Gumbo? Check. Bourbon Street? Check. Fireworks on the River Walk? Check. But there are a few more things you should be sure to do before leaving New Orleans:

1. Send your postcards to Education Secretary Arne Duncan. As you heard NEA President Dennis Van Roekel urge in his keynote speech, a postcard from each delegate is a small individual effort with a large collective impact. Send them before you leave!
2. Record your message to Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved critical legislation to keep teachers in the classroom, but the bill must still pass the Senate. You can video-record a message to your members of Congress at the Legislative Action Center booth, placing a name and a face on the education jobs crisis.
3. Sign the priority schools pledge card. Show that you are committed to closing the achievement gaps and creating positive models for education reform. You can sign up at the Priority Schools website.
4. Contribute to the PAC. Right next door to the Legislative Action Center is the NEA Fund for Children & Public Education, where you can help elect education-friendly lawmakers. The contributions and voices of NEA members always make a difference during elections, and politicians know it. Sign up with the NEA Fund and make a contribution!
5. Join the digital scavenger hunt. Get in on the fun of the RA Today Digital Scavenger Hunt and you’ll be entered in a drawing for one of three Netbooks. Happy hunting, the contest ends tomorrow!