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LEADERS’ MANUAL
Formerly: The Presidents’ Manual
Policies and Procedures
OF
THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.
8 Airport Park Road, Latham, NY 12110-6414
(518) 482-3509
www.nysrta.org
Revised 7.5.2014
1
PREFACE To be new in a position
of leadership is a challenge and
presents a multitude of questions.
This book has been compiled as a reference
to assist you during your term of office.
The Leaders’ Manual is our handbook of Policies and Procedures
History: In an attempt to help officers, appointees and zone presidents, the Presidents’
Handbook was created in 1991. It is a legacy of then Association President Glenn W.
Clark and Southern Zone’s Marjorie Bryden. The Presidents’ Handbook was revisited in
2000 by a committee composed of Thomas McKeever, Ross Hudson and Edith Horton.
Mr. Hudson, of the Northern Zone, served as its editor, issuing yearly revisions until his
death in March, 2006. Southern Zone’s Imogene McKendrick then maintained the
handbook until the task was taken on, in March 2008, by North Central Zone’s Burt
Phillips.
The Presidents’ Handbook was approved as the Association’s official Policy and
Procedure Manual in 2004. In recognition of the need for, and the desirability of its
expanded use, it was renamed the Leaders’ Manual in July 2008.
This manual is published by the Association for use by all its members. The contents
are posted to the Association’s website at www.nysrta.org It is intended that every
member acting in an official capacity on any level within the Association shall
have access to this manual.
The contents may be reproduced and distributed to members as needed.
Please direct all corrections, up-dates and changes to printed material and new
information to the NYSRTA office. Approved corrections, up-dates, changes and new
material will be posted on the website as it is developed and members of the Executive
Board and cabinet will be notified of any new material as it becomes official.
Revised 2013
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[page #s in the electronic version]
ALBANY OFFICE & ASSOCIATION INFORMATION
Association meeting calendar ……………………..
Calendar of events …………………………………..
Directions to the office ………………………………
Dues schedule used by the Albany office ……….
Memorials and donations to NYSRTA …………….
Message from your Albany office …………………
Office Staff …………………………………………….
Policy for mileage reimbursement …………………
Policy statement –Seal ……………………………..
13
13
10
17
17
11
10
20
12
ANNUAL CONVENTION …………………………………… 32
Hosting the Annual Convention ………………… 33
History of Annual Convention Hosts & Venues 35
ASSIGNED POSITIONS
Responsibilities
Assistant Treasurer …………………………………. 81
YORK STATE Editor ……………………………….. 81
YORK STATE Assistant Editor … …………………. 81
COMMITTEES
Responsibilities of Association, Zone and Unit Chairs
Annual Workshop …………………………………… 57
Bylaws ……………………………………………….. 58
Certificate of Recognition ………………………….. 60
Community Service ………………………………… 64
Credentials ………………………………………….. 67
Finance and Budget ……………………………… 68
Friendly Service ……………………………………… 38
Health Care …………………………………………… 69
History ………………………………………………… 71
Legislative Action …………………………………… 48
Membership………………………………………….. 52
Nominations ………………………………………….. 73
Personnel ……………………………………………. 73
Public Relations ……………………………………… 74
Resolutions …………………………………………... 77
Site ……………………………………………………. 80
Committee members (current) …………………… 22
FINANCIAL MATTERS: GRANTS, TRUSTS AND FUNDS
The Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund ….. 88
The Friendly Service Fund ………………………….. 85
The Insurance Trust ………………………………… 85
The President’s Fund………………………………… 85
The Mary G. Spellissy Memorial Fund ……………... 46, 85
3
FORMS:
Certificate of Recognition nomination form…….... 62
Community Service Project ……………………….. 66
DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund ……………………89, 92
Expense Account Voucher ………………………… 19
Friendly Service allotment request ……………….. 44
Friendly Service special grant application………… 47
Mary G. Spellissy Memorial Fund ………………… 45
Resolutions submission form………………………. 79
HISTORY
A condensed history of NYSRTA to 1990 …………. 94
A chronological history of NYSRTA for the
years 1990 to the present ………………………. 100
LEADERSHIP …………………………………………..... 5
MERCHANDISE pins……………………….…………….
11
OFFICERS
The Presidents of the Association ………………. 9
Responsibilities of the officers
President ……………………………………………… 36
Senior Vice President ……………………………….. 37
VP Friendly Service ………………………………….. 38
VP Legislative Action ……………………………....... 48
VP Membership ……………………………………… 52
Secretary ……………………………………………… 55
Treasurer ……………………………………………… 56
ORGANIZATION
Committee structure & current members …………. 22
Function of the Zone ………………………………… 30
Information of interest to Zone Presidents ………… 26
Line and staff Chart ………………………………….. 21
The ten zones of NYSRTA …………………………. 25
The Unit, the Zone, and the Association …………… 32
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE …………………………. 124
APPENDIX A
THE PROPER FORM OF MINUTES ………………………. 125
APPENDIX B
RULES OF ORDER (for 2014 Annual Meeting) ..……………….. 127
APPENDIX C
NYSRTA Board and Committee Electronic Meetings…. 132
APPENDIX D
Updated 2014
4
Readers of this NYSRTA Leaders’ Manual will
have already proven themselves in leadership
roles. However, in the spirit that we can
always learn more and always hone our skills,
these thoughts on leadership are presented.
Some Thoughts On Leadership
(Taken from a variety of sources.)
Not everybody can lead the group at once. One person is typically
chosen and holds the title of “leader.” But there are really two types of
leadership:
Leadership I
- Take Charge
- Provide for Everyone Fairly
- Accomplish the Mission
- Make Decisions and Solve Problems as
necessary
- Follow through with Commitments.
Leadership II
- Second the Leader’s Opinion
- Follow Through with Delegated Duties
- Help Your Leader Make Proper Decisions
- Provide Good Ideas and Feedback
- Encourage Harmony and Teamwork within the
group as necessary.
- Ricardo Diaz
Leadership is all about getting people consistently to give their best, helping them
to grow to their fullest potential and motivating them to work toward a common
good. Leaders make the right things happen when they’re supposed to.
Leadership begins with the leader.
– Tom Pitcher
Leadership qualities are hard to define, but they are not so difficult to
identify.
5
~ Leaders are respected. A good leader knows that respect must
be earned and understands that to receive respect, one must give
respect. A leader who has respect for other people at all levels of an
organization, for the work they do, and for their abilities, aspirations
and needs, will find respect is returned and all concerned will be
motivated to work together.
Fail to honor your people, and they will fail to honor you.
- Eric Clark
~ Leaders make others know, deep in their hearts, that they have
value and that what they do, what they contribute, is important.
You can have all the matérial in the world,
but without morale, it is largely ineffective.
– Gen. George C. Marshall
~ Leaders understand that mistakes happen, wonderful plans can
go awry, good intentions don’t always carry the day and leaders know
there is value in “lessons learned.” Out of the ashes of calamity can
arise better procedures, improved actions, excellence.
The man who never makes mistakes loses
a great many chances to learn something.
- Thomas A. Edison
Fall seven times, stand up eight.
– Japanese proverb
~ Leaders know that their effectiveness as leaders is
dependent upon the willingness of their people to follow.
While the insignia of rank on a uniform or a title on the office
door matter, the reality of it is that these trappings actually
matter little when it comes to willingness.
You can employ men and hire hands to work for you,
but you must win their hearts to have them work with you.
- Tiorio
6
~ Leaders know that praise is best when given in public and that
criticism is always delivered privately.
I can live for a month on a good complement.
- Mark Twain
Patting a man on the back is the best way
to get a chip off his shoulder.
- Anonymous
~ Leaders know that when there are two opinions on an issue, at
least one, and possibly both, are wrong. They recognize that the best
solutions often are born of compromise.
I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow.
- Woodrow Wilson
People often oppose a thing merely
because they had no hand in planning it.
– Alexander Hamilton
~ Leaders don’t force other people to go along with them. They
bring them along. Leaders get commitment from others by giving it
themselves, by building an environment that encourages creativity and
by operating with honesty and fairness.
To lead---to lead, not to drive.
That is the very essence of command!
- Gen. John J. Pershing
~ Leaders know that hustle and rush are the allies of
superficiality. They are open to new ideas, but they explore their
ramifications thoroughly.
One needs to be slow to form convictions;
but, once formed, they must be defended against the heaviest odds.
– Mahatmas Gandhi
7
Take time to deliberate…
but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.
- Napoleon Bonaparte
~ Successful leaders are emotionally and intellectually oriented to
the future - not wedded to the past. They have a hunger to take
responsibility, to innovate, and to initiate. They are not content with
merely taking care of what is already there. They want to move to
create something new.
The world you live in today is a different world,
it is changing fast. You must accept it and change.
- Robert R. DeCormier
~ Leaders provide answers as well as direction, offer strength as
well as dedication and speak from experience as well as understanding
of the problems they face and the people they work with.
~ Leaders are flexible rather than dogmatic. They believe in
unity rather than conformity; and they strive to achieve consensus out
of conflict.
Cooperation is spelled in two letters—WE.
- George M. Verity
~ Leaders demand much of others, but also much of themselves.
They are ambitious - not only for themselves, but also for those who
work with them. They seek to attract, retain, and develop other people
to their full potential.
A good man obtains the confidence of those
under him before putting burdens upon them.
- Confucius
~ Good leaders aren’t “lone rangers.” They recognize that an
organization’s strategies for success require the combined talents and
efforts of many people. Leadership is the catalyst for transforming
those talents into results.
8
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown.
The leader fixes the breakdown.
The boss says “Go.”
The leader says “Let’s go.”
- H. Gordon Selfridge
In conclusion, one could do little better than simply repeat the
introduction -–“Leadership is all about getting people consistently to
give their best, helping them to grow to their fullest potential and
motivating them to work toward a common good. Leaders make the
right things happen when they’re supposed to.”
Final thoughts
The difference between ordinary
and extraordinary is a little extra.
and
Never
Never
Never
Never
Never
NEVER
Give up!
-Sir Winston Churchill
Compiled by Burt Phillips
Approved by Ron Wilson,
NYSRTA President 2006-2009
Revised March 2009
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION
YEAR
1951-1966
1966-1970
1970-1972
PRESIDENT
Robert R. DeCormier
Raymond J. Ast
Raymond W. Arnold
9
ZONE
Southeastern
Western
Western
1972-1976
1976-1979
1979-1982
1982-1985
1985-1988
1988-1991
1991-1994
1994-1997
1997-2000
2000-2003
2003-2006
2006-2009
2009-2012
2012-
Gordon H. Higgins
Paul E. Vogan
Adelbert “Deb” Kingston
Clayton C. DeLong
Erma B. Meisenheimer
Glenn W. Clark
Charlotte M. Huff
George A. Lombart
Richard C. Lagoe
Agnes B. Hudson
Terry M. Trudeau
Ronald C. Wilson
Carlyle T. Campany
Judie Byndas
Western
Northeastern
Northern
Central Western
Western
Central
Long Island
Central Western
Central
Northern
Northern
Northeastern
North Central
Central Western
THE NEW YORK STATE
RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.
8 Airport Park Blvd.,
Latham, NY 12110-6414.
(518) 482-3509
Fax (518) 482-0970
e-mail rtaoffice@nysrta.org
website www.nysrta.org
Office Staff
Executive Office Manager
Lisa Dolen
Legislative Action Coordinator
Kathi Bassett
Administrative Assistant
Debra Barnes
Administrative Assistant and Design & Technical Coordinator
Lillie Ruby
Directions to the office
From South/East/West NYS Thruway (I-90) to I-87 Northway heading NORTH. Take
the Northway (I-87) to Exit 4. At the end of the ramp get in the left lane and turn left
onto Wolf Road.
10
Stay in left lane and turn left at the next traffic light onto Albany-Shaker Road.
Pass the Desmond on the left and follow the road past the airport. Continue on AlbanyShaker, passing the Hilton Garden Inn on the left. Turn left onto Airport Park Boulevard
(there is a light). NYSRTA is in Building #8, the first entrance on your right.
From North Follow I-87 South to Exit 6. At the end of the ramp turn right onto TroySchenectady Road (Route 7) heading west. Follow Troy-Schenectady Road through
several traffic lights. Landmarks you will see on the left are Peter Harris Plaza and the
Mariott Residence Inn. You’ll pass a Mercedes-Benz dealer on the right. At the next
traffic light (you’ll see Wendy’s on the corner), turn left onto British American Boulevard.
Follow this almost to the end and turn right onto Airport Park Boulevard. Follow to #8
Airport Park Blvd., which will be on the left side.
MESSAGE FROM YOUR ALBANY OFFICE
Executive Office Manager
Billing notices will be mailed out based on a member’s Anniversary date. Notices will be
mailed from the Albany Office.
Dues are $27.00 per year and dues for a Life Membership as determined by the
Executive Board is set at $378.00. Note: This will increase to $30.00 and $420.00
effective January 1, 2015.
Membership cards are sent on the honor system. Members are to keep the card for
their records and return their check with the billing notice to the Albany Office.
Your zone delegate count to the Annual Meeting is based on paid membership as of
June 30th. Support your zone by encouraging your members to pay promptly!
PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE
Pins and decals
A decal of the Association's logo (seal) is available free from the Office. They will also
be at the registration desk at the time of the Annual Workshop and Annual Convention.
A colorful pin about the size of a quarter is available to NYSRTA members. The Albany
Office purchases the pins. They are available to the zones for resale with a small markup.
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following
11
USE OF THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF
THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’
ASSOCIATION, INC.
POLICY STATEMENT
1. Purpose:
Pursuant to ARTICLE XVIII of its current Bylaws, the following Policy Statement specifies
the configuration, appearance, and proper use of the official seal of The New York State
Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Association.
2. Policy Objectives:
The purposes of this policy Statement are as follows:
A. To enable the Association members and the general public to readily recognize the
Association, by means of a consistent visual identification.
B. To promote and ensure consistent and quality design in all applications of the seal.
C. To ensure that there is no unauthorized use of this seal.
3. Background:
The Association’s seal is designed to incorporate those elements, which long ago were
established as an integral part of the educational process in this nation. These familiar
symbols – the one room school house, for the place of learning – books, for reading – quill
and ink well, for writing – ABC’s for language – 12345 for arithmetic - and apple, for the
teacher – all make up the traditional 3R’s – ‘Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic. Over the first
fifty years of the Association’s existence, this seal has become a well-known and wellrecognized emblem. It must be accurately maintained, into the future, as a principal element
of our identification as a retired educator association.
4. Legal Name:
The full legal name of the Association is the The New York State Retired Teachers’
Association, Inc., and is the only name permitted in the Association’s official seal.
5.
Use of the Seal:
The Association’s seal belongs to and is a registered trademark of the The New York
Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc. and is reserved for use by the Association’s office
operation, its Executive Board and its ten Zones. Any change to the seal for special
applications is inconsistent with the registered seal and contrary to the purposes of the seal.
Otherwise, the use and reproduction of the seal may occur only with written permission from
the Association, through a committee composed of the President, the Treasurer, the Bylaws
Chair, and the immediate Past President.
6. Other Emblems and Logos:From time-to-time the Association may authorize special
emblems or logos to commemorate special occasions of the Association. Such emblems
and logos would be for short-term use only and are not intended to replace the official seal.
7. Amendments and Changes: This policy may be revised and amended by a majority vote of
the Executive Board of the Association.
Updated March 2005
12
ASSOCIATION MEETING CALENDAR
October ……………......................NYSRTA Executive
Board Meeting
March ....................................……NYSRTA Executive
Board Meeting
July ...............................................NYSRTA Executive
Board Meeting
October ……………………………The Annual Convention including the
Annual Workshop and the Annual
Meeting
THE NEW YORK STATE
RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION
 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 
January
Dues billing for members with anniversary dates of March & April
& second notice billing for members with anniversary of
November & December.
Computer date changes for 90 year olds.
Zones billed for 90 year old members - $1.50.
Zone share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents
and Friendly Service Chairs.
Zone share of Life Member Dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
February
Zone share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs Receive Dues Reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents
and Friendly Service Chairs.
Receive and credit dues.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
March
Dues Billing for members with anniversary dates of May & June
13
& second notice billing for members with anniversary of
January & February.
Receive and credit dues.
Zones share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents
and Friendly Service Chairs.
YORK STATE mailed.
NYSRTA Executive Board Meeting.
Zones billed for postage, etc. due to NYSRTA.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
April
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive Dues Reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and
Friendly Service Chairs.
Receive and credit dues.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
May
Dues Billing for members with anniversary dates of July & August
& second notice billing for members with anniversary of
March & April.
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and
Friendly Service Chairs.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
June
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid
one year sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and
Friendly Service Chairs.
Credit dues, receipts.
Delete previous year’s non-paid members - 3rd Week.
YORK STATE mailed .
Zones billed for postage, etc., due to NYSRTA.
14
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
July
Dues Billing for members with anniversary dates of September & October
& second Notice billing for members with anniversary of May & June.
st
July 1 - Delegate count for Annual Meeting.
Membership rosters sent to Zone Membership Chairs and Zone Friendly
Service Chairs -- 1st Week.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
Computer date change for 90 year olds.
First Friendly Service Checks sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
NYSRTA Executive Board Meeting.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
August
Committee Chairs send reports to Albany Office for inclusion in the
Delegates’ folder for the Annual Meeting.
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
Start preparing for the Annual Workshop.
Catch Up !
Vacations !!
Delegate lists for Annual Meeting due from Zone Presidents by August
15th
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
September
Dues Billing for members with anniversary dates of November & December
& second notice billing for members with anniversary of July & August.
Zone Share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
15
Prepare for Annual Meeting and Annual Convention.
Delinquent lists sent to Zone Membership Chairs.
Code delinquents so they do not receive YORK STATE. YORK STATE
mailed.
Zones billed for postage, etc., due NYSRTA.
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
October
The Annual Convention.
The Annual Workshop and Annual Meeting.
NYSRTA Executive Board Meeting.
Zone share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
90 year old member lists sent to Friendly Service Chairs to be returned to
Albany Office by December 1st .
New, deceased, and inactive members reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
November
Dues Billing for members with anniversary dates of January & February.
Second notice billing for members with anniversary of September & October.
President’s "General Fund" donation request letter sent.
Zone share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues report
Monthly Statistics: Life, 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
New, deceased, and inactive member reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
December
Christmas Card lists must be returned by Zone Friendly Service Chairs by
December 1st .
