Myrtle Workman
1967-69
Coming on as captain of the ship with the same loyal crew but with a regenerated organization, Myrtle Workman accepted the challenge in the words: (California Pioneer Teacher, Fall 1967) “Never in the annals of CalRTA history has there been so much accomplished by so many, as has been done during the term of office of our immediate Past President, Albert J. Rathbone. With the support and ingenuity of a powerful team of state officers directing the work of dedicated leaders and members of our 56 divisions, CalRTA has made a fantastic growth and development. What a challenge this presents to all of us.”
At the September meeting the Board approved aid to the smaller divisions who on their own were unable to be represented at state meetings.
During this biennium, The California Pioneer Teacher which had been reduced to three issues a year, was changed to four issues because it was proving such a good news media to the members. Dues were increased from $3.00 to $5.00. Laural Roberts, with the aid of Dr. Roy Simpson, pushed memberships in the divisions and through the California Pioneer Teacher, using the slogan, “Retain, renew, recruit”, resulting in an increase in membership to 24,000 by the end of Myrtle’s term. State Legislative Committee Chairman, Dr. Robert Gillingham, with Phoebe White and Roy Simpson as co-chairmen, developed new ideas for the better promotion of legislation. He asked each division to establish good communication with their local legislators and instituted a program of annual legislative workshops.
The Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California was off to a good start and reports indicated contributions had come in from 35 divisions and many individuals from CalRTA in the first year. The project has gone forward and dedication occurred February 11-15, 1973. Under Division Presidents’ Chairman, Esther Ross, programs at state meetings included topics such as: Informative and Protective Services, Division Programs, Newsletters, and Membership.