CalRTA has moved boldly forward to meet the challenges of the current generational membership change in associations.  Social media branding with Teacher Grants was increased and while encouraging Divisions to change activities for greater advocacy and social interactions.

A record number of members traveled to Washington DC for Lobby Day 2019.  Every Congressional office was visited by constituents while many district offices were visited in California.  The goal was to keep the focus on the unfair Social Security penalties of Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset bills and also to build support for Social Security and Medicare.  This activity was coordinated by the CalRTA Government Relations Committee.

The Communications and Technology Committee moved forward with technology usages by developing a group of specialists who would support members and innovate Divisions to move forward.  Their innovations included electronic newsletters, websites and device usage for social media with development and support of CalRTA Info Exchange.

As member acquisition became the new frontier in the current social media world, the Membership Recruitment and Resource Committee faced these new challenges.  CalRTA branding was increased with Divisions facilitating Pre-Retirement Events and an increase of mailings and contacts to retirees which successfully gained new members.  To encourage members to be involved, a fresh leadership program was developed, “Everybody Leads.”  Many CalRTA Areas offered an additional Spring Workshops to include portions or all of this program.

CalRTA supports the functions of their independent boards.  The Educational Foundation completed its formation in order to support education in the classroom and in general.  The Political Action Committee continues to raise substantial member contributions in preparation for a California initiative which would impact teacher retirement.  And the Laura E. Settle Foundation provides scholarships to support teacher preparation in the state universities.

CalRTA is fortunate to have a dedicated and resourceful state staff to promote and support the goals of CalRTA.  The CalRTA State Board continues to energize programs and is innovative in their approach to the challenges of promoting retirement security for educator retirement now and into the future.