August—the end of one association year and the beginning of another. Sweep the slate clean and start afresh.
Don’t you just love new opportunities? While presenting my challenge at our virtual NEA-Retired Annual Meeting in June, I reminded members to expect the unexpected, to believe the unbelievable, and to achieve the unachievable. These challenges are true in real life, but they ring true especially in our association responsibilities. When we expect the unexpect- ed, we’re not knocked for a loop with surprises. When we believe in what can really happen, we challenge ourselves to try, plan, and work to achieve the unachievable! May these challenges ring true for you as, together, we begin anew our work on behalf of NEA-Retired.
Many thanks to all who participated in making our summer meeting a success and to all who joined in as participants. It was so good to “see” many of you. And, during our spring conference, presidents asked for more time together for sharing ideas and challenges. In May, small groups met for that purpose on three different occasions and then one time together. This month, all retired elected state officers are invited for officer training. We all know that training of any type is so vital. We can still learn “new tricks.”
The challenges of racial and social justice loom before us. My heart goes out to the young people in our schools and communities who struggle with this every day. We may not be present in the classrooms, but we are in the communities in our retired efforts. May we ever strive for justice for all.
This association year, be sure you volunteer to serve. Surprise your president by letting him or her know you are ready for a new assignment. It will be proof that your president can, indeed, expect the unexpected!
We are NEA-Retired. Our commitment continues, and we are needed NOW more than ever!
