With 358,000 members—an increase of nearly 40,000 members since last year—NEA-Retired has grown faster than any other group within NEA. In June, 320 of the organization’s delegates gathered in Houston, Texas, to consider new business that is designed to make NEA-Retired even stronger and position the organization to make a difference in the 2020 presidential election—a race whose outcome will affect students and educators for generations to come.
‘Needed Now More Than Ever!’
In a rousing keynote speech, NEA-Retired President Sarah Borgman stressed the value of having a purpose and a plan for winning at the ballot box. Borgman urged attendees to set priorities, persevere, and feel the power that arises as a result. “We have a job to do,” she told the gathering. “We are NEA-Retired and we are needed now more than ever.”
Distinguished Service Award Winners
Usually reserved for one outstanding individual, this year two NEA-Retired members—Justin F. Wong of Hawaii and Joan K. Bass of North Carolina—received the organization’s highest honor. Wong helped to establish the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) in 1971, and served the union in a variety of positions, including HSTA treasurer, a position he held while guiding the organization to financial solvency.
After retirement, Wong was chair of the HSTA Committee on Organizing Retirees, and became the first HSTA-Retired state treasurer. In 2002 he was elected HSTA-Retired vice president. He was elected president in 2004 and held the position until 2012.
NEA-Retired President Sara Borgman, who presented the award, noted Wong “continues to work tirelessly in the promotion of public education and in recognizing and addressing the needs of our retired members.”
Bass began her education career in 1973, and was a member of the Guilford Association of Educators—an organization she served in various positions. Twenty years later when three county school systems merged, Bass was elected president. She also served as the organization’s treasurer and chaired a variety of committees.
In 2005, and newly retired, Bass was elected vice president of the Greensboro/Guilford, North Carolina Retired School Personnel. Bass was later elected president, and continued to serve the organization following the end of her presidential term.
Bass also serves a variety of community organizations, including St. Mary’s House where she has been the pianist for 40 years. In 2017, she was recognized as Democrat of the Year.
“It is obvious Joan has devoted her life to public education as a teacher, a servant to our professional organization, and to students,” said Borgman, as she presented Bass with the award.
Kinnaman Award Winners
Delegates also recognized four future educators who are this year’s recipients of a Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship—an honor that remembers the contributions of a former NEA-Retired vice president who held leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels throughout the association. Each student—all are members of the NEA Aspiring Educators program—received $2,500.
Since 2018, NEA-Retired members have contributed $11,236.85 to the Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship. To make your contribution, visit nea.org/Kinnaman.