Cards mailed from Albany Office - 1st and 2nd weeks.
Zone share of dues sent to Zone Treasurers.
Zone Membership Chairs receive dues reports.
Monthly Statistics: Life 90, 100, current non-paid and non-paid one year
sent to Zone Membership Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly
Service Chairs.
YORK STATE mailed.
Zones billed for postage, etc. due NYSRTA.
New, deceased, and inactive member reports sent to Zone Membership
Chairs, Zone Presidents and Friendly Service Chairs.
Revised March 2009
16
DUES NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE USED BY THE ALBANY OFFICE
The Albany Office sends dues notices for anniversary billing as shown in this chart:
May
July
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
JULY-AUG
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
SEP-OCT
September
November
2ND NOTICE
FOR JUL-AUG
2ND NOTICE
FOR SEP-OCT
September
November
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
NOV-DEC
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
JAN-FEB
January
March
2NDNOTICE
FOR NOV-DEC
2NDNOTICE
FOR JAN-FEB
January
March
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
MAR-APR
RENEWAL
NOTICES FOR
MAY-JUN
May
Issued March 2006
July
2NDNOTICE
FOR MAR-APR
2NDNOTICE
FOR MAY-JUN
MEMORIALS AND DONATIONS TO NYSRTA
Contributions may be made to the General Fund and to the DeCormier Memorial
Trust Fund. They should be sent directly to:
Executive Office Manager
NYSRTA
8 Airport Park Blvd.
Latham, New York 12110-6414
Donors should indicate the fund to which the amount should be applied on the
check. For example:
17
Date __01/11/09_
Pay to
$
Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund
100.00
___
One hundred and 00/100
Dollars
_______
Memo_________________
Signature___
The following information should be included with the check:
1. The name of the fund which is to receive the contribution.
2. The name and complete address of the individual or group making the
contribution.
3. If a memorial, include the name of the person in whose memory the
gift is made.
4. The name and complete address of the person who is to
receive the acknowledgement.
Revised March 2009
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following
18
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc.
8 Airport Park Blvd. Latham, NY 12110-6414
E-mail: rtaoffice@nysrta.org Web Site: www.nysrta.org
EXPENSE ACCOUNT VOUCHER
The following expenses were incurred for the meeting of
the __________________________________ Committee held
on ___________________ at __________________________
Date
Location
Transportation:
Automobile - __________miles at $.37 per mile
__________
Rail, Bus
__________
Taxi
__________
Tolls
__________
Hotels: From _______________to _______________
__________
Meals
__________
Gratuities
__________
Other
__________
Total Expenses $ __________
Date _____________
Signed __________________________
Address __________________________
__________________________
RECEIPTS FOR LODGING (LODGING OTHER THAN MASTER BILLED), MEALS, TOLLS
AND TELEPHONE CALLS MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS EXPENSE VOUCHER!
COMMENTS:
Mileage $ revised August 2010
19
Policy for Mileage Reimbursement
The following information is to clarify the Association’s policy for mileage remuneration
to zone members for their attendance at particular meetings.
Annual Workshop & Annual Convention:
1. Association Officers, Zone Presidents, Delegates at Large, and the following
Committees: Credentials, Certificate of Recognition, Annual Workshop, and Site are
paid mileage for their attendance. Members attending a committee meeting only, on
the day prior to the Workshop, or an Annual Workshop Committee member who
attends the Annual Workshop only, will receive mileage for their attendance.
2. Members attending committee meetings the day before the Annual Workshop or
during the Annual Workshop, or during the Annual Convention and who are to
receive payment from their zone for being there will not be reimbursed for mileage
by the Association for their attendance at a committee meeting.
3. No member should receive remuneration from both the Association and a zone for
attendance at the Annual Workshop and Annual Convention.
Executive Board Meetings
1. Executive Board Members and those invited to attend are reimbursed for their
mileage at these meetings.
2. Board members attending committee meetings the day before these Executive
Meetings shall be reimbursed for mileage by the Association.
Committee Meetings:
Committee members attending any Association committee meeting, except at the
Annual Workshop or Annual Convention, convened by the Committee Chair or the
Association President, will be reimbursed for mileage by the Association.
Issued March 2005
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
20
NYSRTA LINE and STAFF CHART
PRESIDENT
ELECTED OFFICERS
TREASURER
SECRETARY
IMMEDIATE
PAST PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
APPOINTEES
ASSISTANT
TREASURER
VP LEGISLATIVE
ACTION
SENIOR VICE
PRESIDENT
VP
MEMBERSHIP
VP FRIENDLY
SERVICE
ADDITIONAL STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS
BYLAWS
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
CERTIFICATE OF
RECOGNITION
PARLIAMENTARIAN
CREDENTIALS
FINANCE &
BUDGET
YORK STATE
EDITOR
EXECUTIVE
OFFICE
MANAGER
HEALTH
CARE
ASSOCIATE
EDITOR
PUBLIC
RELATIONS
NYSRTA
OFFICE
NOMINATIONS
HISTORIAN
RESOLUTIONS
DECORMIER
TRUST FUND
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SITE
INSURANCE
TRUST
9 ELECTED OFFICIALS
RETIRED EDUCATOR
10 ZONE PRESIDENTS SPECIAL COMMITTEES
NYSTRS BOARD
CENTRAL
ZONE
EASTERN
ZONE
CENTRAL
WESTERN
ZONE
NORTHERN
ZONE
LONG ISLAND
ZONE
NORTH EASTERN
ZONE
NORTH
CENTRAL ZONE
SOUTHERN
ZONE
WESTERN
ZONE
FLORIDA WEST COAST
SOUTH REGION
LOCAL UNITS
Revised October 2010
SOUTHEASTERN
ZONE
MEMBERSHIP
21
NYSRTA COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
For The Year 2013-2014 Revised April 2014
President Judie Byndas *CR
New appointees are indicated by #
. ANNUAL WORKSHOP: Members appointed by the President
Chair is the Senior Vice President
Angelo Grande *CR--LIZ
Member
Gwynne Bodle--CZ
Member
Diane Hahn *CR--EZ
Member
Kevin Mulligan—NEZ #
Member
Shirley Parker--NCZ
Member
William Tenity—CZ #
BYLAWS: Chair and members appointed by the President
Chair
Burt Phillips *CR--NCZ
Member
Gary Germain--NEZ
Member
Diane Hahn *CR--EZ
Member
Helen Hoering--SEZ
Member
James Parsons *CR--SZ
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION: Chair and members appointed by the President
Chair
Jackie Moller *CR--CZ
Member
Anne Flansburg *CR--WZ
Member
Doris Whitney *CR--CWZ
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Chair is appointed by the President
Chair
Patricia Dietrich—NCZ
One member from each of the zones.
CREDENTIALS: Chair and members appointed by the President
Chair
Dr. James Flanagan--SEZ
Member
Phyllis Dunlap--CWZ
Member
Fred Conway—LIZ #
FINANCE AND BUDGET: Chair and members appointed by the President:
No appointed member may be an elected officer. The assistant treasurer is an ex officio member without
vote.
Chair
Jack DeWeese *CR--EZ
Member
Dr. James Flanagan--SEZ
Member
Carol Lord--CWZ
Member
William Tenity--CZ (Zone President)
Member
Lois Thornberg--LIZ
President
Judie Byndas *CR--CWZ
Treasurer
President Emeritus Terry Trudeau *CR--NZ
Senior VP
Angelo Grande *CR--LIZ (Resource Person) (Non-Voting)
Executive Office Manager Lisa Dolen (Resource Person) (Non-Voting)
* The individual currently holding this position has been appointed as a regular member and chair, with a
vote, so this is not applicable at this time.
FRIENDLY SERVICE: Chair is the Vice President for Friendly Service
Chair
Mary Ella Moeller *CR--LIZ
One member from each of the zones.
22
HEALTH CARE: Chair (Coordinator) appointed by the President
Coordinator
Gwynne Bodle--CZ
One member from each of the zones.
HISTORY: Chair (Historian) appointed by the President
Historian
Carol Lord--CWZ
One member from each of the zones.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION: Chair is the Vice President for Legislative Action
Chair
Mary Johnson--SZ
One member from each of the zones.
MEMBERSHIP: Chair is the Vice President for Membership
Chair
Salvatore Sedita--WZ
One member from each of the zones.
NOMINATIONS: Chair appointed by the President
Chair
Emily Castine--NEZ
One member from each of the zones.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Chair is the President
Chair
President Judie Byndas *CR
Senior VP
Angelo Grande *CR--LIZ
Treasurer
President Emeritus Terry Trudeau *CR--NZ
Member
President Emeritus Carlisle T. Campany *CR--NCZ
Member
John Hogan--CWZ
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Chair appointed by the President
Chair
Robert Mooso--NEZ
One member from each of the zones.
RESOLUTIONS: Chair appointed by the President
Chair
Doris Kirsch--WZ
One member from each of the zones
Mary Johnson--SZ (Resource Person) (Non-Voting)
Burt Phillips *CR--NCZ (Resource Person) (Non-Voting)
SITE: Chair and members appointed by the President
Chair
Leigh Powell--LIZ
Member
Anne Flansburg *CR--WZ
Member
Michael Hayduk *CR--CZ
Senior-VP
Angelo Grande *CR--CWZ
Treasurer
President Emeritus Terry Trudeau *CR--NZ
NYSRTA ASSIGNED POSITIONS
Appointment to an Assigned Position is by the President. The President must have the appointments
approved by the Executive Committee at the first Executive Committee Meeting following the Annual
Meeting.
EDITOR of YORK STATE:
Brian Sherman--NCZ
23
ASSOCIATE EDITOR OF YORK STATE:
ASSISTANT TREASURER:
Kathi Bassett
Jack DeWeese *CR--EZ
TRUSTEES of the independent trusts affiliated with NYSRTA
THE INSURANCE TRUST: Members elected by the Executive Committee for
staggered five year term. They elect their own chair.
Chair Dr. George W. Forbes—NCZ
Member
Diane Hahn *CR--EZ
Member
Robert LaFontaine--NEZ
Member
Raymond Lavoie--NEZ
Member
Thomas Reed--EZ
THE ROBERT R. DeCORMIER MEMORIAL TRUST: Members nominated by the NYSRTA
Executive Board and elected by the trustees. Trustees serve a six year term and may be reelected by the
DeCormier trustees. Trustees elect their chairman and may elect a secretary and a treasurer.
Chair Anne Flansburg *CR--WZ
Member
Alexander Boschi—EZ
Member
President Emerita Agnes Hudson *CR--NZ
Member
Imogene McKendrick *CR—SEZ
Secretary
Jackie Moller *CR--CZ
Treasurer
Dr. Johannes Olsen *CR—WZ
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Appointees shall function as a committee until discharged by action of the President or the Executive
Committee.
AD HOC Committee on Strategic Planning – Chair Lois Thornberg--LIZ
AD HOC Committee on Cutting Convention Costs - Chair Judie Byndas *CR, Angelo
Grande *CR, Doris Kirsch, Bill Tenity.
Effective July 1, 2014
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following
24
The TEN ZONES of
The New York State
Retired Teachers’ Association,
CENTRAL ZONE
Cayuga
Chenango
Herkimer
Madison
Oneida
Onondaga
Oswego
CENTRAL WESTERN ZONE
Allegany
Livingston
Monroe
Ontario
Orleans
Seneca
Steuben (part)
Wayne
Wyoming
Yates
NORTHEASTERN ZONE
Clinton
Essex
EASTERN ZONE
Albany
Columbia
Delaware
Fulton
Greene
Hamilton
Montgomery
Otsego
Rensselear
Saratoga
Schenectady
Schoharie
Warren
Washington
LONG ISLAND ZONE
Nassau
Suffolk
NORTHERN ZONE
Franklin
St. Lawrence
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
Jefferson
Lewis
25
SOUTHERN ZONE
Broome
Chemung
Cortland
Schuyler
Tioga
Tompkins
Steuben (part)
SOUTHEASTERN ZONE
Dutchess
Orange
Putnam
Rockland
Sullivan
Ulster
Westchester
WESTERN ZONE
Cattaraugus
Chautauqua
Erie
Niagara
Genesee
INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO ZONE PRESIDENTS
ASSOCIATION YEAR
(Officers’ terms) November 1 to October 31. Zones and
Units should use these dates as well, if possible.
FISCAL YEAR
January 1 through December 31 becomes effective January
1 2013 for NYSRTA; Zones and units may use other dates.
NYSRTA MEETINGS
As President of your Zone, you should plan to attend the
following meetings. If you cannot attend, you may designate
someone to take your place. Your designee will have full
voting rights only if the bylaw criteria for being a proxy are
met. A designated replacement, in order to be recognized as
a proxy with voting rights, should be a Past President or an
elected officer of the Zone, or may be a member of the
zone’s governing body. The Association President should
be informed prior to the meeting date of any non-emergency
replacement.
~Executive Board Meetings – October, March and
July. Zone Presidents’ annual reports, oral and
written, are to be given at the July Executive Board
Meeting.
~Annual Convention, Annual Meeting and
Annual Workshop in October.
ZONE MEETINGS
Each Zone should plan an Annual Meeting. Association
officers are available to attend your meetings. Zones are
required to have at least one meeting each year.
UNIT MEETINGS
Most Units meet at least once each year. Some meet
monthly. Try to schedule your meeting so that at least one
Zone officer may attend.
NEW MEMBERS
Names and addresses of new retirees need to be requested
from all educational institutions in your Zone. Letters inviting
new retirees to join our Association are usually sent by the
Zone President and/or the Zone Membership Chair.
Informational brochures and membership applications
should be included with your invitations. Sample letters are
available from the Albany Office. As President, you should
develop the following:
1. Directions for each person sending membership
invitations and information.
2. A letter to each chief school official of all public and
non-public school districts, colleges, universities and
BOCES district(s), requesting the name and address of
each retiree.
3. A letter of invitation for membership in NYSRTA with
information on the Zone and local Unit(s) to which they
may wish to belong.
26
ZONE PRESIDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMMNICATION Zone presidents
serve as a liaison between the NYSRTA Executive
Board and the Zone. They are responsible for keeping
the Zone Executive Board informed of the
Association’s Executive Board actions including but not
limited to proposed amendments to NYSRTA Bylaws,
resolutions which will be voted on at the NYSRTA Annual
Meeting, and the report of the Nominations Committee for
the election of Association officers.
If a Zone has active units, then it would be the responsibility
of the Zone President to transmit all information from the
Zone to their membership.
ANNUAL CONVENTION Each President should encourage the officers and other
members of an his/her zone to attend. The Zone or Unit
may pay all or a part of the costs of a member’s attendance.
Registration forms and instructions appear in the summer
issue of YORK STATE.
DELEGATES TO THE ANNUAL MEETING Zone Presidents, after determining the
delegates and alternates, shall encourage them to be in
attendance at the Zone Annual Meeting or an Executive
Board Meeting, whichever is appropriate, so they may be
informed of the issues that will be brought up at the NYSRTA
Annual Meeting. Delegates represent the wishes of their
Zone membership.
A complete list of Zone delegates and alternates (names and
addresses) willing to serve at the Annual Meeting MUST be
sent to the Albany Office by August 15. Delegates should
be notified of their status early enough to make their
reservations at the hotel. All delegates must be paid up to
date, voting-eligible, members of NYSRTA as of July 1 of the
current year and be a retired or a working educator. The list
shall be subject to amendment only by the Zone President at
the time of the Annual Meeting. It shall be corrected before
the beginning of the first session of the Annual Meeting,
except in unusual circumstances, i.e., sickness or accident.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS ~President’s Fund, for temporary or
emergency assistance. ~The Friendly Service Committee
for special grants ~The Robert R. DeCormier Memorial
Trust Fund – for long term assistance and special grants.
HEALTH INSURANCE
A variety of insurance plans are available through NYSRTA.
Information is available on the website at www.nysrta.org or
upon request from the Albany office.
27
YORK STATE
YORK STATE is published quarterly.
Planned distribution and deadline dates:
Spring
May
March 9
Summer
June
May 11
Fall
September
July 13
Winter
December
November 14
YORK STATE publishes a page entitled “NYSRTA Members
in the News” that runs in each issue to recognize zone and
community awards that members receive. Zone Presidents
need to supply this information to their PR Chairs who will
send it along with their PR reports.
FRIENDLY SERVICE
NYSRTA contributes $200 to each Zone Friendly Service
program which must be matched by the Zone. After the
initial $400 has been expended, the Zone may apply for
three (3) additional $200 grants as needed when each grant
is matched by the Zone.
ZONE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY All Association dues, which include Zone dues,
are received in the Albany Office. One third of the dues is
returned to the Zone Treasurer. The following expenses are
typically covered by Zone funds:
Normal expenditures
Mileage to attend meetings
Lunches for meetings
Expenses for leaders to attend the Annual Workshop
Expenses for delegates to attend the Annual Meeting
Stationery, printing, postage, and telephone
Program for the Zone Annual Meeting
Honorarium for speaker at the Zone Annual Meeting
Expenses related to the program of the Zone Annual
Meeting.
REGARDING TAX EXEMPT STATUS The New York State Retired Teachers’
Association, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Zones) are exempt
from federal income tax on its income under section 501(2)
of the Internal Revenue Code as it falls in the category of
organizations covered in Section 501c(4).
If a Zone has gross receipts of $25,000 or more it is
required to file Form 990. Zones that have less than
$25,000 in gross receipts for the year should return
the Form 990 after checking the box in the heading
to indicate that its annual gross receipts are less than
$25,000. The Association does pay state sales tax. Rooms,
meals and supplies, etc. are subject to tax.
MISCELLANEOUS
All expenses of the Zone President for NYSRTA Executive
Board meetings, the Annual Workshop, and the
28
Annual Convention (which includes the Annual Meeting) are
paid by NYSRTA. The Albany Office makes reservations.
Each Zone President is responsible for having a member
(usually the Zone Committee Chair) on the following NYSRTA
Standing Committees: Community Service, Friendly
Service, Health Care, History, Legislative Action,
Membership, Nominations, Public Relations, Resolutions,
If your committee member cannot attend a NYSRTA
meeting, you must be notified so that you can appoint an
alternate representative.
Your NYSRTA Committee members should report to you, to
the Zone and to the local Units.
Your NYSRTA Committee members should respond
promptly to requests from their Committee Chair.
