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President’s Viewpoint: Respect for Our Past and a Plan for Our Future

Forty years ago, a new group emerged from within NEA—a group of determined retirees whose commitment to their profession continued beyond their active service. They had more to give, and they knew NEA would be stronger with them involved.
Incoming NEA-Retired President Anita Gibson
Published: July 27, 2023

During the 2023 Retired Annual Meeting, held in Orlando, Fla., we celebrated the accomplishments of those retired individuals who, in 1983, established the organization that became NEA-Retired—which today represents over 325,000 retired educators. Let us celebrate the successes of those who came before us, as we move forward in creating positive change. 

I am honored to serve as your NEA-Retired president, and I take my responsibilities seriously. While much has been accomplished, there is so much more to do. I know that no one can do this job alone. That is why I welcome your ideas and look forward to hearing from you. 

I am committed to speaking up boldly for the NEA resources that we must have to continue building successful programs and establishing vibrant NEA-Retired organizations in each state, with diversity in membership and leadership. 

Retirees today are not the same as the retirees of 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Our challenge is to create opportunities to engage all members, regardless of their place on the retirement continuum. Working together, we will design creative initiatives to develop future NEA-Retired leaders as we push back against bigotry and violence. We will push back against politicians who would diminish the opportunity to retire with our dignity intact. We will push back against forces that seek to dismantle our public school system, weakening the educational opportunities of our grandchildren and children in our communities. 

We have come a long way over the past 40 years. We are experienced, strong, and an invaluable part of NEA! Working together, we will boldly ensure a strong future for NEA-Retired.

 

Librarian leans over seated students at the library who are reading a book

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The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.