As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” But taking that first step, as we all know, is not the easiest thing to do and requires knowing where you’re trying to go.
Some thirteen years ago when the CEA Board of Directors decided to formalize an unorganized retired group of members into a formal group within CEA, Greta Stanford and I were asked to take on the task of bringing into being what became CEA-Retired. We undertook a year-long journey that culminated at our first general meeting in September 2001. We had researched the member files only to discover that once members joined, their records were never changed. We investigated the retired organizations that other NEA-affiliated states had created. Greta and I attended an exploratory meeting with other states talking with other retired members to determine just how the “plan on paper” actually worked. With our work done, we presented our Connecticut retirees with the draft of an organization and a plan to get it “off the ground” at our first general meeting.
As we look back at what CEA-Retired has accomplished, it’s almost astounding. CEA-Retired now stands as a leader within the NEA family of retired member organizations. We are recognized for both our programs and our member involvement. Our reputation within Connecticut is likewise recognized not only by the active members of CEA, its Board of Directors and staff, but also by state officials and legislators who recognize the dynamic and professional culture that has evolved.
While we have had our share of missteps and disappointments, we have cultivated an “out-of-the-box” mentality and often ask ourselves “why not” as we undertake tasks with curiosity and open minds.
We didn’t simply move forward without taking risks or making waves but did so with high expectations, intelligence, and the decisive leadership of many people. We aimed high and challenged our membership to take on serious roles. Our incredibly successful Effective Lobbying Workshops are the most recent example of this process.
Now as we transition to a new leadership team, CEA-Retired is prepared to take on the challenges both in terms of maintaining and moving forward as a relevant organization meeting the needs of our members and the challenges from those who would change the structure of our pensions and benefits. I feel confident that those members who are stepping up to the responsibilities of leadership both as officers and members of our state Advisory Council are ready and able to make the transition seamless and to meet any challenges head on.
While some of us will be handing over our positions, we will certainly be there whenever asked to offer advice and counsel. Our new leadership team is an experienced group. There is no doubt that, as we pass on the torch of leadership, CEA-Retired will not only continue to maintain its goals, but also will move to even greater accomplishments as we strive to create avenues that safeguard and strengthen retirement pensions and benefits and while we also support public education and CEA goals.
CEAAdvisor.org 