Zone Presidents should reply promptly to the requests of
NYSRTA Officers and Committee Chairs.
Expenses of Zone members attending a NYSRTA
committee meeting are reimbursed by the Association.
MEMBERS MAY INITIATE CHANGE TO THE NYSRTA BYLAWS Article XVI of
the Bylaws provides for member-generated amendments.
Petitions, containing the signatures, printed names and
addresses of at least 25 Educator (i.e. voting eligible)
Members shall be presented to the Executive Board.
Petitions for member-generated amendments need to clearly
state what change is desired but need not attempt to write a
proposed amendment. The Bylaws Committee will draft
a Proposition in such a way as to make it comport with the
style and structure of the existing bylaws.
ACTION ON CHANGES TO NYSTRA BYLAWS After a proposed amendment to the
bylaws has received formal approval by the Executive
Board, the NYSRTA Bylaws Committee Chair shall
inform Zone Presidents of the proposed amendment and
request that the President present the proposed
amendment for approval by the Zone. The proposed
amendment must be voted upon as written.
Each Zone has the freedom to decide the method by which
proposed amendments will be addressed by the Zone; i.e.
through its governing body or at a Zone meeting. In any
case, a 2/3 affirmative vote is required.
The result of the Zone’s approval process is to be reported
to the Association President with a copy to the NYSRTA
Bylaws Chair as soon as possible.
Revised 2012
29
THE FUNCTION OF THE ZONE
Written by Marion Lucas
A Brief Discussion of the Function
When I think of our total organization, I visualize the units and the Association on
each side of the zone. As a figure of speech, I see the zone as a bridge linking the
other two.
Everyone living in New York State knows the importance of strong, secure, well
constructed bridges. Likewise, the zone structures of our Association must be strong
and easily available to both sides and secure at both ends.
In 1946, after the disruptive war years, the Eastern Zone teachers who had
retired asked to meet in Albany Grammar School to renew old acquaintances. They
organized as Eastern Zone Retired Teachers’ Association and arranged to meet twice a
year.
By 1949, Western Zone Teachers' Association had organized. Thus, in 1951,
Rochester and three Zones - Eastern, Central Western, and Western - voted to
organize the Association – NYSRTA. By 1952, all of the current Zones had joined.
The zone structures which we have today - 10 Zones of varying sizes in terms of
counties, square miles, population, etc. - was inherited from The New York State
Teachers' Association, Inc.
The zone officers and chairs are a vital part of our total Association. While all
officers are important, three - the zone President, Treasurer and Membership Chair have the closest connection to the Association on one side and the units on the other.
Zone President’s Responsibilities:
1. Be a voting member of the Association Executive Board.
2. Attend all of the Association meetings.
3. Serve on Association Committees if asked by the Association’s
President.
4. Plan your Zone Membership and Executive Meetings.
5. Conduct your Zone meetings.
6. Visit your Unit meetings, (often as the guest speaker).
7. Explain your Zone and the Association’s policies and decisions to your
membership.
8. Listen to problems and concerns and answer questions of zone
members.
Zone Treasurer’s Responsibilities:
1. Deposit dues money received from the Albany Office,
(one third of the annual Association membership dues).
2. Deposit Life Membership money received from the Albany Office (one
third of the Life Member’s payment).
3. Manage Friendly Service funds received from the Albany Office.
4. Pay bills for Zone Executive and Zone Membership meetings.
You may ask, “How is the money used by the Zones?” Again, the answer differs from
Zone to Zone. However, in general, it may be used as follows:
30
1. To pay expenses of zone delegates to the Annual Workshop and
Annual Meeting in October
2. For zone meetings, including programs, speakers, mileage, etc.
3. For zone stationery, programs, speakers mileage, newsletter, etc.
4. For Friendly Service needs after the $200 contributions from the
Albany Office have been expended.
5. For expenses incurred by the Zone President and/or Friendly Service
Chair as they travel to attend component unit meetings.
The Zone Membership Chair is also a vital part of the bridge for it is the zone’s
responsibility to acquire the names of new retirees and then to encourage those retirees
to become members of The New York State Retired Teachers' Association.
Another busy person on the zone bridge is the Friendly Service Chair as this
person must guide, encourage, and check on the unit chairs. They sometimes receive
referrals of a member who is in need of financial assistance through the DeCormier
Trust Fund or the President’s Fund. This requires investigation and the processing of
various required forms proving the need for assistance. Those forms are sent to the
Albany office for action.
The Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund provides aid over an extended
period of time allowing a person to remain in his or her own home. The Trust also
administers a Special Grant program for unexpected and unreimbursed expense.
For details, Presidents should refer to the pages in this manual that deal with
Friendly Service and with Grants and Trusts.
As I mentioned earlier, some Zones have newsletters to keep members informed
about memberships, decisions, etc. and to make members aware of the activities of
other units of the zone. Sometimes, just learning what someone else is doing
encourages unit officers and members to try the same idea.
By speaking about the duties and responsibilities of certain officers and chairs, I
am not neglecting the other Zone officers and chairs. I am only pointing out some of the
more obvious duties.
All of the Zone officers and chairs have definite assigned responsibilities which
must be carried out to protect the strength of our bridge. The Zone State Legislation
Chair must keep open the lanes to the units where the bulk of the action must be (letter
writing and visits). The Zone Public Relations Chair must be aware of all avenues in the
Zone for spreading our story, etc.
So you can see the “Zone Bridge” must be kept strong - let’s all work to keep it
that way.
Revised March 2009
31
THE UNIT, THE ZONE, AND THE ASSOCIATION
Written by Glenn Clark
NYSRTA President 1988-91
A Brief History
There are many variations among the Zones in the matter of Units - their
function, their activities, and their relationships with the Zone organizations. In 1989,
there were at least 90 of these groups and one recognized Unit in the State of Georgia,
which has since disbanded. As an illustration of this informality, in the City of Oswego
in the Central Zone, there are at least three retired teacher groups which meet quite
regularly, usually in a luncheon setting, with very limited agenda, other than social (in
this way friendly service is realized). At the same time, in the Central Zone, there are
seven county Units, one for each of the seven counties in the Zone.
The Unit in Georgia was organized a few years ago by complying with the policy
provided in Section 2(d) of Article VII of the Constitution and Bylaws (February, 1988).
The provisions of this article have been implemented by the Association in the matter of
dues, officer lists, constitution, list of members, etc. The Georgia Unit disbanded in
1996 due to lack of interest.
As of 1990, there were several groups (at least three) in the State of Florida.
These groups met periodically, had organization speakers at various times, but only
one, the West Coast South Unit, on November 19, 1995, complied with the Bylaws
mentioned above wherein they could become an Out of State Unit of the Association.
Similarly, the relation of the Units to the Zones is quite different by Zone. In one
Zone of note, each Unit has a standard set of officers, directors, and committees, a
separate treasury, and representation to the Zone organization through its Executive
Board. When a business meeting of the Zone Executive Board is held, three or more of
the County Unit officers attend to participate in Association matters. In this Zone, also,
the number of members of the Association residing in the county is used to determine
the number of delegates to the Annual Meeting from that Unit.
Concerning the line and staff chart, it was used as a point of departure for a
session of the 1989 Oswego Summer Leadership Conference and explained by the
researcher, Glenn W. Clark, then President of NYSRTA. It was developed as a result of
a study of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association and observations of the
operation of the organization for several years. The line and staff chart was up-dated by
Ross Hudson in 1996 and 2000.
The authority of the operation of the Association originates at the time of the
Annual Meeting in October of each year. At that time, the following Association officers
are elected: President, Senior Vice-President, Vice Presidents for Federal Legislation,
State Legislation, Friendly Service, and Membership, a Secretary; and a Treasurer. By
authority of the Bylaws, the President appoints an Assistant Treasurer, an Editor and an
Associate Editor of YORK STATE, a Parliamentarian, and chairs of the following
committees: Bylaws, Certificate of Recognition, Credentials, Finance and Budget,
Health Care, History, Nominations, Public Relations, Resolutions, and Site.
The Executive Board, composed of all elected officers, the immediate Past
President, and the President of each Zone, manages the business and affairs of the
32
Association. As illustrated on the chart, there are various committees and trusts that
report to the Executive Board and in turn to the delegates at the Annual meeting.
A strong inter-relationship must be maintained among all levels of the
Association - the Units, the Zones, the Committees of the Association, the Executive
Board, and the Annual Meeting. One very worthy effort for the imparting of information
is the Zone or Unit newsletter. As of 2000, most Zones have a newsletter that
periodically informs members of Zone and Association matters. One of the larger
Zones (about 4600 members with 13 Units) has several Unit newsletters going to
members several times a year to provide information.
Of course, in the Zones and the Units, the person-to-person contact of a Friendly
Service worker is a desirable communication method. The contact of a Health Care
worker also enhances our communication system.
ANNUAL MEETING
Bylaws: ARTICLE VII
1. The Annual Meeting is held in October and includes reports of the year’s
activities, action on resolutions, and the election of officers for the coming
year. The officers’ year runs from November 1 through October 31.
2. Delegates include:
a. Executive Board members of the Association.
b. A delegate (an educator member) from each Zone or Out of State
Region for every 100 current (as of July 1st) active members or major
fraction thereof.
c. Delegates-at-large include:
(1) Editor of YORK STATE (if an Educator member)
(2) Associate Editor of YORK STATE (if an Educator member)
(3) Assistant Treasurer
(4) Chairs of
(a) Bylaws
(b) Certificate of Recognition
(c) Community Service
(d) Credentials
(e) Finance and Budget
(f) Health Care
(g) History
(h) Nominations
(i) Public Relations
(j) Resolutions
(k) Site
(l) The Insurance Trust
(m) The Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund
Anyone from your zone serving in any of these positions does not lessen the number of
delegates to which your zone is entitled based on the membership numbers.
33
The Zone President’s responsibility to the Annual Meeting:
1. Attend as a delegate of the Executive Board.
2. Submit a complete list of delegates and alternates to the Albany Office
August 15. Be certain that those designated are educator members of
NYSRTA and that they are willing to attend.
3. Be available at the Annual Meeting to designate an official delegate
replacement from the alternate list in the event a delegate cannot
attend.
4. Inform your members as to their location on the floor at the Annual
Meeting sessions.
5. Plan ahead for your zone’s activities as host of the Annual Convention.
(“See Hosting the Annual Convention” below)
NOTE - Expenses for members of the Executive Board and delegates-at-large
are paid by the Association.
HOSTING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION
Bylaws: ARTICLE VII
CENTRAL ZONE
1953, 1957, 1963, 1971, 1979, 1987, 1996, 2005,
2014, 2024
CENTRAL WESTERN ZONE 1955, 1959, 1965, 1973, 1981, 1989, 1998, 2007,
2017, 2027
EASTERN ZONE
1954, 1958, 1964, 1972, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006,
2015, 2025
LONG ISLAND ZONE
1969, 1977, 1985, 1993, 2002, 2011, 2021, 2031
NORTHERN ZONE
1966, 1974, 1982, 1990, 1999, 2008, 2018, 2028
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
1966, 1974, 1982, 1994, 2003, 2012, 2021, 2031
NORTHEASTERN ZONE
1966, 1974, 1982, 1994, 2003, 2012, 2022, 2032
SOUTHERN ZONE
1962, 1970, 1976, 1984, 1992, 2001, 2010, 2020
SOUTHEASTERN ZONE
1961, 1967, 1978, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2013, 2023
WESTERN ZONE
1951, 1956, 1960, 1968, 1975, 1983, 1991, 2000,
2009, 2019, 2029
SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR HOSTING THE ANNUAL CONVENTION
1. President of the host Zone should appoint a chair and/or co-chair for the
Annual Convention.
2. Select a theme for the Annual Convention.
3. Prepare a banner (optional). The banner can be made locally and may be
used to highlight the outstanding features of the Zone geographically.
4. Decide on freebies. These may be just bags with free items from local
merchants and/or businesses around the Zone. These may be used as door
prizes.
34
5. Plan for hosts and hostesses to be used as greeters and to be evident in the
lobby at all times to help the guests and to refer their problems to the proper
people.
6. Prepare the Zone information for the program. The host Zone is responsible
for the design of the program. This includes the front cover, inside of the front
cover, listing of songs (who plays and who directs), who gives the invocation
and who leads the Pledge to the Flag. Also who gives the benediction, and
the closing song for the first day of the Convention dinner, copy for the inside
of the back cover, and the outside of the back cover. By September 1 st the
above program pieces should be in the hands of the
Executive Office Manager
NYSRTA
8 Airport Park Blvd.
Latham, New York 12110-6414
7. Furnish information for a dinner program for Thursday night’s banquet
which indicates who gives the invocation, who leads the Pledge to the Flag,
who plays and directs the songs that you have selected that will be used for
the opening and closing of the program, and who gives the benediction. This,
too, should be sent to the Office by September 1 st to be forwarded to the
printers. All other material, such as names of officers, delegates, speakers,
etc. will be furnished by the Association. The Zone President is responsible
for the Thursday evening program.
To be handled by the Association:
1. Seating arrangements in the dining room and meeting halls.
2. Set up of display tables throughout the hotel required by the Zone.
3. All requests from the host Zone to the hotel are to be handled through
the Site Chair of NYSRTA.
Revised December 2011
HISTORY OF ANNUAL CONVENTIONS
# Year Host
1st 1951
3rd 1953
th
5 1955
th
7 1957
th
9 1959
11th 1961
13th 1963
th
15 1965
17th 1967
19th 1969
21st 1971
23rd 1973
25th 1975
th
27 1977
th
29 1979
31st 1981
rd
33 1983
th
35 1985
th
37 1987
39th 1989
WZ
CZ
CWZ
CZ
CWZ
SEZ
CZ
CWZ
SEZ
LIZ
CZ
CWZ
WZ
LIZ
CZ
CWZ
WZ
LIZ
CZ
CW
Location
Rochester
Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse
Powers Hotel, Rochester
Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse
Powers Hotel, Rochester
Nelson House, Poughkeepsie
Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse
Manger Hotel, Rochester
Grossingers, Liberty
Concord, Kiamesha Lake
Concord, Kiamesha Lake
Nevele, Ellenville
Nevele, Ellenville
Kutsher’s, Monticello
Nevele, Ellenville
Brown’s, Loch Sheldrake
Nevele, Ellenville
Nevele, Ellenville
Nevele, Ellenville
Nevele, Ellenville
# Year Host
Location
2nd 1952 SEZ
New York University, NYC
4th 1954 EZ
Hotel Wellington, Albany
th
6 1956 WZ
Buffalo
th
8 1958 EZ
DeWitt-Clinton, Albany
th
10 1960 WZ
Statler Hilton, Buffalo
12th 1962 SZ
Mark Twain Hotel, Elmira
14th 1964 EZ
Queensbury Inn, Glens Falls
th
16 1966 NZ,NCZ,NEZ
Schine Inn, Massena
18th 1968 WZ
Grossingers, Liberty
20th 1970 SZ
Concord, Kiamesha Lake
22nd 1972 EZ
Concord, Kiamesha Lake
24th 1974 NZ,NCZ,NEZ
Nevele, Ellenville
26th 1976 SZ
Kutsher’s, Monticello
th
28 1978 SEZ
Nevele, Ellenville
th
30 1980 EZ
Nevele, Ellenville
32nd 1982 NZ,NCZ,NEZ Brown’s, LochSheldrake
34th 1984 LIZ
Nevele, Ellenville
th
36 1986 SEZ
Nevele, Ellenville
th
38 1988 EZ
Nevele, Ellenville
40th 1990 NZ
Nevele, Ellenville
35
st
41 1991 WZ
Nevele, Ellenville
rd
43 1993 LIZ
Nevele, Ellenville
45th 1995 SEZ
Nevele, Ellenville
48th 1998 CWZ
Nevele Grande, Ellenville
50th 2000 WZ
Hudson Valley, Kerhonkson
52nd 2002 LIZ
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa
54th 2004 SEZ
Hudson Valley Resort & Spa
th
56 2006 EZ
Turning Stone,l Verona
58th 2008 NZ
Turning Stone, Verona
60th 2010 SZ
Turning Stone, Verona
62nd 2012 NCZ, NEZ Turning Stone, Verona
th
64 2014 CZ
Turning Stone, Verona
nd
42
th
44
47th
49th
51st
53rd
55th
th
57
59th
61s
63rd
1992
1994
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
SZ
Nevele, Ellenville
Nevele, Ellenville
EZ
Nevele, Ellenville
NZ
Nevele Grande, Ellenville
SZ
Hudson Valley, Kerhonkson
NCZ, NEZ Hudson Valley, Kerhonkson
CZ
Hudson Valley, Kerhonkson
CWZ
Turning Stone, Verona
WZ
Turning Stone, Verona
LIZ
Honor’s Haven, Ellenville
SEZ
Turning Stone, Verona
NCZ, NEZ
.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT
Bylaws: ARTICLE V, Section 2.
Elected Officer
The President shall:
(a) Preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Executive Board.
(b) Call meetings of the Executive Board as the business of the Association
requires.
(c) Appoint the members of each committee except those mentioned in ARTICLE X,
which states that each Zone is to designate certain of its committee members. Only
voting members shall be eligible to be committee members.
(d) Be the chair of the Personnel Committee.
(e) Be an ex-officio member of each committee except Nominations
(f) Appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, the Historian, the Editor of YORK
STATE (periodical published by the Association), the Assistant Editor, and the Assistant
Treasurer
(g) Appoint an acting President of any Zone, if such Zone fails to elect a President.
(h) Arrange the program for the Annual Meeting.
(i) Assign to the proper committees the responsibility of implementing each of the
resolutions that were passed at the Annual Meeting at the first Executive Board Meeting
following the Annual Meeting
(k) Approve or disapprove each voucher.
(l) Grant monies to satisfy emergency requests from the President’s Fund.
(m) Perform any other duties which are not assigned to other officers and committees
36
as may be deemed necessary to discharge properly the functions of his/her office or
the Association.
Revised 2011
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Bylaws: Article V, Section 3.
Elected Officer
The Senior Vice President shall
(a) In the absence of the President, or whenever the Executive Board shall declare the
President incapacitated, perform all duties of that office.
(b) Be Chair of the Annual Workshop Committee
(c) Serve as an ex-officio member without vote on the Finance and Budget Committee
(d) Perform such other duties as the President may direct.
