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Retirees Department |
"Survivors' Guide" |
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Expectations Filled With Hope (This article by Retirees Department Director Judy Beard first appeared in the January/February 2009 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.) While we shared memorable moments at events with friends and family in 2008, almost all of us will look back at 2008 as a year when we survived numerous personal challenges — not only those that come with aging, but periods of stress and/or frustration resulting from the economy and the government’s lack of concern for seniors. If you are like me, you welcomed the New Year with both joy and a sigh of relief. I am relieved that I do not have to look at another campaign commercial on TV, and am happy that unity amongst APWU Retirees remains strong as we prepare to promote our agenda before the 111th U.S. Congress. Our elected representatives begin meeting again on Jan. 3, and I believe that the bills Congress passes will help rebuild America. I fully expect that helpful measures on the economy, healthcare, and issues concerning aging Americans will be signed into law by Barack Obama, our 44th president. In late 2007, then-Senator Obama said in an address in Bettendorf, IA, “What binds us together, what makes us one American family, is that we stand up and fight for each other’s dreams, that we reaffirm the fundamental belief — I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper.” Let us be the example that we truly are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers by reaching out to our youth and becoming their role models. Let’s give them an opportunity to benefit from our knowledge and skill: Please join your Retirees Department in our “APWU Retirees Making a Difference” photo contest. A ‘Month’ Honoring Retirees May is Older Americans Month. President John F. Kennedy in 1963 issued the first proclamation asking the entire nation to pay tribute to seniors for a month each year, and every president since then has carried out the tradition. The APWU National Executive Board has adopted a resolution in support of Older Americans Month forMay 2009, and encourages all state and local affiliates to take some time in May to recognize the contributions that countless APWU retirees have given to our union, the labor movement, their communities, and their families. If you don’t have an APWU Retirees chapter in your area, this special month provides an excellent opportunity to organize one. Chapters, locals, and state organizations should appoint a committee to develop a plan for your special tribute, with area retirees volunteering to serve. Be sure to advertise the event in your local’s newsletter and on your union bulletin board. Presidents may request a mailing list of retirees in their area. Click here for information about starting a retirees’ chapter.
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