November 13, 2023
Dear AFTW Retiree Council Member
We at AFT-Wisconsin Retiree Council would be pleased to have you as a continuing member of our organization. We Continue to be committed to our motto of Lifelong Unionism. Annual membership dues of $20 for 2024 annual dues are now due. You also have the option of becoming a life member for a one-time payment of $200.
Your retiree council met via ZOOM on Thursday, October 26, 2023, for our annual meeting prior to the AFT Wisconsin Convention. Jim Newton shared crucial information about Medicare and Medicare supplements as a keynote speaker. Elected at that meeting is an Executive Board that represents the breadth of AFTW. Ruth Ludwig (Local 202 Superior) will continue to serve as Treasurer. Peter Meyerson (UW-Oshkosh) was elected as our secretary, Jeff Richter (PERSA/WPEC) will serve as Vice-President and Mike Lussenden (Madison Area Technical College) will serve as President.
The new board met Monday, November 6 to plan for the year to come. In an energizing meeting we agreed to meet monthly to reconnect with our membership, welcome new members, and activate the membership to engage in the issues that define our commitment to social and labor justice. This will require us to strengthen our membership connections through regular communications as well as development of the personal points of contact that are the backbone of our union strength. The core of our union is the personal relationships we foster and grow. We seek to use all our tools, virtual and face-to-face, to strengthen and grow our identity as activists who can, and will, support our AFT-Wisconsin locals to grow membership numbers.
We will continue to maintain and strengthen our relationship with our vital partners. Our involvement with the Wisconsin Coalition of Annuitants (WCOA) and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) works to protect your Wisconsin retirement and social security. We will continue to support candidates through our political action and contributions to AFTW COPE (Committee on Political Education). POWRS (Protect our Wisconsin Retirement System) is an ally in the efforts of to promote safe and secure retirement programs.
I would like to invite you to renew your membership of the AFT-W Retiree Council. Your dues of $20 per year or $200 life membership keeps us working for you by keeping you informed of retiree issues. Our hope is that 2024 brings health, happiness, and prosperity to all.
If you would like a 2024 pocket calendar or would like to update your contact information, please reply to the email. We will continue to use email as the most effective way of keeping you informed.
Stay Safe! Stay Well!
Solidarity,
Retiree Council President.
Enclosures
PS: Please note: AFT-Wisconsin Retirees address: PO Box 303, Highland, WI 53543