Revised October 2010
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
37
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
FOR FRIENDLY SERVICE
Bylaws: ARTICLE V, Section 7
Elected Officer
Chair of the Friendly Service Committee which consists of the zone Friendly
Service chairs.
1. Convene and conduct all meetings of the Friendly Service Committee and provide
leadership and guidance for all zones Friendly Service chairs.
2. Distribute forms and disseminate pertinent and / or new information regarding
practices, procedures, and responsibilities.
3. Attend all meetings of the Association’s Executive Board to report pertinent Friendly
Service information.
4. Report back to the zone Friendly Service chairs pertinent information from the
Executive Board.
5. Assist zone Friendly Service chairs and others with problem solving.
6. Update responsibilities and procedures for dissemination to zone Friendly Service
chairs, who will then distribute the guidelines to unit Friendly Service chairs.
7. Establish deadline date for completion of annual reports.
8. Compile data received from zone Friendly Service chairs’ annual reports.
9. Present an oral and a written report of Friendly Service activities and
accomplishments for the year at the Association’s Annual Meeting.
10. Prepare newsworthy items related to Friendly Service activities for publication in
YORK STATE.
Revised March 2011
38
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZONE FRIENDLY SERVICE CHAIR
1. Attend the yearly meeting of the Friendly Service Committee. Designate a
substitute if you cannot attend.
2. Distribute forms and to disseminate pertinent information regarding practices,
procedures, responsibilities, and expectations.
3. Collect and compile statistical data from unit chairs* and send completed report to
the Association’s Friendly Service Committee Chair by August 1 st.
4. Distribute Certificates of Appreciation to unit chairs* for presentation to 80 year
olds. A list of the names and addresses for your zone are available upon request
from the Zone Membership Representative in the Albany Office.
5. Report pertinent Friendly Service information to your Zone Executive Board
Meetings.
6. Report Friendly Service activities to Zone membership at your Annual Zone
Meeting.
7. Edit holiday greeting card list for the Albany Office. Add names and addresses of
the 90+ year olds, nursing home residents, and shut-ins not included on the original
list. Return corrected list to the Albany Office by November 15 th.
8. Frequently e-mail or call the Zone Membership Representative in the Albany Office
to report address changes and member deaths. (Telephone: 518-482-3509 E-mail:
rtaoffice@nysrta.org)
9. Raise awareness of financial assistance that is available to retired member
educators through the various grant programs of the Association.
10. Fill out the appropriate application to have your Zone President apply for additional
funds after the initial $400, issued by the Association ($200) and your Zone
($200), is used. Additional funds are to be matched by your Zone.
11. Assist Unit Chairs* in solving problems.
* If the zone has active units, otherwise it is the responsibility of the Zone Friendly Service Chair.
Revised March 2011
39
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIT FRIENDLY SERVICE CHAIR
1. Organize Key Workers and convene needed meetings. Be sure that every Key
Worker knows his/her job description.
2. Provide assistance to retirees in need. If unable to do so, refer to/confer with your
Zone Chair, Association Friendly Service Chair, or an appropriate agency.
3. Maintain a record of services provided and expenses incurred.
4. Report pertinent information at unit meetings.
5. Compile statistics for end-of-year report. Send completed report to your Zone
Friendly chair by July 15.
6. Report address changes and deaths of members to your Zone Friendly Service
Chair or to the Zone Membership Representative in the Albany Office regularly.
7. Send a list of 90+ year olds, nursing home residents, and shut-ins, with addresses
to your Zone Friendly Service Chair by November 1 st.
8. Present a Certificate of Appreciation to 80 year olds. Use discretion as to how,
when, and where (age is not the main determining factor).
9. Assist Key Workers in solving problems.
10. Present a Friendly Service Certificate of Appreciation to deserving workers.
11. Encourage Keyworkers to seek out members in need of financial assistance.
Revised March 2011
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
40
RESPONSIBILITIES OF FRIENDLY SERVICE KEY WORKERS
1. Assist members in your Unit who have special needs. If the need is something you
cannot provide, contact the Unit Friendly Service Chair*, the Zone Friendly Service
Chair, or the Association Friendly Service Chair.
2. Keep accurate records of services provided; i.e. phone calls, visits, cards, gifts, etc.
3. Keep accurate records of expenses incurred for Friendly Service activities even if
reimbursement is not requested.
4. Submit itemized expenses to your Unit * Friendly Service Chair.
5. Help plan special celebrations for the 90+ year olds, the shut-ins, and the nursing
home residents.
6. Complete a report of activities from July 1st through June 30th, as well as expenses
incurred, and send to the Unit Friendly Service Chair* by July 5th.
7. Keep your Unit Chair* apprised of changes in status of members; i.e. death,
change of address, financial need, etc.
* If a zone does not have active units, then the Zone Friendly Service Chair is to be used.
8. Seek out members who are in need of financial assistance and initiate appropriate
referral.
Revised October 2009
SERVICES PROVIDED BY FRIENDLY SERVICE WORKERS
1. Phone calls.
2. Personal visits.
3. Greeting cards - birthday, get well, holiday, sympathy, thinking of you, etc.
4. Celebrations - honoring birthdays of those who are 90 years or older with a party,
dinner out, photo, small group visit, etc.
5. Gifts - small, appropriate gifts may be presented to the 90 + year old, the shut-in,
the handicapped, or the nursing home resident.
6. Seek out those members with special needs and make referrals to appropriate
agencies both local and with the Association..
7. Financial Assistance
41
a. The President’s Fund provides a one-time lump sum gift of up to $500.00 to the
recipient in need. It is available for an emergency. The President may grant the
assistance upon request from a Friendly Service worker.
b. Two forms of financial aid are available to members of NYSRTA through the Robert
R. DeCormier Trust. Friendly Service workers need to be aware of these explanations
and eligibility requirements that were recently established by the DeCormier Trustees.
They are:
NYSRTA members may receive financial assistance from the Trust Fund if
circumstances have placed them in a situation where financial assistance is needed and
justified. A member who is in need of financial assistance should ask for the proper
application form from the Zone’s Friendly Service Chair or from the NYSRTA office. The
forms are also available from the Association’s website at www.nystra.org.
A financial aid application can be submitted by members of NYSRTA who meet the
following qualifications:
 current membership and at least three years’ immediate prior membership in
NYSRTA,
 at least 55 years of age,
 a minimum of 15 years as a certified or non-certified staff member in an educational
institution or the member spouse of such a member or deceased member, and
 a financial need or special circumstance requiring financial aid.
Two forms of financial aid are available to members of NYSRTA:
(1) The Monthly Stipend. When long-term financial support is approved by the Trustee
Board, a monthly check is sent to the individual.
(2) The Special Grant This one-time lump sum grant is intended to provide financial
assistance for an unexpected, unreimbursed expense. The money is paid directly to the
vendor/service provider.
Completed applications are to be sent to NYSRTA (directed to the DeCormier Trust,) 8
Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414.
c. The Mary C. Spellissy Memorial Fund provides a lump sum grant to a past or present
Friendly Service Worker who is in need of financial assistance. Contact the Association
office or the Vice President for Friendly Service for an application.
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
42
GENERAL INFORMATION RELATED TO FRIENDLY SERVICE
1. The fiscal year for NYSRTA is January 1 through December 31.
2. Every zone is sent $200 yearly from the Association for Friendly Service activities.
Matching funds of $200 are to be allocated by the zone. After the initial $400 has
been expended, the zone may apply for three (3) additional $200 grants as needed.
A request application is completed by the Friendly Service zone chair, sent to the
zone president to approve the request and forward the application to the Albany
office. Each additional grant awarded must be matched by a similar amount from
the zone.
3. Units often include monies for Friendly Service in their yearly budgets.
4. Units may raise funds for Friendly Service activities at their regular meetings.
5. Memorials to deceased members may be given by zones, units or by individuals to
benefit the activities of Friendly Service.
6. Memorials to deceased members may be given by zones, units or by individuals to
the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund. Checks, made out to the Robert
R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund, are sent to the Albany Office with donor
information.
Revised October 2011
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
43
REQUEST FOR FRIENDLY SERVICE ALLOTMENT
ZONE _________________________________________
APPLICATION FOR – second, third, fourth
(circle one) allotment of $200
for Friendly Service work in the zone during the fiscal year July 1, _______ through
June 30, ________.
Total expenditures to date for this current year:
From zone funds
$ _______________
From Association funds
$ _______________
Principal items for which these funds have been spent:
(List items – do not itemize)
______________________
_____________________
____________________
______________________
_____________________
____________________
______________________
_____________________
____________________
Date _____________
Signed __________________________
Zone Friendly Service Chair
Approved by _______________________
Zone President
Zone President will send this approval to:
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc
8 Airport Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414.
Approved _________________________________
NYSRTA Executive Office manager
Date ___________
A check for the Friendly Service Allotment will be sent to the Zone Treasurer.
44
THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’
ASSOCIATION, INC.
Friendly Service Committee
Mary G.Spellissy Memorial Fund Grant Request Form
The Mary G. Spellissy Memorial Fund has been established to be used by Friendly
Service personnel for their own health related or special needs. Grants of up to $500 are
available to any Association member who is a current or former Friendly Service worker in need
of financial assistance. For consideration, complete this request form and mail to the
Association's Vice President for Friendly Service.
Name ____________________________
Date ____________
Address ______________________________
Position held_______________
________________________________________________________________
Unit ____________________
Zone_____________________
Amount Requested $ ____________
Proposed use
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s signature __________________________________
Zone or Unit (County) Friendly Service Signature ____________________________
Issued 2005
45
“The Friendly Service Fund”
Definition and Purposes
The Friendly Service Fund is a principal amount consisting of bequests and
donations made by NYSRTA Members for the purpose of advancing the work of
NYSRTA’s Friendly Service Program. Presently (2011), this principal amount is
approximately $100,000, and is invested with Smith Barney Associates for the
purpose of generating annual revenue to fund Friendly Service Activities. Future
donations to this fund will increase the size of the invested principal to generate
greater revenue for the program, unless otherwise designated by the donor.
The annual earnings of the Friendly Service Fund will be dedicated to the work of
Friendly Services in the following manner:
First, to pay the expenses of handling the Friendly Service fund.
Secondly, to fund the stipends to the individual Zones for funding their Friendly
Service work for NYSRTA Members.
Thirdly, to fund “Special Grants” to NYSRTA Members who have a one-time
special need. (Such as having a furnace fixed, a roof replaced, or other
emergency attended to.) No such special grant shall exceed a total amount of
$1000.00, nor will the total of the grants given in any one year exceed the annual
earnings generated by the Friendly Service Fund through the investment of its
principal amount minus the fund expenses and stipends to the Zones. (The
principal amount will remain invested to generate future earnings.)
Applications for grants exceeding the limits outlined in the preceding paragraph
may be referred to the DeCormier Trust for evaluation.
Evaluation and award (or denial) of these special Friendly Service Grants will be
the responsibility of the Friendly Service Committee under the general
supervision of the NYSRTA Executive Board. Before any award is paid, the
President and Treasurer of the Association must sign-off on each grant to assure
the criteria for award, as outlined above, have been met.
Friendly Service Workers may use the form on the following page to refer an
applicant for a grant.
Issued 2012
46
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc.
Friendly Service
8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414
(518) 482-3509 Fax: (518) 482-0970
E-mail: rtaoffice@nysrta.org Web site: www.nysrta.org
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL GRANT
This is a lump sum offered, to Association and spousal members in financial need,
to provide financial assistance for an unexpected, un-reimbursed expense.
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth_______/_______/_______ Telephone________________________
Date_______________
Address_________________________________ City__________________ State________
Zip_________
Are you a member of NYSRTA?_________ Zone___________________
Unit_______________________
Are you receiving Medicaid assistance? (circle) Yes / No
_______________________
Yearly income
Total un-reimbursed expense?_______________________ Amount
requested?_____________________
Describe the proposed use of the funds requested (use reverse side if necessary):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Why would it be difficult for you to finance the proposed request out of your own income,
assets or through family assistance?
(use reverse side if necessary):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Attach documentation from the vendor(s) regarding the expected cost of your service(s). A
receipt showing proof of payment will be required after the service(s) has been completed.
Mail the completed application and cost estimate to:
Friendly Service , NYSRTA, 8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414.
47
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 10, ARTICLE V, Section 5
Elected Officer
Chair of the Legislative Action Committee which consists of one (1) voting
member from each Zone designated by the Zone.
The Vice President for Legislative Action shall:
1.
Call and conduct all meetings of the Legislative Action Committee necessary to
carry out the development and preparation of the Association’s legislative goals.
2.
Organize and direct the activities of the members of the Legislative Action
Committee to the end that all zones of the Association will be fully informed for
effective and appropriate action.
3.
Review congressional and state legislation programs, noting the measures which
Merit support or opposition by the Association.
4.
Have direct charge of any action to promote and to support any favorable federal
and state legislation and any effort to oppose or to amend any legislation that is
unfavorable to the welfare of the Association’s membership.
5.
Assist the ten Zone Chairs in disseminating legislative materials and information
to all local units in each zone so that the entire membership is informed.
6. Report legislative matters to the Executive Board as well as other relevant
items that reflect the majority opinion of the Legislative Action Committee
concerning actions deemed necessary to fulfill the Association’s goals.
7.
Keep the entire membership informed through articles in YORK STATE and
other bulletins necessary in carrying out legislative goals of the Association.
8.
Report the year’s Legislative Action Committee activities at the Association’s
Annual Meeting.
9.
Contact legislators to inform them of our bills, to answer their question, and to
ask for their positions on pending legislation and for their support for our
legislative proposals.
10.
Recruit local Legislative Advocates and May Lobby Day Legislative Advocates.
11.
Coordinate political action, i.e. respond to “Alerts."
- - 48
12.
Coalesce with other organizations whose goals are similar to those of the
Association.
13.
Keep a file of materials, i.e. letters, fact sheets, Committee meetings, etc., to
pass on to the next Vice President for Legislative Action.
14.
See to it that each Zone President and Legislative Action Zone Chair is provided
with a DIRECTORY of all legislators early in February of each year.
15.
Report to the delegates at the Association’s Annual Meeting and report to the
membership at large through articles prepared for YORK STATE.
16.
Attend meetings of the Resolutions Committee, serving as a non-voting advisor
on proposed resolutions that affect Legislative Action.
17.
Prepare a report to the President of the Association, when attending conventions
on behalf of the Association
18.
Provide training materials for Zone chairs.
19.
Maintain regular e-mail and phone contact with the Albany office.
20.
Update the President on activities of the Legislative Action Committee.
21.
Encourage Zone chairs to do training sessions for Legislative Advocates.
22.
Recognize the outstanding Zone chairs and Legislative Advocates.
23.
Perform other duties as the President may direct.
Revised February 2012
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
- - 49
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE LEGISLATIVE ACTION CHAIR
1.
Attend all meetings of the Association’s Legislative Action Committee.
2.
Report concerns of your Zone and Units to the Legislative Action Committee
for discussion and action.
3.
Thoroughly inform your Zone, including local Units, of legislation and action
needed to carry out the Association’s goals.
4.
Organize your Zone and units’ Legislative Advocates’ procedures to insure
that each legislator in his/her area is informed of the Association’s position on
proposed legislation.
5.
Give a legislative report at each Zone meeting; and, at the appropriate time, to
give your membership the names and addresses of all legislators in your Zone
as well as the names and addresses of the legislative leadership and
appropriate legislative committee chairs.
6.
Recruit new Legislative Advocates.
7.
Recruit those who would attend Albany Lobby day from the Zone, and to
provide a list of these workers to the Vice President for Legislative
Action.
8.
Respond to the "Alerts" sent by the Vice President for Legislative
Action.
9.
Keep a file of materials to pass on to your successor.
10.
Train the Legislative Advocates in your Zone.
11.
Assign Legislative Advocates into three (3) person teams.
12. Provide the Vice President for Legislative Action with your reaction
sheets on lobbyists’ visits.
13.
Maintain contact with the Vice President for Legislative Action.
14.
Alert the Vice President for Legislative Action if there problems with any
Legislative Advocate.
15.
Make phone calls to any Legislative Advocates who have not sent in their
reaction sheets.
16.
Perform other duties such as the Vice President for Legislative Action
may direct.
Revised February 2012
- - 50
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIT LEGISLATIVE ACTION CHAIR
1.
Maintain regular contact with your Zone Legislative Action Chair.
2.
Disseminate information at your Unit meetings sent to you by your Zone
Legislative Action Chair.
3.
Assist your Zone Legislative Action Chair in organizing lobbying visits to the
home offices of your area legislators.
4.
Keep a file of materials and information to pass on to your successor.
5.
Prepare for your visit to your local legislator, by studying the materials in your
Legislative Advocate’s Packet.
6.
Get your legislative reaction sheets to your Zone Legislative Action Chair shortly
after your visit.
7.
Alert the Zone chair if there are problems in making visits to the local legislators.
8.
Join a team of three people to visit legislators.
9.
10.
Make note of any questions you were able to answer for the legislator at the
legislative visit and get back to the legislator with an answer.
Write a “thank you” note to the legislators you visit.
11.
Perform other duties as the Zone Chair for Legislative Action may direct.
Revised February 2012
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
- - 51
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE
PRESIDENT FOR MEMBERSHIP
Bylaws: ARTICLE V, Section 6
Chair of the Membership Committee which consists of the ten zone membership
chairs.
Elected Officer
1. Shall call and conduct all meetings of the Membership Committee and provide
leadership and guidance for all zone chairs.
2. Shall lead the Committee in developing plans, goals, and objectives for recruiting
new members, retaining current members, and reducing the number of non-paid
members.
3. Shall provide training for zone chairs in the latest techniques necessary to attain
the goals and objectives set forth by the Committee.
4. Shall maintain a good working relationship with the zone chairs in order to
exchange ideas and methods for increasing membership and improving the
Association in general.
5. Shall attend zone meetings, when requested by the zone president, to promote
and encourage membership activities.
6. Shall present a written and oral report at each Executive Board Meeting.
7. Shall provide an annual written and oral membership report to the delegates at the
Annual Meeting.
8. Shall write a membership article for each issue of YORK STATE.
9. Shall perform other duties as may be assigned by the President.
Revised March 2012
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
- - 52
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZONE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
1. Shall attend all meetings of the NYSRTA Membership Committee.
2. Shall call and conduct meetings and provide leadership training and guidance for
all unit membership chairs.
