fbpx

It was a year of ‘firsts’ and political engagement for FEA-Retired

By Janice Poirier, President FEA-Retired

This past year has been difficult to say the least. The members of FEA-Retired are resilient and forged ahead. We stayed safe and held our meetings virtually and when we had to go out, we practiced social distancing. We are “retired but still active!”

This Covid-19 pandemic has shattered many lives. Some of us have lost loved ones. We’ve had to learn how to social distance, wear a face mask, stay out of crowded places and wash our hands constantly. For most of us, travel has all but ceased.

When the going gets tough, the determined go virtual. FEA-Retired kept the advocacy going via Zoom. Here, members participate in an October practice session for the first-ever virtual FEA-Retired Annual Meeting.

Since March 2020, all of our work has been done safely through Zoom meetings. That’s different, but we did it. Some of us have gotten so good that we can Zoom two or three meetings at once on different devices. Fun!

 

FEA-Retired members worked hard to get out the vote for the 2020 elections while maintaining Covid-19 safety protocols.

FEA-Retired stepped up to the plate during this past election, and I could not be more proud. We worked tirelessly for the candidates of our choice. We engaged in phone banking, texting, canvassing, peaceful rallies, sign waving, caravans and mailing post cards. We worked hard. I learned how to use the Hustle app to text and have done so while on a Zoom meeting. The retirees have gotten use to multitasking. Some of us are more tech savvy than others, but we all can maneuver around our phones and laptops pretty well.

2020 was a year of “firsts.” We held our first virtual FEA-Retired Annual Meeting, and I am very proud to announce I was elected to my second term as president. Thanks so much to those in the IT Department at FEA for helping to make that meeting a success.

The firsts for our organization are continuing into 2021. Our first virtual Leadership Training and FEA-Retired Executive Board Meeting took place in late January.

One of our goals is to increase membership in FEA-Retired. That will become a reality with a new Membership Committee with members appointed by me who are not currently serving on a committee. It’s important to me to include as many members as possible who want to do the work of FEA-Retired.

Statement Re. State Board of Education Meeting: “Teachers and education staff are tired of being vilified.”

Today, the Florida Education Association released a statement following the state board of education meeting held in Winter Park.“FEA, our members and their local unions fight every single day to…

Read more about Statement Re. State Board of Education Meeting: “Teachers and education staff are tired of being vilified.”

Statement on Signing of SB 1746: “Florida’s leaders continue to stand in the way of workers fighting for better life.”

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis’ signed into law an anti-worker bill (SB 1746) sponsored by Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-11) that would place additional mandates on any person seeking to join their…

Read more about Statement on Signing of SB 1746: “Florida’s leaders continue to stand in the way of workers fighting for better life.”

Florida’s Budget Keeps Teachers Near the Bottom for Salary

Tallahassee – Today, the Florida legislature released their proposed budget that once again does not go far enough in supporting students, parents, teachers and education staff professionals in the state.…

Read more about Florida’s Budget Keeps Teachers Near the Bottom for Salary

FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Let us say first, we are honored to lead this organization and to have you as a member.

Read more about FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Help for kids who are hurting

Through Steve’s Club, Cori Lake Walls wants to ensure no grieving student goes unnoticed or unheard

Read more about Help for kids who are hurting

$1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love

Lakisha Ayers-White and her student volunteers provide supplies for Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to dozens of union families

Read more about $1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love