At the November 2, 2001 business meeting the membership present voted unanimously to join with the National Dance Education Organization as a State Affiliate. The discussion at that meeting brought up many positive points about the dual membership. Many of the members expressed that they would be saving money in the long run by getting a membership in both the state and national organizations for what was the price of national only. The discussion continued, emphasizing the importance of supporting a national organization that in turn would support us at the state level. Also noted in the discussion was the fact that our state membership is mainly comprised of two groups of people; those who are involved directly in dance as students, teachers, performers and administrators, and a second group of K-6 educators who teach a separate curriculum and introduce their students to a wide range of art forms. You will note on the membership form that these two groups are offered different membership plans.

The NDEO web site (worth a visit at www.ndeo.org) outlines many of the goals and visions of the organization, which link directly to those of the UDEO.

"The goals of NDEO are to: 1) promote dance as an artistic process which broadens and depends human experience; 2) strengthen the national voice in articulating and implementing a vision for dance education; and 3) weave dance into the complete fabric of learning.
NDEO has forged alliances with approximately 150 federal and state agencies and arts associations in support of dance arts education. We are the voice of representation for the field in legislatures, schools of dance, Pre K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education throughout the country."

The Utah Dance Education Organization stands to benefit immensely by joining in the strength of the National Organization to further all of our common goals and dreams. Some of the philosophical and practical advantages of uniting together include:

• Builds national networks that strengthen our state voice and influence.
• Gives our state the opportunity to help shape the national agenda in dance education.
• Increases knowledge and understanding across the nation in areas of advocacy, policy, legislation use of standards and guidelines, position papers, certification, licensure, etc.
• Builds data bases of dance institutions, artists and educators teaching dance so dance is included in future federal surveys, national assessments, and grant initiatives.
• Allows all members to vote in national elections, and recommend nominees for offices.
• Attend national/regional conferences at member price.
• Receive The Journal of Dance Education (JODE), the official quarterly publication.
• Receive 4 national newsletters a year in addition to the state newsletters.
• Buy resources at discounted member price.
• Have access to send and receive information via the NDEO List Serve network. (Job announcements, funding opportunities, legislative updates, national/state events, etc.)
• Participate in grants and funding opportunities. (NDEO is currently using a $300,000 grant for a research project benefiting the field of dance education)
• Have access to professional development opportunities; position papers on standards, assessments, curriculum, legislative information, and more.
• Participate on national task forces and committees as available.
• Students and professional members have the opportunity to join the Student Mentor Network.
• Provide data bases that track state membership information for the state.
• National will provide state and national membership rosters and help with bookkeeping.
• National will orchestrate marketing campaigns for our state once or twice a year.