3
Shall maintain the records of all NYSRTA members in their zone. Records include:
membership type (annual, life, 90+, spouse), address, phone number, date
of birth, year retired and membership number. This record is sent to all zone
membership chairs annually by the Albany Office.
4. Shall maintain a list of the names and addresses of the unit chairs in the zone.
5. Shall maintain a list of the schools districts, colleges, universities, parochial
schools, Charter schools and BOCES districts, including the name and address of
the chief executive office of those institutions, within each unit of the zone.
6. Shall prepare a letter, to be sent to the chief executive officer of those institutions,
requesting the names and addresses of those educators who have retired or who
will retire by June 30th. This letter may be sent by the unit chairs. Copies of the
names obtained should be forwarded to the Albany Office for future use by the
Member Services Director.
7.
Shall prepare a letter to be sent, accompanied by a membership application, to all
new eligible retirees inviting them to join NYSRTA. The unit chairs may send this
invitation.
8. Shall send lists of new members to the appropriate unit chairs and unit presidents
on a monthly basis.
9. Shall maintain a list of zone retirees who did not join NYSRTA.
10. Shall send follow-up letters to the non-paid one year members. The Albany Office
sends this list to the zone chairs monthly. ( subject to revision)
11. Shall inform unit membership chairs of all changes in membership information
which includes name, address, phone number(s), marital status and death.
12. Shall notify the Albany Office of any and all changes in membership Information
that occur in the zone throughout the year, including but not limited to: name,
address, phone number(s), marital status and death.
13. Shall keep abreast of services provided by NYSRTA and inform unit chairs and
members of these services.
14. Shall maintain and update the Membership Toolkit Notebook provided by the
Albany Office to all zone membership chairs and their successors.
15. In zones without units, shall perform the applicable duties assigned to unit chairs.
Revised 2012
- - 53
RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNIT MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
1. Shall maintain accurate records of the members within the unit.
2. Shall maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of the educational institutions located
within their Unit.
3. Shall send a letter of invitation to prospective members, along with a membership
application to join NYSRTA, as soon as the new retiree lists are available from the zone
membership chair. Only the official NYSRTA application is to be used. In smaller
zones, the zone membership chair completes this task.
4. Shall receive monthly lists of new members from the zone membership chair. This
list should be checked against the list of new retirees and an alphabetical list of those
new retirees who do not join NYSRTA should be forwarded to the zone chair so that a
follow up letter may be sent.
.
5. Shall receive names of non-paid one year members sent from the Albany Office to
the zone membership chair and forwarded to the unit chairs. This list is to be used to
regain lost members.
6. Shall notify the zone membership chair and the Albany Office of all pertinent
membership changes that occur in the unit during the year. This would include name,
address, phone number(s), marital status, and death.
7. Shall promote and encourage all unit members to be members of NYSRTA. The
database of unit members should be checked against the list of NYSRTA members
within the unit to identify and contact those unit members who are not members of
NYSRTA.
8. Shall keep abreast of services provided by NYSRTA and inform members of these
services.
9. Shall identify retirees of past years who have not joined NYSRTA and send letters
of invitation to join along with a membership application.
10. Shall follow up written invitations to join NYSRTA by telephone calls and/or
personal contact of prospective members.
Revised 2012
- - 54
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY
Bylaws: ARTICLE V, Section 7
Elected Officer
The Secretary shall:
(a) Take minutes and tape record the proceedings of the Annual Meeting and of the
Executive Board meetings.
(b) Be responsible for preservation of the above records in a place designated by the
Executive Board.
(c) Within thirty (30) days after any meeting of the Executive Board, furnish a copy of
the minutes to the Association office for distribution to each member of the Executive
Board, Chairs of the Standing Committees and to the members holding Appointed
Positions. Approval of the minutes by the Executive Board will be at the next scheduled
meeting
(d) Within thirty (30) days after the Annual Meeting, furnish a copy of the minutes to the
Association office for distribution to each member of the Executive Board, Chairs of the
Standing Committees and to the members holding Appointed Positions. The minutes
shall be discussed, and corrected if necessary, by the Executive Board at its March
meeting. Copies shall be distributed to the delegates and presented for approval at the
next Annual Meeting.
(e) Become familiar with “Proper Form of Minutes” in Appendix B of the Leaders’
Manual.
updated November 2011
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TREASURER
Bylaws: ARTICLE V, Section 8
Elected Officer
The Treasurer shall:
(a) Work closely with the Executive Office Manager on all financial matters.
(b) Receive all dues and contributions to the Association.
(c) Deposit such monies in banks approved by the Executive Board.
(d) Disburse these funds upon written order of the President.
(e) Make all investments of the Association funds in U.S. Treasury and Federal Agency
offerings and offerings of banks insured by U.S. Government. Investments may also be
made in U.S. Government Security Money Market funds, in individual investment grade
corporate bonds that are rated AAA or AA by Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, and in
equities. The treasurer shall render a detailed accounting of these monies at the Annual
Meeting and at such times as the president may direct.
(f) Ladder assets so that there are sufficient funds in the checking account to meet
current expenses.
(g) Work closely with the Fund Advisor and the Finance and Budget Committee to
ensure that an investment plan is in place to produce the maximum return on
investments, and at the same time keep those investments secure.
(h) Render a detailed accounting at the Annual Meeting of the receipts and
disbursements of the current year on a comparative basis with the prior year, showing
balances of the prior year.
(i) Have published in the issue of YORK STATE immediately following the Annual
Meeting a comparison of the current approved budget and the actual income and
expenditures.
(j) Be a member of the Finance and Budget Committee, the Personnel Committee and
the Site Committee.
Updated March 2009
- - 56
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE
ANNUAL WORKSHOP COMMITTEE
Bylaws – ARTICLE X, Section 1
CHAIR- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
The Committee shall consist of a Chair and five members appointed by the
President, including a representative from the Host Zone for Convention that year.
Committee members will be appointed from various Zones across the state. The
Executive Office Manager of the Association is involved as a resource person.
The Annual Workshops will take place the day before the Annual Meeting at the
Convention.
The Committee plans the workshops to be of general interest to all delegates.
This includes finding presenters, recorders, and introducers. Entertainment and/or a
Keynote speaker will be secured for the evenings of and preceding the workshops by
the committee. Each presenter, speaker, and entertainer will receive a time schedule of
the workshops and a written acknowledgement of their agreement to conduct a
workshop, to speak, or to entertain. Special programs may be included in the plans,
such as, but not limited to, a golf tournament, a bridge tournament, and a NYSRTA
musical presentation.
The program will be evaluated by an evaluation sheet, developed in cooperation
with the Executive Office Manager. The committee chair is responsible for preparing the
workshop information for publication in YORK STATE. The Chair will also work with the
Site Committee and the Executive Office Manager with information on rooms and
equipment needed for presentations.
Updated March 2010
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- - 57
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BYLAWS COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 2
ARTICLE XVI
Chair - Appointed by the President
The Bylaws Committee consists of a chair and four members appointed by the
President.
The chair of this committee is required to attend and to report at all Executive
Board Meetings.
The chair of this committee is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and
printing of the Bylaws booklet.
The chair of this committee serves on the Resolutions Committee in an advisory,
non-voting role.
Proposed amendments to the Association Bylaws may be initiated by the
Executive Board, or by the Bylaws Committee or through a petition to the Executive
Board, signed by twenty-five (25) voting members. Proposed amendments created
through the petition process will be referred to the Bylaws Committee for consideration
and recommendation. The Bylaws Committee shall prepare and submit to the
Executive Board its recommendations on these and on any proposed amendments
initiated by the Bylaws Committee. The text of proposed amendments must be sent to
the Executive Board at least one week prior to the meeting they will be voted upon.
If the Executive Board approves the proposed amendment, the Bylaws
Committee Chair shall proceed to inform zone presidents of the proposed amendment
and to request that the president or zone bylaws chair present the proposed
amendment for approval by the Zone. Each Zone has the freedom to decide the
method whereby proposed amendments will be addressed by the Zone; i.e. through its
governing body or at a Zone meeting. The result of the Zone’s approval process is to
be sent, as soon as possible, to the Association President with a copy to the NYSRTA
Bylaws Chair.
At the Annual Meeting, the Chair shall present the proposed amendment(s) for a
vote. Once two-thirds (2/3) of the Zones and two-thirds (2/3) of the delegates at an
Annual Meeting have approved proposed amendment(s), the amendment(s) become
part of the Association Bylaws.
Up-to-date Bylaws will be maintained on the NYSRTA website for the use of all
members. In addition, printed copies will be made available to members of the
Executive Board and the cabinet and to the Zone Bylaws Chairs as well as to delegates
to the next Annual Meeting.
Updated March 2013
- - 58
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE
BYLAWS CHAIR
It is the recommendation of the Association that each Zone have a person designated
as its Bylaws Chair. This may be a collateral duty of a person fulfilling another function
within the Zone.
The responsibilities of the Zone Bylaws Chair could include, but are not limited to:
1. To serve the Zone President as a resource person on the Zone and Association
Bylaws.
2. To help ensure that the requirements of the Zone and Association Bylaws are being
followed.
3. To ensure that the Zone Bylaws are revised as appropriate in order that they not be
in conflict with changes in the Association Bylaws.
4
To assist the Zone President in carrying out his/her duties regarding the
presentation of, and the Zone’s action on, proposed amendments to the
Association Bylaws. The Zone Bylaws Chair shall ensure that the Zone’s action on
proposed amendments is reported in a timely manner to the Association President
and the Chair of the NYSRTA Bylaws Committee.
5
To communicate with the Chair of the NYSRTA Bylaws Committee when requested
and whenever a Zone’s concern needs to be addressed.
6. To ensure that copies of the Zone Bylaws are available to any member of the Zone
who requests one.
7. To advise any Zone member on how to obtain a copy of the Association Bylaws.
(These are available on the website, www.nysrta.org, or by request from the
Association office.)
Adopted 2010
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RESPONSIBILITES OF THE
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 3
Chair – Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of a chair and two members appointed by the President.
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association gives an award that
recognizes members who have shown outstanding leadership and accomplishments in
the field of education and service through retirement.
The objective is to single out professionals who have contributed significantly to
NYSRTA.
Nominees must be qualified living candidates who are members of NYSRTA and
who have served at the Association, Zone, and Unit levels. "Nominations may be made
by Zone Presidents or by individual NYSRTA members with Zone President's approval"
To be considered for the current year’s award, nominations must be received by
June 1st. NO LATE NOMINATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Please send nominations to the Chair of The Certificate of Recognition
Committee (Name and address may be found in the Directory online at www.nysrta.org
or published in the winter edition of YORK STATE.)
No nominee is to be informed of his or her name having been presented.
Information may be obtained from records or from families. Names of those
chosen to receive the honor will not be divulged until certificates are presented at the
Annual Convention.
Suggested qualities that may be considered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Viewed as well above the average - significant, outstanding
Unusual experiences - out of the ordinary
Evidence of affecting change
Contributions - effective - range
Recognition
Accomplishments - success - variety
Breadth of involvement - world, nation, State, local, community
Reviewed March 2009
- - 60
Certificate of Recognition for
Distinguished Service
Recipients of the
Jane M. Alwais
Alice S. Bennett
Peter N. Betrus
Florence Bluemke
Josephine S. Bordonaro
John H. Blass
Richard P Blowers
Helen H. Brion
Marjorie Bryden
Dorothy M. Buell
Jane Buell
Anne M. Burns
Norman Burton
Aubrey R. Byer
Judie Byndas
Beverly Campany
Carlyle T. Campany
Glenn W. Clark
Alice B. DeLesio
Clayton C. DeLong
Alice M. Denfeld
Jack DeWeese
Iva F. Dugan
Olive H. Emerson
Harry L. Felder
Anne Flansburg
Angelo I. Grande
Betty J. Green
Jennifer M. Gardella
John R. Hanley
Diane E. Hahn
Harry H. Hatten
Michael Hayduk
Theodore K. Henry
Jack D. Hickey
Dr. Irvin H. Himmele
Agnes B. Hudson
Ross C. Hudson Jr.
LIZ 2002
EZ
1998
NCZ 1994
CZ
1994
CZ
1996
EZ
1997
LIZ 2003
LIZ 2000
SZ
1992
CWZ 1997
CWZ 2007
LIZ 1998
CZ
1998
CWZ 1997
CWZ 2006
NCZ 2011
NCZ 2006
CZ
1995
CWZ 1990
CWZ 1991
SEZ 2001
EZ
2008
EZ
1991
NCZ 1993
SEZ 1999
WZ 2005
LIZ 2012
EZ
1999
EZ
2009
WZ 1993
EZ
2012
WZ 1997
CZ
2005
CWZ 1996
EZ
2004
WZ 1992
NZ
1996
NZ
2000
deceased
Updated August 2014
- - 61
Charlotte Huff
Edward W. Jedrzejek
Julia B. Jones
Robert E. Joyce
Peter King
Carol J. Kraft
Milan M Krchniak
Dr. Nathan E. Kullman
Richard C. Lagoe
Dr. George A. Lombart
James Marquit
Mildred R. Marsden
Dr. Frank C. Mayer
Thomas McKeever
Imogene McKendrick
Erma B. Meisenheimer
James Moeller
Mary Ella Moeller
Jacqueline L. Moller
Jacqueline Morana
Cornelius B. Murray
Carolyn H. Normile
Dr. Johannes I. Olsen
Thomas W. O’Shea
James Parsons
Burt W. Phillips
Charles T. Peszynski
Lillian Randall
Roland F. Randall
Violet R. Resciniti
Leonard S. Sikora
Terry M. Trudeau
Anthony Vetrano
Paul E. Vogan
Robert Wallace
Doris Whitney
Ruth E. Williams
Ronald C. Wilson
LIZ
WZ
WZ
NEZ
CWZ
LIZ
EZ
EZ
CZ
CWZ
EZ
WZ
EZ
FL
SZ
WZ
LIZ
LIZ
CZ
WZ
EZ
CZ
WZ
WZ
SZ
NCZ
WZ
CZ
CZ
SZ
WZ
NZ
WZ
NEZ
WZ
CWZ
LIZ
NEZ
1995
1999
1996
2006
2002
1997
2003
1989
2001
1997
2005
2003
2000
2001
2000
1995
2011
2005
2005
2007
1988
1995
2009
2012
2007
2013
2013
2002
1998
1998
2001
2003
2011
1987
2005
2008
1992
2009
THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION
NOMINATION FORM FOR RECIPIENT OF
Certificate of Recognition for Distinguished Service
1. Name of Nominee ______________________________________________
(Must be a living member of NYSRTA)
2. Member of ____________________________________________ Zone
3. Member of _____________________________________________Unit
4. Please LIST services at each of the following levels:
a. Association: ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
b. Zone: ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
c. Unit: ____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
5. Please LIST active service outside of NYSRTA (May be Federal, State, or local)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
- - 62
6. Please list any other instances (or specific information that you feel we should be
aware of and is not included above) where this nominee was involved in helping others.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
7. Please LIST specific honors she/he has received.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
8. Please list local newspapers with their names and addresses.
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. If you wish to elaborate on any of the above facts, do so on another sheet of
paper to provide the committee with additional information.
2. Supply a BRIEF biography e.g. hometown, education, where, when and what
did she/he teach, etc.
3. If possible, please include a photograph that can be used if your nominee is
selected to receive the award.
Nominated by:
Zone _______________________
______________________________________
Zone President Signature
Revised October 2012
updated March 2008
- - 63
Date: ____________
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 4
Chair – Appointed by the President
The committee consists of a Chair and ten Zone Community Service Chairs.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR
a. Compile Zone Community Service reports and present the results to the
Executive Board once a year.
b. Work with the zone chairs to enhance the visibility and mission of “helping
others”.
c. Work with the NYSRTA Public Relations Committee to publicize volunteer
activities.
d. When possible or desirable to suit NYSRTA goals, Integrate service activities
and events with AARP and NRTA.
e. Convene a Community Service meeting of zone chairs once a year to report
on and share community activities occurring throughout the year.
f. Insure that every community service project/event includes membership
materials and information for potential new member recruits that are met at a
public event.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR
a. Suggest volunteer activities and services that units could do.
b. Compile a list of programs, volunteer projects, and volunteer services
received from Unit Chairs.
c. Report Zone Community Service activities to the Community Service Chair.
d. Written Community Service reports are to be sent to the Community Service
Chair by July 15.
e. Written Community Service reports are to be sent to the Community Service
Chair by July 15.
f. Insure that every community service project/event includes membership
materials and information for potential new member recruits that are met at a
public event.
- - 64
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIT COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR
a. Initiate and coordinate service activities and events.
b. Report volunteer activities and events to your zone Community Service chair
by July 1.
c. Insure that every community service project/event includes membership
materials and information for potential new member recruits that are met at a
public event.
NYSTRA UNIT OR ZONE GROUP PROJECTS
Ideas for Projects:
Animal shelter assistance; disaster relief activities; food pantry collections; fund-raising
or volunteering for children’s aid funds, domestic violence projects, literacy projects,
local historical societies and libraries; road-side cleanup projects; troop support; Toys
for Tots collections
Possible Projects as Partners with AARP or NRTA:
NRTA National Day of Service
With our Youth
In October of 2011 the first notebook of statewide community service projects was
compiled by the Community Service Committee.
All units or zones who have conducted a new project since October 2011 are asked to
fill out the form on the next page and send it to your Zone Community Service Chair for
inclusion in this notebook. Feel free to add additional page(s) for more detail, but
please summarize on the form.
.
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- - 65
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT TITLE:
ZONE REPORTING
UNIT(s):
PROJECT DESCRIPTION- MAIN FEATURES:
CONTACT PERSON: Please provide name and phone number for the person(s) who has/have
the best working knowledge of this project.
Name:_________________________________________
Phone (_______________)
E-mail” ________________________________________
TIME-FRAME for the event or project: (How long did it take from start to finish?\
RESOURCES NEEDED: Please include estimate of the cost and what resources, if any, were
donated.
CHALLENGES THAT MADE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT DIFFICULT: (tips to share?)
NATURE OF PUBLICITY RECEIVED: Please attach any news releases or photos of the event.
APPROXIMATE # OF YEARS the project has been sponsored by the unit/zone
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS with whom you partnered on this event or project.
DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE THE PROJECT? Yes_ _ No___ If continuing, please describe
if there are also any plans to expand the project.
