemployment compensation or retirement benefits.

As the Janus ruling awaits, Tshudy said the officers stress that if all locals across the state lose members it will have a trickle-down effect to all locals.

“If locals lose membership, that has an impact on the state Association in terms of staff, and less staff makes it more difficult for local leaders to do our jobs,’’ he said. “Members need to realize the importance of the link between the state and local levels.’’