(September 2022 t only $37.50 fo Click on lifetim enrollm tinyurl
Questions? Contact GAE- President.GAE.Retired@
Some of us were extremely busy for several months, working to get our choice of candidates elected. We made calls, knocked on doors, and sent text messages; and some of us were poll workers or poll watchers. Many other ways also existed in which we were involved in the election process. Now that the election is over, what do we do? Feeling a little post-activity letdown when our days are no longer severely structured is not unusual. Now that we don’t have as many deadlines and demands, we can turn to those passions we might have neglected for several months. Our communities are full of opportunities to serve, so let’s explore a few. Our public libraries are always in need of volunteers. Cuts in funding have decreased staffing, and the staff still needs to accomplish the tasks that keep WHAT WILL WE DO NOW? By Toni Smith, GAE-Retired Vice President RESPECT IS MORE THAN “YES MA’AM” AND “NO SIR” By Toni Smith, GAE-Retired Vice President The mission statement of NEA includes the charge “...to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.” That preparation includes ensuring that students interact and communicate respectfully with individuals and groups and that they respect and value differences. Retirees also need that same soft skills: the ability to navigate interactions with people from different cultures and with diverse identities. Many critical considerations for being a respectful citizen exist. We have been socialized to center our identity, our culture, our values, and our beliefs. This socialization works well when we are a part of a homogeneous group that believes as we believe and when all members of that group adhere to the same norms, but the world is full of encounters with people and groups who are diverse. How can we be affirming and inclusive for those with whom we work? Remembering that we should not make our beliefs and values the center of every interaction is important. Our faith practices are personal and should not be projected or forced on others. We exclude and isolate people when we insist on bringing our faith practices into a shared secular space. Beginning group meetings or meals with a moment of silence or a meditation that does not center one practice over another is much more respectful. Being open and inclusive does not diminish our faith or beliefs and does make others feel welcome and included when we do not impose our religious or spiritual practices. Many in our society have intersecting, marginalized
our libraries running. Some branches need help with shelving books, culling the other printed materials, organizing audio material, managing the computer area, reading books to children, and many other day- to-day tasks. If you are a regular visitor to a nearby library branch, you will probably be welcomed to spend a few extra hours a week assisting the staff. Your local school media specialists would welcome the same kind of help. When you volunteer in a space that serves children, you will probably be required to have a background check, which you will pay a small cost for, to meet the requirements of the institution. Many communities operate food relief centers, and in addition to donations, these food relief centers need volunteers to receive donations, check food for expiration dates and safe packaging, sort and pack food for distribution, and distribute food and household supplies. People who need this relief deserve to be served with compassion and kindness. You might be just the person to give that warm smile. Perhaps your faith community operates such a program, offering not identities. All citizens have the right to live fully and authentically, and respecting and affirming those identities is our responsibility. To that end, we must also use people’s affirming names and pronouns. There are hateful public discussions about those who identify as non-binary or transgender, those who are affirmed by they/them pronouns, those who have transitioned, or those who do not conform to the dominant gender norms. Our responsibility is to respect the right of all individuals to be their whole, true selves. When people share their pronouns, they are informing you of their identity, and that should be affirmed. Similarly, names should be honored, and people should not be belittled because they eschew the common norms. You don’t have to understand the nuances of gender identity to know that all individuals know who they are better than you ever will. Our nation is expansive and diverse. In the 21st century, living authentically should be easier, not harder. Respect is more than platitudes; respect means completely accepting people as they are. Seek understanding, and until that empathy comes, respect differences and honor each individual journey. We want nothing less for ourselves--we must offer that to everyone.
only food and household supplies but also clothing and shoes and even furniture. If no such program exists, you might consider working with others to start this much-needed service in your community. Also, assisted living communities are always in need of volunteers to interact with the residents. If you have a craft skill that you could teach, if you can run a book club, or if you can teach computer skills, you are just the person needed to work with residents who need activities to fill their days. You would be doing a great service to people who might be dealing not only with a change in their living arrangements, but might also be adjusting to life without a longtime partner and could use some stimulation and conversation. You can find all kinds of needs to be filled with a quick search on Google for “volunteer opportunities near me.” These opportunities offer the chance to meet new people and try new things. Your life will be enriched, and you will be of service to those who need your talents and company. What do we do now? There are no limits. Give your time and talents to your neighbors. Lobby and Learn sponsored by GAE-Retired January 4, 2025 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. via Zoom Be prepared for General Assembly 2025! Improve your skills as a citizen lobbyist. Learn about current education and retirement issues. Make a difference. Open to ALL GAE members! Registration: mobilize.us/gae/event/652338 For more information, contact Vivian Brooks: bthursdayc220@gmail.com.
Conference 2025
March 9-11, 2025 Fort Pontchartrain Detroit A Wyndham Hotel theme: “A Lifetime of Promoting, Protecting, and Strengthening Public Education: The Foundation of Our Democracy”
You are invited to join the virtual GAE-Retired Lunch Bunch open to all GAE members first Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ~monthly program speakers~
more info: nea.org/retired
You are invited to attend the
Tuesday February 5 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom GAE-Retired Virtual Day at the Capitol Be informed. Be involved. Be in the loop. Registration: https://www.mobilize.us/gae/event/652330/ For further information, contact GAE-Retired Legislative Chair Vivian Brooks : bthursdayc220@gmail.com.
For further information, contact Karen Solheim (gae.retired.karensolheim@gmail.com).
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