Revised 2012
- - 66
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 5
Chair – Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of a chair and two members appointed by the President.
The Committee is primarily an instrument of the Annual Meeting. Committee
members are seated at registration to assist in the distribution of delegates folders and
to oversee the proper procedure takes place if alternate delegates are chosen by a
Zone President to take place of absent delegates from their Zone.
The day before the first business meeting of the Annual Meeting, the Committee
arranges the meeting room.
1. The chairs are set up in three sections with nine chairs in each row. The Zones
delegates are assigned to each section in accordance with a ten-year rotation plan.
The plan insures that no Zone will sit in the same area in two consecutive years.
(Provided the meeting room can be so arranged)
2. A speaker’s table with at least five chairs and a portable microphone is placed on a
platform at the front of the room.
3. A microphone on a speaker’s stand adjoins the head table to the left.
4. A small table with three chairs to accommodate the Committee members is to the
left of the speaker’s stand.
5. Another small table is placed to the right of the speaker’s table for the person who
acts as the official timer and recorder.
6. Two stand-up microphones are provided for each aisle located at the third points of
the aisle. Microphones are numbered front and back for the Chair’s convenience
in identifying the speaker.
At the beginning of each morning session of the Annual Meeting, the Committee
must report the number of accredited delegates present and the total attendance
including non-delegates and guests. The Committee must insure that only accredited
delegates are seated in their assigned sections.
The Committee Chair shall furnish reports as requested by the President. The
Committee will perform such other duties as the President may direct.
Reviewed March 2009
- - 67
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FINANCE
AND BUDGET COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 6
Chair – Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of seven members; a chair and four members appointed
by the President; the President and the Treasurer. No appointed member may be an
elected officer of the Association. One member shall be selected from the Zone
Presidents. The Senior Vice President and the Assistant Treasurer shall be additional
members without vote.
1. The function of the Committee is as follows:
a. To recommend to the Executive Board the investments of the Association funds.
b. To coordinate and supervise the financial operations of the Association.
c. To recommend to the Executive Board the annual membership dues required for
a balance budget.
d. To prepare a budget showing estimated receipts and expenditures for the
ensuing year and present it at the Annual Meeting for action.
e. To recommend to the Executive Board changes of approved budget items during
the fiscal year.
f. To review the auditor’s report and present a summary to the Executive Board.
2. The Committee and the Executive Office Manager meet in July to discuss and
recommend salary adjustments prior to the Executive Board meeting being held at
that time. Review of the past year’s expenditures and the present budget adopted at
the previous Annual Meeting is done. If necessary revisions are made, they will be
included in the report to the Executive Board for action.
3. The Committee and the Executive Office Manager meet in August. The next year’s
budget is formulated at this time, using information from the annual audit and the
needs of the Association committees, officers, and office staff. This budget is
presented at the Annual Meeting for adoption.
Updated March 2009
- - 68
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 8
Coordinator – Appointed by the President
The committee shall consist of a Coordinator and ten Zone Health Care Coordinators.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION
HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR
The Association Health Care Coordinator will provide overall leadership to the
Health Care Committee as follows:
a. Maintain regular contact with the Zone Chairs.
b. Supply health and related legislation as well as ongoing programs to Zone
Coordinators.
c. Report periodically to the NYSRTA Executive Board and annually to the
Annual Convention.
d. Write health reports for YORK STATE.
e. Establish and maintain contact with health and social service agencies with
the aging network, social agencies, and AARP to identify mutual areas of
cooperation and collaboration.
f. Attend meetings, conferences, and workshops as requested by the Executive
Board.
Revised March 2009
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- - 69
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE
HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR
a. Serve as the liaison between the Association Health Care Coordinator and
Unit Health Care Coordinators.
b. Establish contact with health and social service agencies within the Zone.
c. Keep informed about current health problems through contact with Friendly
Service, and State and Federal Legislation Chairs.
d. Urge Unit chairs to be in contact with HIICAP, AARP, and the Department for
the Aging to be aware of health fairs, walking clubs, Staying Healthy after 55
programs and other educational seminars. Coordinate publicity for these
health programs.
e. Attend the NYSRTA Annual Convention, if possible, to meet with the Health
Care Committee.
f. Write articles in the Zone newsletter regarding health issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIT
HEALTH CARE COORDINATOR
a. Provide information to the unit about Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental
insurance, long term care, health care and disease prevention.
b. Stay informed about health related issues by keeping in contact with the Unit
chairs of Friendly Service, State and Federal Legislation.
c. Establish contact with local HIICAP, AARP, and Department for the Aging to
report on programs available within these organizations.
d. Promote, publicize, and act as a resource by providing speakers or programs
for the Unit.
e. Publicize the work of the Health Care Committee with articles in unit
newsletters.
- - 70
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
HISTORY COMMITTEE
Bylaws – ARTICLE X, Section 9
Chair – Appointed by the President
The committee consists of a Chair and the ten zone Historians.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION HISTORIAN
(a) Collect, file and preserve any and all data and records which pertain to the
establishment, growth and development of the Association.
(b) Work with the Zone Chairs in assembling historical material.
(c) Make reports to the Executive Board.
(d) Encourage Zone Historians to keep accurate records and instruct them in the
updating of Zone histories.
(e) Report at the Annual Meeting.
(f) Invite Zone Historians to participate in a two-day exhibit of materials at the
Annual Conference.
(g) Send communiqués to Zone Historians as needed.
(h) Prepare a Historian’s Book annually with information gathered in the files.
(i) Take pictures and record oral history.
(j) Send newsworthy material to the YORK STATE editor for publication.
Revised March 2009
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- - 71
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE HISTORIAN
The Zone Historian shall:
(a) Maintain a historical record of the officers and committees of their zone activities,
progress and member achievements.
(b) Make periodic reports, as requested, by the Association Historian.
(c) Send copies of pertinent information about the zone to the Association Historian.
(d) Assist and instruct units in the reporting system which keeps the Association history
and contents of historical records up to date.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNIT HISTORIANS
The Unit Historian shall:
(a) Maintain a detailed record of the unit including officers and committees, number of
meetings per year, accomplishments and activities, individuals honored, etc.
(b) Keep material up to date.
(c) Attend meetings called by the Zone Historian.
(d) Send copies of pertinent materials to the Zone Historian.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 12
Chair - Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of a chair and the ten zone Nominations Chairs.
The function of this Committee is to nominate the slate of officers of the
Association for the ensuing year and to present this slate to the Association’s Annual
Meeting.
The Chair shall have a slate of officers for the July meeting of the Executive
Board. Present officers eligible to continue in office shall be surveyed no later than
February 28th to ascertain their willingness or unwillingness to continue in office.
Members of the Nominations Committee will be informed of the results of this survey
and be reminded of any vacancies due to expiring terms of present officers.
The Chair shall write an article for the spring issue of YORK STATE informing the
membership of the positions that need to be filled. The procedure for applying for an
office shall be included in the article.
Although the activity of the Nominating Committee extends throughout the year,
only one Nominations Committee meeting will be held at the time of the July meeting of
the Executive Board Meeting. The Zone Nominations Chairs shall represent their
Zones at the Nominations Committee meeting. If said person is unable to attend, the
Zone President should appoint a substitute.
There is no adopted form of application for an office. An Association member
seeking an elected office shall submit a complete resume along with a letter of intent.
Each nominated candidate must have given approval for his/her name to be presented
and be endorsed by his/her Zone Executive Board. Association members may submit
supporting letters for the candidates. All materials including brochures, letters, awards,
etc and any other documents in support of candidates applying, to be reviewed by the
Committee, must be sent to the Chair on or before the published date established in
June in order to be considered. No materials will be accepted after this date or at the
time of the interview in July.
The Chair, in advance of the Nominations Committee meeting, will supply a
resume of each nominee’s qualifications and pertinent information to each member of
the committee. Candidates shall be interviewed at the Nominations Committee meeting
except those candidates who are eligible to continue in the office they currently hold. All
decisions on nominees will be made by secret ballot at the time of the Nominations
Committee meeting. Proceedings of all meetings of the Committee are confidential.
Only the Nominations Committee Chair shall speak for the Committee.
Many Zones’ Bylaws have in place the method of selecting their Zone
Nominations Chair while others do not. Zone Presidents should consider when making
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their appointments that the Zone Nominations Chair has an important role in
determining who will be selected as nominees for officers of the Association.
Zone and unit Nominating Committee members should be alert to Association
members who exhibit leadership qualities. The search for new, enthusiastic, capable
leaders is essential to the progress of the Association.
Revised March 2009
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Bylaws:
ARTICLE X, Section 13
Chair – President
The Committee shall consist of (5) five members. They shall be the President,
Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and (2) members appointed by the President. The
President shall be the Chair.
The responsibility of the committee is to provide a written policy and job
description for the employees in the Association Office. Working with the Executive
Office Manager, this committee will ensure that there are current written personnel
policies and job descriptions in place covering all aspects of employment. The
committee shall meet at the July Executive Board meeting date and whenever the need
arises. The committee shall provide report(s) to Executive Board when necessary.
Issued March 2005
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 14
Chair - Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of a chair and the ten Zone Public Relations Chairs.
RESPONSIBILITES OF THE ASSOCIATION
PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
1.
Required to attend all Executive Board meetings.
2.
Prepare written reports for Executive Board meetings, Annual Meeting, and
YORK STATE.
3. Report activities, changes, and new directions to the Zone Chairs.
4. Create press releases reflecting the Association activities (and purpose) and
distribute them to the Zone Public Relations Chairs and to the news media.
5. Be available to work with Association officers and committees on special projects
including; membership renewal forms, brochures, and other printed material.
6. Schedule and organize Public Relations Committee meetings.
7. Chair the committee for awarding the NYSRTA permanent/professional Grant
Award.
8. Supervise and assist zone chairs in the distribution, compilation and scoring of
grant materials.
9. Participate in activities that promote the Association to active educators.
Updated March 2009
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONE PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
1. Develop and maintain a communication system in the Zone that will keep Zone
members informed.
2. Submit Zone and Unit news to YORK STATE and the media. Zone news includes,
but is not limited to, special recognition; deaths and memorials; future meeting
dates; meeting topics; unusual trips; and unique speakers.
3. Follow Association and Zone committee activities and provide updates to the Unit
Public Relations Chairs.
4. Be a sound source of information to complement the Unit Chairs.
5. Be available to work with Zone committees and on special projects.
6. Train your successor; be a resource.
7. Provide public relations workshops for the Unit Chairs, if necessary or requested.
8. Participate in activities that promote the Association to active educators.
9. Be available to serve as Team Captain for NYSRTA permanent/professional Grant
Award.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Distribute grant materials
Receive grant applications
Select scorers for rating applications
Compile results of scorers
Report winners to Association PR Chair
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE UNIT PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
1. Keep a positive image of the Unit before the public.
2. Act as a news release person for newspapers, radio, and television.
3. Supply Unit news to the Zone Chair for YORK STATE.
4. Receive press releases from the Association or your Zone Chair. Make editorial
changes, add local connections; and send or take them to your local newspaper or
other media source as soon as possible. Send published releases to your Zone
Chair.
5. Create press releases reflecting the Unit activities, elections, and other items of
interest.
6. Attend meetings called by the Zone Chair.
7. Participate in activities that promote the Association to active educators.
8. Be available to serve as scorer for the NYSRTA permanent/professional Grant.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 15 and ARTICLE XV
Chair - Appointed by the President
The Committee consists of a chair and the ten zone Resolutions Committee
Chairs. The Chair of the Bylaws Committee and the Vice President for Legislative
Action serve as non-voting advisors.
The function of the committee is to solicit, check for compliance and to
recommend or not recommend the resolutions which have been submitted for
consideration. The chair will then present resolutions which have been recommended
for adoption at the Annual Meeting. According to Webster’s New World College
Dictionary, 4th ed., a “resolution is a formal statement or determination adopted by an
assembly or other formal group.”
The committee meets prior to the July Executive Board Meeting. An additional
meeting may be held between the July meeting and the Annual Meeting if an
emergency resolution comes before the committee.
Any member of NYSRTA may submit a resolution to his or her zone for
consideration. The resolution should be practical, reasonable, and financially feasible.
The Zone Approval Statement and the name and address of the person submitting the
resolution must be affixed. The correct format for a resolution appears below.
After the proposed resolution has been prepared by the zone Resolutions
Committee and approved by the zone governing body, a signed hard copy and an email formatted copy shall be sent to the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee Chair. To
ensure proper review of resolutions, copies must be mailed at least thirty (30) days prior
to the July Executive Board meeting. (Required by NYSRTA Bylaws Art XV, Sect 1.)
When the committee meets in July, all resolutions are reviewed and classified as
recommended or not recommended. All submitted resolutions shall be printed in the fall
issue of YORK STATE along with the recommendations of the committee.
The recommended resolutions are presented at the Annual Meeting for
acceptance or rejection by the delegates to the Annual Meeting. Resolutions not
recommended by the committee may be brought up for action by a 2/3 vote of the
delegates.
EXAMPLE OF A RESOLUTION
HEALTH INSURANCE
WHEREAS, The various HMOs and other health insurance plans
change their coverage, and
WHEREAS, We need legislation that protects our rights when seeking
health care,
Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, That we urge The New York State Retired
Teachers’ Association to support (patients’) Bill of Rights legislation.
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Resolutions may include a cost factor, a recommended date for implementation, and a
referral for action.
GUIDELINES FOR RESOLUTIONS
1. All NYSRTA members are eligible to send in resolutions to their zones for approval
by their governing bodies.
2. Resolutions should be practical, reasonable, and financially feasible.
3. Resolutions must be legal and must not duplicate any resolution already adopted
and included in the Master File.
4. While ARTICLE X, Section 15, and ARTICLE XV cover resolutions, the objectives of
the Association are enumerated in ARTICLE II of the Bylaws. Each proposed
resolution must comply with at least one of the objectives in ARTICLE II.
5. The zone Resolutions Committee must see that each of its proposed resolutions is
printed in the proper format, including the following Zone Approval Statement, which
is to appear above the title of the original resolution.
The following resolution was approved by the (name of zone or out-of-state region) on (date)
and is signed by the zone President (or the out-of-state region President) as meeting the
criteria for resolutions as stated in the Guidelines For Resolutions, item number 4 .
__________________________, President
(signature)
_____________
(date)
6. The name of the contact person, with the address and phone number, and e-mail
address (if available) should be on each resolution.
7. Each zone is limited to three (3) resolutions.
8. A signed hard copy, along with an e-mail formatted copy, of each proposed
resolution is to be submitted to the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee Chair.
9. Resolutions must be mailed and e-mailed to the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee
Chair at least thirty (30) days prior to the July Executive Board Meeting. The Chair
will transmit copies of the submitted resolutions to the Resolutions Committee
members and to the Chair of the Bylaws Committee and the Vice President for
Legislative Action in a timely manner.
10. The Chair of the NYSRTA Resolutions Committee will mail or e-mail copies of the
proposed resolutions, noting action taken, within ten (10) days following the July
Executive Board Meeting to zone presidents and out-of-state region presidents
Revised October 2013
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Submission Form for Resolutions
ZONE APPROVAL STATEMENT:
The following resolution was approved by the______________ (name of zone or out-ofstate region) on ____________ (date) and is signed by the zone president(or out-of-state region
president) as meeting the criteria for resolutions as stated in the Guidelines For Resolutions,
item Number 4.
__________________________________________,President
________________
(signature)
(date)
TITLE OF
RESOLUTION:__________________________________________________________________
NYSRTA OBJECTIVE(S) with which this resolution is in compliance (Article II of Bylaws) _______
NAME OF CONTACT PERSON: __________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number________________
E-mail address__________________________________
TEXT OF PROPOSAL
(Use additional space, if necessary)
Added October 2013
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
SITE COMMITTEE
Bylaws: ARTICLE X, Section 16
Chair – Appointed by the President
The Committee shall consist of a chair, the Senior Vice President, the Treasurer
and two (2) members appointed by the President. The Executive Office Manager shall
be invited to attend all meetings.
1. The function of this Committee is as follows:
a. To recommend a selected site for the Annual Workshop and the
Annual Convention of the Association to the Executive Board.
b. To investigate and consider potential site suggested by the Executive
Board.
c. To review all contracts, item by item, prior to any approval of same.
d. To act as the liaison between the selected site management and the
Association.
e. The Chair shall attend meetings as requested by the Association
President
2. The President of the Association shall notify the management of the site
chosen by the Executive Board.
Revised March 2009
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
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RESPONSIBILITES OF THE
Assistant Treasurer
Bylaws: ARTICLE IX, Section 2
The Assistant Treasurer is an Association Assignee, appointed by the President with the
approval of the Executive Board.
The Assistant Treasurer shall attend all meetings of the Finance and Budget
Committee as an ex-officio member without a vote, become familiar with the financial
operation and procedures of the Association as conducted by the Treasurer, and assist
the Treasurer by performing such duties as the Treasurer may assign or request.
In the event of the incapacity or inability of the Treasurer to perform his/her
duties, the Assistant Treasurer, at the direction of the President, shall assume the duties
and responsibilities of the Treasurer until such time as the President and the Executive
Board determine that the Treasurer can resume his/her duties, or until the next regularly
elected Treasurer assumes office.
Revised December 2012
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
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YORK STATE
Bylaws: ARTICLE 9, Section 2
Editor – An Association Assignee, appointed by the President with the approval of the
Executive Board.
Associate Editor – An Association Assignee, appointed by the President with the
approval of the Executive Board.
The Editor, with the assistance of the Associate Editor, shall be responsible for
collecting material for editing and publishing YORK STATE, the official publication of the
Association.
1. All articles by NYSRTA’s Executive Board, holders of appointed positions,
committee chairs, Zone news, and Letters to the Editor for publication in YORK
STATE must be submitted directly to the Associate Editor.
2. Copy may be submitted to the Associate Editor by Postal Service, Fax, or E-mail.
Check for numbers in the directory, masthead, or back page of each issue of YORK
STATE. All articles not submitted by elected officers or those in appointed
positions, must come through their Zone Public Relations Chair.
3. Public Relations Chairs – Please keep your copy to one-half page excluding photos
that may be added using more space.
4. All articles must be in by the deadline dates that have been set or they will not be
included.
Please observe the following guidelines when submitting copy:
a. Use typewritten or computer generated material in manuscript style.
b. Use single spacing.
c. Send only one copy.
d. Use one-inch margins, right and left, top and bottom with size 10 font.
e. If initials designate an organization, spell out the name.
f. Check spelling of names, towns, counties, organizations, etc.
g. If using a Byline, please use your Zone or Unit title.
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
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5. YORK STATE due dates:
Issue
spring
summer
fall
winter
Copy Due
March 9
May 11
July 13
November 14
Please help your Editor meet this schedule by submitting articles on or before
the copy due date.
6. Suggested outline of material included in four issues:
All issues contain the President’s Message, Committee Chair Reports, Zone News,
and Feature Articles when available. For Zone News, please follow the themes for each
issue. These will have been sent to Zone Public Relations Chairs.
Many photographs are included in each issue. Photos that accompany articles
should be sent to the Editor for submission. If there is no article and photos of an event
are being sent for possible general inclusion in YORK STATE, they may be sent directly
to the Editor. In all cases, left to right identification must accompany each photo on a
separate sheet. Either black and white or color photos may be submitted.
Spring
a. Criteria for the Certificate of Recognition.
b. Action on Resolutions passed at previous Annual Meeting.
Summer
Annual Workshop/Annual Convention registration form.
Fall
a. Annual Workshop and Annual Convention registration form repeated.
b. Convention highlights including workshop offerings, speakers, outline of
events, etc.
c. Resolutions to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
d. Nominations Committee’s recommended slate of officers for NYSRTA.
e. Summary of proposed amendments to the NYSRTA Bylaws.
Winter
a. Directory – a partial directory containing Zone affiliation and telephone
numbers of Association officers, Zone Presidents, holders of appointed positions and
committee chairs and members. (Note: a more complete Directory, which includes
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postal and email addresses will be maintained on the Association website,
www.nysrta.org, by the office staff.)
b. Articles from elected officers and appointed positions if they so choose.
c. Treasurer’s report
d. Approved budget.
e. Certificate of Recognition recipient(s).
f. Resolutions as adopted or defeated at the Annual Meeting.
Other articles regularly carried in YORK STATE include Health Care, the Robert R.
Decormier Memorial Trust, the Insurance Trust and messages from the Albany office.
In addition, YORK STATE publishes a page entitled NYSRTA Members in the News
that runs in each issue to recognize zone and community awards that members receive.
Zone Presidents need to supply this information to their Public Relations Chairs who will
send it along with their PR reports.
Revised May 2013
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
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Financial Matters: Grants, Funds and Trusts
In addition to its many other contributions to the Association, The Insurance Trust
provides the funds for two Educational Grants. These grants are awarded by the Zones
on a rotating basis. Presently, two Zones award one grant each year in a five year
cycle.
There are four possible sources of financial assistance to members: Friendly Service
Fund, the Mary Spellissy Memorial Fund, the President’s Fund and the Robert R.
DeCormier Memorial Fund. Consult the table of contents page for the location of
additional information on each of these sources.
The Friendly Service Fund is administered by the Friendly Service Committee.
Depending on the earnings of the invested principal, special grants are available (for up
to $1,000) for “Special Grants” to NYSRTA Members who have a one-time special
need. (Such as having a furnace fixed, a roof replaced, or other emergency
attended to.)
The Mary G. Spellissy Memorial Fund has been established to help former or present
Friendly Service workers with their own special personal needs. Grants of up to $500
are available to any NYSRTA member who was or is a Friendly Service Worker and
who is in need of financial assistance. The one page grant request form can be
obtained from a Friendly Service Unit or Zone Chair or the NYSRTA Vice President for
Friendly Service.
THE PRESIDENT’S FUND
Bylaws ARTICLE V, Section 2
Used mainly for an emergency situation, the President of NYSRTA may grant as
a one-time gift, a sum up to the amount of $300. A one-time gift over $300 and up to
$500 needs the approval of the President and the other Elected Officers. These grants
may be made as a lump sum or the amount may be divided on a monthly basis. Should
a need arise, consult Unit or Zone Friendly Service chairs who will work through the
President to secure the needed assistance. Funds are sent from the Albany Office.
THE INSURANCE TRUST
Bylaws ARTICLE XIV, Section 1
The Insurance Trust is an insurance plan operated exclusively for the members
of the Association. The Trust is an affiliate of The New York State Retired Teachers'
Association, Inc.
The Insurance Trust is committed to providing insurance products and services
that are meaningful to our membership and reasonable in cost. It is hoped that those
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prospective new members of the Association may be encouraged to join NYSRTA in
order to become eligible for insurance coverage under the various programs.
The Insurance Trust provides an annual stipend to the Association and each year
it funds the Florence Coulter Kramer and the Ross Hudson Jr. Scholarship Grants for
new educators. In addition, the Insurance Trust annually provides a stipend to the
Decormier Fund.
The Insurance Trust is composed of five Trustees, serving five year terms (one is
elected at each November Executive Board meeting of the Association.) The Trust
reports to the Executive Board and to the delegates at the Annual Meeting in October of
each year. As stipulated in the 1963 agreement, members and officers of the Trust are
bonded. The Trust elects a Chair and selects a Secretary-Treasurer. The required
annual audit is done by an independent auditor. This audit is presented to the
insurance Trustees for their information and consideration.
A Brief History
Robert DeCormier, the first President of The New York State Retired Teachers'
Association, had two major projects in mind as the State organization of retired
educators was formed in the early 1950’s. Number 1, according to various accounts,
was an insurance program for retirees that would be reasonable in price and would take
care of most insurance needs. Number 2 was the building of a retired teachers’ home,
a goal which was accomplished through the construction of York Manor at DeWitt, New
York, a Syracuse suburb. Unfortunately, changing demographics and related economic
conditions recently led to the sale of this facility.
Mr. DeCormier, a retired industrial arts teacher in the Poughkeepsie City School
District, together with Leonard Davis, an insurance executive, persuaded Continental
Casualty to act as the carrier of an insurance plan on a trial basis. This was
accomplished after then Governor Averell Harriman agreed that retired educators
should be permitted to be insured with the approval of the New York State Insurance
Department. About 800 retired teachers joined the original insurance plan by paying
$5.00 per month for coverage.
In 1963, Association leaders, with legal assistance, developed a Trust agreement
that described the operation of the insurance plan in legal terms, including the
interrelationships between the Association and the Trust. This document has been
used as the “modus operandi” of the insurance plan and has been interpreted by
attorneys employed by the Trustees as to the relationship of the Trust and the Internal
Revenue Service, in that the Trust is a tax exempt, not for profit corporation, operating
as a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association. On August 13, 1996, the Internal
Revenue Service notified the Trust that it is “...exempt from Federal income tax under
section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code...”
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Over the years, the insurance plan has continued to provide insurance coverage
for Association members with policies from Continental Casualty Company, succeeded
by Colonial Penn. In recent years, a Capitol District insurance agent, National
Corporate Benefits Administrators, Inc., an independent affiliate of New York Long Term
Brokers, LTD, has acted as the agent for the Trust, providing many different policies for
members.
From the beginning of the insurance program in the 1950’s until the 1990’s, Miss
Iva Dugan, the office manager of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association,
supervised the operation of the Insurance Plan in several office locations - Dove Street,
50 State Street, and eventually at the present office location, 50 Colvin Avenue in
Albany. Miss Dugan served the Association as office manager and “coordinator” of all
activities, but also as the insurance manager for Colonial Penn Insurance Company.
Miss Iva Dugan is one of two persons in the history of NYSRTA to have been made an
honorary member of the Association.
As of October 1, 1995, insurance policies provided to members through Colonial
Penn Insurance were terminated as the result of a corporate decision of the insurer. In
preparation for this event, the Insurance Trust had spent a year in securing a new
carrier to continue insurance services. After interviewing four or five insurance
representatives, the trustees selected Mr. Thomas Reed of Long Term Care Brokers,
Ltd (NYLTCB), as the agent for future offerings; and National Corporate Benefits
Administrators, Inc. (NCBA), an independent affiliate of NYLTCB, became the Trust
agent to provide member and spousal member policies. All insurance offerings are
under the supervision of the New York State Insurance Department.
National Corporate Benefits Administrators, Inc. (NCBA) administers a wide
range of insurance products including: Medigap insurance, Long Term Care insurance,
Nursing Home insurance, Home Care insurance, Accident Indemnity insurance, Term
and Universal Life insurance, and a recent offering (1998) of Grandparent-Grandchild
insurance. In July 1998, the Insurance Trust, using the assets of the Trust, secured a
Hearing Program for each current and future Association member for the next five
years.
Historical information provided by
Glenn W, Clark (Past Chair)
Terry M. Trudeau, Chair
Revised March 2011
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ROBERT R. DECORMIER MEMORIAL TRUST FUND
Bylaws: ARTICLE XIV, Section 2
The Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable trust
created to assist members in need of continuing financial assistance or to help those
who find themselves in special circumstances needing a one-time financial assist for an
unexpected, unreimbursed emergency expense. The Trust honors and bears the name
of the first president of NYSRTA.
The lifeblood of the Trust is the donations, bequests, and memorial gifts that are
contributed to the Trust Fund by individuals, units, zones, companies, and others. The
value of this Trust is in the service it provides for some of our Association retirees who
are less fortunate than others.
The DeCormier Board of Trustees consists of six (6) members. A vacancy on the Board
of Trustees is filled with a nomination by the Association’s Executive Board. The
nominee is then elected to the Board for a six-year renewable term by receiving an
affirmative vote of the majority of the Trustees.
NYSRTA members may receive financial assistance from the Trust Fund if
circumstances have placed them in a situation where financial assistance is needed and
justified. A member who is in need of financial assistance should ask for the proper
application form from the Zone’s Friendly Service Chair or from the NYSRTA office (8
Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110). The forms are also available from the
Association’s website at www.nystra.org.
A financial aid application can be submitted by members of NYSRTA who meet the
following qualifications:




current membership and at least three years’ immediate prior membership in
NYSRTA,
at least 55 years of age,
a minimum of 15 years as a certified or non-certified staff member in an educational
institution or the member spouse of such a member or deceased member, and
a financial need or special circumstance requiring financial aid.
Two forms of financial aid are available to members of NYSRTA:
(1) The Monthly Stipend. When long-term financial support is approved by the Trustee
Board, a monthly check is sent to the individual.
(2) The Special Grant This one-time lump sum grant is intended to provide financial
assistance for an unexpected, unreimbursed expense. The money is paid directly to the
vendor/service provider.
The completed application and reference material should be sent to the address found
on the bottom of the last page of the application. The process of application,
documentation, recommendation, and review permits the Trustees of the DeCormier
Memorial Trust Fund to evaluate the situation and determine an action. Approval of an
application will also depend on the availability of funds.
Revised 2011
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Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund
an affiliate of
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc.
8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414
Phone: (518) 482-3509 Fax: (518) 482-0970
E-mail: rtaoffice@nysrta.org Web Site: www.nysrta.org
APPLICATION FOR MONTHLY STIPEND
(The information requested in this application is confidential and will be
reviewed only by the Trustees in determining the eligibility of the applicant)
Please answer every question:
1. Name__________________________________________________
2. Date of Birth _____/_____/______ Telephone (____) ____________
3. Address____________________________________________________
City____________________________________________ State______ Zip___________
4. Year of Retirement__________ from which District/School/University? _________________
5. Are you a member of the NYSRTA? __________
When did you join? _____________
6. How many years have you been a member of NYSRTA? ____________
7. How many years were you an educator in the schools of New York State?
___________
8. What is the market value of your assets broken down as follows?
9.
Cash
Bank Accounts (passbook, CD’s, checking accounts)
Bonds
Stocks
Cash value of Insurance
Cash value of Annuities
Real Estate (home, rental property you own, land)
Car (Make______________ Model _____________ Year _______)
Other (please explain __________________________________)
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
TOTAL ASSETS
$ _________
Please fill in the following blanks for computing your monthly income
a. Wages, salaries, tips
b. Pension income
c. Interest income (including taxable and non-taxable)
d. Stock income (include dividends and capital gains)
e. Social Security income
f. Other income (annuities, rent, prizes, awards, etc.)
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME
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$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
$ _________
10. Please describe any debts that you have by name and amount:
_____________________________________________________
$ __________
_____________________________________________________
$__________
____________________________________________________
$__________
TOTAL DEBTS
$__________
11. Do you have any financial responsibility for another person? ________
Explain:_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. What are your monthly expenses for:
Insurance (personal such as health, life, long term care)
Insurance (home, renters, fire, liability, other)
Mortgage
Rent
Food
Medicine
Utilities
Home maintenance
Household help (nurses, homemakers, etc.)
Interest
Clothing
Personal Items
Transportation (car, bus, taxi)
Other (please list)
$ __________
$__________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$__________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES
13. Are there any relatives who could help with these expenses?______
Explain:_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. What is the amount of monthly supplemental financial aid you need
on a long-term basis?
$ __________
15. Please add any comments that will help the Trustees to understand your circumstances
more fully:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16. I understand that the above report and the attached information are confidential statements
made to the Trustees of the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund, and I certify that all of
the information provided in this statement and its attachments are true and correct.
Date ____________ Signed _____________________________________
Return this form and a copy of your most recent income tax form to:
Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund, NYSRTA
8 Airport Park Blvd, Latham, NY 12110-6414.
Revised 2011
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Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund
an affiliate of
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc.
8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414
Phone: (518) 482-3509 Fax: (518) 482-0970
E-mail: rtaoffice@nysrta.org Web Site: www.nysrta.org
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL GRANT
This is a lump sum offered, to Association and spousal members in financial need,
to provide financial assistance for an unexpected, un-reimbursed expense.
Applicant must be a NYSRTA member for at least 3 years before applying.
Name___________________________________________________________Date__________
Date of Birth_______/_______/______ Telephone___________________
Total yearly income_____________
Address____________________________________ City___________________________
State________ Zip_______________
Are you a member of NYSRTA?_________ When did you join? ______________
Zone___________
Are you receiving Medicaid assistance? (circle) Yes / No
Total un-reimbursed expense?_____________
Amount requested?____________________
Describe the proposed use of the funds requested (use reverse side if necessary):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Why would it be difficult for you to finance the proposed request out of your own income,
assets or through family assistance?
(use reverse side if necessary):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Attach documentation from the vendor(s) regarding the expected cost of your service(s). A
receipt showing proof of payment will be required after the service(s) has been completed.
Mail the completed application and cost estimate to: Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust
Fund, NYSRTA, 8 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110-6414.
Revised 2011
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DeCormier Trust Fund Special Grant application:
Additional Information
needed:
Name of applicant: _________________________________
____________
Date:
What is your total monthly income?
Pension: $ ______________
Social Security: $ _____________
Annuities: $____________
Interest: $ _____________
Support from family and friends: $________________
Other income: $__________________
What are your total monthly expenses?
Rent/mortgage: $ _____________
Food: $ _____________
Clothing: $ ______________
Medicines: $ _____________
Utilities and fuel: $ _______________
Insurance: $ ______________
Transportation (car, bus, taxi): $ _____________
Personal items: $ ____________
Household help (nurses, homemakers, etc.): $ _____________
Home maintenance: $ _____________
Other (please list): $ _____________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please add any comments that will help the Trustees to more fully understand your circumstances:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(write on other side of this sheet if you need more room)
this page revised September 2013
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A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE
NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION 1951 – 1990
Courtesy of Erma Meisenheimer, NYSRTA President 1985-88
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association is the only organization that
works solely for the benefit of retired educators.
Prior to 1949, area groups had formed in several parts of the State but a definite
need for a broader base of operation surfaced when the cost of living rose sharply in the
40’s. The minimum teacher pension at that time was $900 per year.
In 1949, M. Smith Thomas of Buffalo asked Harry Vincent from Troy and
Nathaniel West from Rochester to meet with him to explore the possibility of working
together for the common good of all retired educators. They met in Rochester and the
decision was made to form a New York State Retired Teachers' Association. Thus, the
first three areas represented were what we now know as the Western, Central Western,
and Eastern Zones. Information concerning this organization and its plans was
distributed to all area groups. In 1951, when a second meeting was held - again in
Rochester - three additional groups were represented, namely the present Central,
Southern, and Southeastern Zones. Robert R. DeCormier of Poughkeepsie was
elected President and served faithfully for fifteen years. His hope was to extend the
membership to the whole State. His dream and that of the three founding fathers was
realized when the Northern, Northeastern, North Central, and Long Island Zones were
formed and joined the other six in 1952 to make it truly a New York STATE Retired
Teachers’ Association.
It was now a necessity that such a State organization have a constitution. The
committee, which completed this task, included M. Smith Thomas of Buffalo, Frank H.
Nye of White Plains, and Charles Joyce of Rochester. The Constitution was approved
and was the first official guide for NYSRTA. It wasn’t, however, until February 14, 1956
that the State Certificate of Incorporation was issued for the Association.
In the first years of Robert DeCormier’s presidency, his office was in his home
on Mildred Street in Poughkeepsie. His first project was setting up an affordable
insurance program that would meet the needs of retired teachers. The only insurance
company interested in chancing coverage for the elderly was Continental Casualty.
DeCormier’s contact was Leonard Davis, a man of great foresight and intellect. Mr.
Davis later presented a gift of $10,000 to the Association at the time of Robert
DeCormier’s death. This is the base upon which the present Robert R. DeCormier
Memorial Fund was built. That fund is under the supervision of the Internal Revenue
Service and is administered by six trustees who must be members of the Association
and be appointed by the Executive Committee for life terms.
As the insurance plan progressed, several excellent health plans were offered to
members for both in and out of hospital care. As policies expanded, more office space
was required and NYSRTA moved to 18 Dove Street in Albany in 1963. It was then that
Iva Dugan was employed as Office Manager. As growth continued, Larry Burman
joined the staff as a full-time insurance company adjuster.
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In the early 60’s as added income and work came into the office, it was
necessary to choose a treasurer. Two men stayed a short time as part-time workers but
left when they again found full time employment, Benjamin Lipson, just retired from
teaching business subjects in the Rochester Public School System, was appointed
treasurer and served for nineteen years. The sound financial standing of NYSRTA is
due in great part to Ben’s investments.
Another dream was pursued during Robert DeCormier’s tenure as President - a
home for retired educators. On this project, he worked closely with Howard Goold,
Executive Secretary of the New York State Teachers’ Association. A charter was
granted for the building of York State Manor in 1958, ground breaking took place in
1960, and its dedication was on November 15, 1963. This home was a joint
responsibility of the active and retired educators of New York State.
By this time, NYSRTA felt the need of closer communications with its growing
membership. Our magazine, YORK STATE, answered the need. Marjorie Wilson of
Syracuse was its first editor from 1952-56. She was followed by Ruth Bissell from
1956-66; Carrie Mae Hanke from 1967-72; Irvin Himmele from 1972-76; Norma
Cottrell from 1976-88; Mardell Coumbe from 1988-93; two issues by the Albany Office
with Mardell Coumbe, consulting; and Harriet Vosganian from 1994 to the present.
One of the first service groups formed was the Friendly Service Committee. Its
aim was to and is to remember the elderly retirees in time of great happiness or sorrow
and to help them financially when escalating prices prove the inadequacy of pensions particularly with the pre '57 retirees who have no Social Security. The number of
Friendly Service workers throughout the ten Zones has at times reached as high as
1000 volunteers.
Mr. Raymond Ast succeeded Mr. DeCormier and served as President from
1966-70.
Through 1966, only elected, voting delegates from each Zone attended the
Annual Meeting. President Ast felt a need for more people to become involved. In the
fall of 1967, the meeting was held at Grossinger’s. It was open to all members who
wished to attend as observers. The Zones paid some or all of the expenses of voting
delegates. This procedure is still followed today.
That year, Ray Arnold, V.P., organized the summer meeting at Ithaca College.
It was called the Gerontological Institute and was a great success with more than 200 in
attendance. The name of the summer meeting was changed to the Summer Institute
and later developed into what later became the Summer Leadership Conference.
During his term of office, Ray Ast was elected to the National Board of NRTA
and resigned his position as President.
Raymond Arnold served as President of NYSRTA from 1970-72. Attendance at
both the Summer Leadership Conference and the Annual Convention increased, as
members understood more about their Association and its work.
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By this time, it had become accepted practice that the Senior Vice-President be
responsible for the summer meeting. Dr. Gordon Higgins planned a meeting that
brought the Zones closer to the Association. Speakers were both informative and
entertaining.
President Arnold’s greatest interest was centered at York State Manor. He had
served as Executive Secretary of the Manor from 1959-63. As a trustee, he had
brought it to a debt-free status.
Gordon H. Higgins became the fourth President of NYSRTA and served from
1972-76. He worked with every committee and had the rare gift of listening. He never
spoke without thinking first. Whether it was membership, legislation, or investment, the
President knew what was going on and quietly made suggestions which served to solve
many difficult problems. During his term of office, Dr. Dorothy Thatcher was made
Chair of the State Legislation Committee and through her untiring efforts and those of
her committee, pre ‘69 retirees received a pension increase.
1976 was the Bicentennial Year and the program planned aroused a renewed
sense of patriotism. Paul Vogan, V.P. in charge of the summer workshops, saw to it
that Abe and Mary Lincoln paid a visit. Clarence Nye and his wife Leila represented
them.
A terrific contribution was made to NYSRTA and to every teacher when Gordon
Higgin’s book This Way We Came, was published in 1970. His preface reads, To tell
the story of the people who founded the New York State Retired Teachers’ Association;
men and women who taught during the early part of the 20th century have been asked
to recall their early teaching years.” The book is a delightful memorial to a great
profession and to a President who was well loved.
Paul Vogan, the fifth President of NYSRTA served from 1976-79. 1976
registered a 51% growth in membership over a period of five years.
At this time, “snow birds” in Florida evidenced a great interest in organizing their
New York State retired educators, but the first group wasn’t formed until 1978.
The summer conference had been held at Ithaca for ten years. On the
evaluation sheets members had expressed a desire for change. It was Adelbert "Deb"
Kingston, V.P., who chaired the first conference after it was moved to Oswego in 1978.
Again, registration was high reaching almost 300. Though the conference was held at
several other locations in New York State after first going to Oswego, it invariably
returned to Oswego.
In 1977, Irvin Himmele was named Public Relations Chair. During the year, he
asked every Zone public relations person to prepare a Zone history. Clarence Nye,
historian, used these records as a basis for his booklet, "Glimpses of the First Thirty
Years - 1951-1981."
Dorothy Thatcher and her committee were hard at work with State Legislation.
In 1977 the pension bill was extended to include all persons who had retired on or
before March of 1969. In 1979, that date was extended to include retirees through
1970. It was during this busy year that a Constitution and Bylaws amendment was
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passed by the Association making active teachers, age 55 or over, eligible for
membership in NYSRTA.
In 1987, Paul Vogan was recipient of the first Certificate of Recognition
presented by the Association. It was in honor of his work as a teacher, administrator,
and public servant.
Deb Kingston was elected sixth President of NYSRTA at the 1979 House of
Delegates. His term ran through 1982. One of his aims was to increase membership.
Working closely with Evelyn Rose, Membership Chair, the Association recognized its
greatest growth both in regular and life memberships in 1981. Membership was 34,000
and going up!
Deb Kingston did not like to “make waves”. A favorite saying of his was “Do not
count the years! Make the years count!”
Over 275 retired educators attended the 15th annual Summer Conference
chaired by V.P. Clayton DeLong. All areas of the State were represented and about
40% of the participants were at the conference for the first time.
In 1981, the spring issue of YORK STATE contained a questionnaire on
proposed goals of NYSRTA. Over 250 responses were received from the membership.
These were used as guides in planning programs and meetings for ensuing years.
The merger of NRTA and AARP was completed on July 11, 1982. We were
assured that NRTA would retain its identity as a division of AARP. After the merger,
Joe Coco was appointed coordinator to work between NRTA and AARP.
1982 brought a most deserving and able man to the presidency. Clayton
DeLong served from 1982 through 1985.
President DeLong believed in letting committee chairs think for themselves
though he always knew what plans were underway and was always ready to help when
he was needed. Thus, when V.P. Erma Meisenheimer decided to follow members’
suggestions and change the format of the Summer Leadership Conference, he heartily
approved. Members wanted information from speakers, but they also wanted
participation from the members in attendance. Six one hour long workshops were
planned; 30 minutes were to be devoted to panel presentations and 30 minutes were
set aside for open discussion and questions. Attendees were included as panel
members and also in the question period. That general plan was followed through
1989.
In 1983, a bill to update all supplemental pensions was defeated, but Dr.
Thatcher was successful in getting support and final passage of a bill which provided
new benefits for pre-October 1, 1957 retirees, our oldest and most needy who had no
Social Security benefits.
In 1984, an omnibus bill covering all retirees before 1980 was passed and after
30 years of work, the bill providing for a retired member teacher to have a seat on the
New York State Teachers' Retirement System Board passed. The Board appointed
Miss Ruth E. Williams.
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At the House of Delegates in 1983, Nathan Kullman was elected Treasurer of
the Association. He was highly qualified for this position having worked closely with
NYSTA for many years and also with the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.
At the time of his election, he was President of the Benevolent Association of Albany,
S.U.C. with management of a fund of one million plus dollars. Nate was also a member
of the Insurance Trust and worked closely with Iva Dugan when the Association
decided to purchase a computer.
In 1985, President DeLong and V.P. Erma Meisenheimer met with Martha
Morgan, Director of Area II of AARP. The meeting clarified relationships between the
National and State organizations. Joint meetings of Zones and AARP representatives
were held throughout the year.
In 1985 Erma Meisenheimer was elected President and served through 1988.
She was the first woman to have served in that capacity. During her term of office,
Sheldon Guile, Vice President, chaired the Oswego Summer Leadership Conference
and with his committee planned valuable workshops that gave newly elected officers an
insight into their responsibilities.
Believing, too, that Zone Presidents needed a time to discuss their problems
together and to share ideas of Zone activities, they were given a scheduled time on the
agenda to meet preceding each regular meeting of the Executive Committee.
Long Island Zone had been sending busloads of people to Albany at the time of
our legislative hearing for six years. In 1986 every Zone sent delegates and 700
descended on Albany. In June of that year, additional legislative hearings were held in
Albany, Buffalo, and Hauppauge, Long Island. Specific retired teacher members were
appointed to testify at each of the hearings. Nathan Kullman represented us in Albany,
Erma Meisenheimer in Buffalo, and Alice Bennett in Hauppauge.
Tragedy struck our country when on January 28, 1986, the NASA space capsule,
Challenger, exploded and all aboard were killed. Among them was Christa McAuliffe,
first teacher astronaut. She represented all teachers on that fateful mission! On
October 23, on the grounds of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System,
NYSRTA dedicated a crimson maple in her memory. The marker at its base read
“Christa McAuliffe, Teacher-Astronaut, A Journey Into Space. Dedicated October 23,
1986; New York State Retired Teachers’ Association.”
In 1987 lapel pins with the NYSRTA logo were purchased by the Association and
made available to Zones for sale to their members in the Zones and Units.
In 1988, the Hearing Committee was formed. It was disbanded, however, in
1993 and the duties of the committee were delegated to the Health Care Committee.
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee which had been so ably chaired by
Amos Mousaw, was now headed by Ethel Torgesen. A thorough study was made of
both Constitution and Bylaws and a revised copy was published in 1988. While several
changes were made, one addition was especially noteworthy. For the first time, Out of
State groups could become active Units of NYSRTA, and as such, could send members
to the Summer Leadership Conference and delegates to the Annual Meeting with full
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voting rights. Georgia was the first state to fulfill all requirements and was
enthusiastically welcomed as the first full-fledged Out of State Unit! This Unit was
disbanded, however, in 1996.
1988 marked the silver anniversary of York State Manor. The Association's gift
to them was a VCR. President Erma Meisneheimer and four Zone Presidents, John
Blass of Eastern Zone, Maude Hyde of Central Zone, Frederick Salzer of Northern
Zone, and Naomi Reimers of Western Zone attended the silver anniversary tea.
At the Annual Convention in October 1988, the second NYSRTA Certificate of
Recognition was presented to Cornelius B. Murray in recognition of his life-long
commitment to education, leadership to community, state and national organizations,
and his 23 years of stewardship to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Glenn W. Clark was elected President of NYSRTA at the October 1988 House
of Delegates and was immediately faced with a difficult problem. The contract expired
for the NYSRTA office space at 150 State St. and it was not going to be renewed. The
Senate was to occupy offices in that building as they were vacated. Iva Dugan
immediately began looking for a new location. President Clark joined in the search.
Ultimately, they decided that with the approval of the Executive Committee, the
NYSRTA office would be moved to 50 Colvin Avenue. Many changes had to be made
to accommodate the office staff. When all was ready in 1990, the Executive Committee
was invited to visit its new home.
It was a pleasant surprise for the Executive Committee Everything looked new!
Office dividers had been installed, huge windows made the working space light and airy,
and wonder of wonders, there was adequate parking space.
Plans for the Summer Leadership Conference were started immediately by V.P.
Marge Bryden and her committee. Workshops that would provide opportunity for
sharing, brainstorming, evaluating, and gaining confidence and assurance that
objectives are indeed obtainable were planned.
On the recommendation from the House of Delegates, a Health Care Program
had been established under the leadership of Harry Felder. This was in recognition
that Increasing life expectancy leads to more problems in the field of health. Heath
Care Coordinators were appointed at Association, Zone, and Unit levels.
An Emergency Decision Committee was formulated. Members included
President Glenn Clark, John Blass, Marjorie Bryden, Charlotte Huff, and Erma
Meisenheimer. If a problem were to arise in either State or Federal legislation which
demanded an immediate decision and did not allow time to contact all members of the
Executive Committee, the members of the E.D.C. would be contacted by telephone and
a decision would be made.
Franklin Kehrig, Chair of the State Legislation Committee had already found a
time when the above committee served its purpose. Franklin had his finger on every
piece of legislation that would in any way affect retirees. When he learned that the
Governor and the legislature were considering using some of our retirement funds to
balance the State budget, Franklin wrote a very strong letter explaining why such a
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move could not be considered! He then contacted our President and other members of
the E.D.C. to get approval of the manuscript. Knowing time was of the essence, Mr.
Kehrig drove to Albany to deliver his message personally. It was good to have a man of
such strength of character and determination at the helm of our State Legislation
Committee!
At the October 1989 meeting of the Annual Convention, the third NYSRTA
Certificate of Recognition was awarded to Nathan Kullman. In his absence, because
of illness, it was received by Past President, Erma Meisenheimer. Theodore Henry,
Chair of the Committee, made the presentation and delivered it to Nathan personally the
following day. The certificate read, in part, "In recognition of academic and professional
achievement; dedication to the community, civic and religious service; professional
ethics, civil and human rights for educators ....."
A chronological history of NYSRTA for the years 1990 to the present.
1990
1. The office staff held an open house for the Executive Committee at their new
headquarters at 50 Colvin Avenue on January 23 rd.
2. Ruth E. Williams was again appointed to the NYSTRS board for another three-year
term, representing the retired educators in the system. She had represented the
retired teachers of the system since a retired teacher was made a member of the
board in 1985.
3. The “Presidents Handbook” was originated, compiled and edited by Marjorie
Bryden. This was a long needed reference resource for the Association and zone
officers. It offered more information than the Bylaws could in the operation of the
Association.
4. Started the use of computers for membership dues.
1991
1. Iva Dugan, Administrative Office Manager, retired.
2. Edith Horton was hired as Office Manager.
3. President Clark set up a special committee to revise the Bylaws and appointed
Dorothy Buell as Chair.
4. Charlotte Huff elected to her first of three terms as President. She began the
practice of inviting members of the NYSRTS Board to serve on a question and answer
panel at the Annual Meeting. During her tenure the hiring of a professional
parliamentarian was instituted.
5. Ruth E. Williams, the retired teacher on the NYSTRS Board, initiated a brochure
entitled "Facts You Should Know" which is serving as a prototype for the publication
which retirees continue to receive.
1992
1. Annual dues were raised from $4 to $10 and from $50 to $125 for Life Membership.
2. Computer generated records and reports were available.
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3. Eliminated membership cards to zone membership chairs.
1993
1. The newly revised Bylaws were approved.
2. The election of Harry Felder (NYSRTA candidate) in October was the first member of
the NYSTRS Board to be elected by the retired teachers of the system. His term
was for three years. His alternate was Josephine Bordonaro.
3. Site Chair Agnes Hudson moved the Summer Leadership Conference from the
campus of Oswego College to the Desmond in Albany.
1994
1. George Lombart elected to his first of three terms as President.
2. Lamination of Life Membership cards was instituted.
3. Albany Office staff reduced from five to three due to retirement of two staff members
and more use of computers. (Edith Horton, Gloria Lowder and Barbara Ploof)
1995 Member insurance, available through Colonial Penn Insurance, was terminated
by the company. This resulted in loss of revenue that among other things necessitated
a reduction in office space.
1996
1. The original office space was reduced by half, still leaving plenty of room to do the
work of the Association.
2. Edie Horton was given the title of Executive Office Manager by vote of the
Executive Committee.
3. Summer Leadership Conference was moved from Albany to the Binghamton
Regency in Binghamton, NY.
4. Harry Felder (NYSRTA candidate) again ran for the retired teacher’s seat on the
NYSTRS Board. His alternate was Josephine Bordonaro. Harry lost the election.
5. Supplementation passed retroactive to September of 1995 for NYSTRS retirees. It
was delayed because of the lawsuit brought by Comptroller McCall against Governor
Pataki for using the Employees Retirement System pension funds to help balance
the budget. NYSRTA filed an amicus brief in support of the Comptroller.
6. The Insurance Trust trustees selected New York Long Term Care Brokers, Ltd. For
insurance offerings to the members.
1997
1. Richard Lagoe was elected to his first of three terms as President.
2. The Insurance Trust trustees selected National Corporate Benefits Administration,
an affiliate of New York Long Term Care Brokers, Ltd., as the agent for future
insurance offerings to members.
3. The portion of the Association dues returned to the Zones was changed from one
half to one third.
4. Annual dues raised to $15 and Life membership remained at $125.
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1998
1. In January, an ice storm hit the counties of the Northeastern, Northern and North
Central Zones. It was declared the worst natural disaster that New York State has
ever recorded. Friendly Service established the first disaster fund drive and through
appeals to the members throughout the Association, $10,034.50 was raised and
distributed to members needing financial help within the three Zones.
2. Removed the word "Leadership" from Summer Leadership Conference.
3. Changed the portion paid by the Association for each attendee attending the
Summer Conference from one half to one third of cost.
4. Raised the dues for Life membership to $150.
5. In the special election held in October by the NYSTRS for the retired teacher seat on
the Board, Josephine Davenport (NYSUT candidate) and her alternate, Thomas
McKeever (NYSRTA candidate), were nominated and were unopposed; therefore
they were elected.
6. Two-year supplementation passed for the NYSTRS retirees. It was especially
helpful to those retiring prior to 1970. It raised the minimum pension to $12,500 with
35 years of service or $350 times the number of years of service.
1999
1.
2.
3.
4.
Added a Membership Associate, Jennifer Gardella, to the Albany Office staff.
All new computer system installed in the Albany Office.
Decided not to call the Annual Meeting “The House of Delegates”.
Changed the time for the next Summer Conference from summer to the day before
the Annual Convention. The name then will become The Fall Workshop.
5. The Association filed for and received registration for a Service Mark (SM) for the
Association seal from New York State.
6. Alice Bennett was elected a trustee of the Decormier Fund.
7. A web site, through the generosity of The Insurance Fund, is being worked on.
2000
1. Agnes B. Hudson, NZ, was elected to her first of three terms as President.
2. Revision and editing of the “Presidents Handbook” by Thomas McKeever, Ross
Hudson, and Edith Horton was completed. It was published by the Albany Office
and made available at the March Executive Committee Meeting.
3. The Annual Meeting and Annual Convention moved from the Nevele Grande to the
Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, Kerhonkson, NY.
4. The Summer Conference, now called The Fall Workshop, was moved from July to
the day before the Annual Convention at the same site.
5. Annual dues raised to $18 and $180 for Life membership.
6. After many faithful years as Chair of the Decormier Fund, Theodore K. Henry
retired from the office. The trustees elected Frederick P. Salzer Chair. Frank C.
Mayer was elected a trustee.
7. The Association filed for and received preliminary approval for the seal to be a
registered trademark from the Federal Government.
8. Changed the portion paid by the Association for each member attending The Fall
Workshop (Summer Conference) from one-third to one quarter of cost.
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9. The Permanent COLA became a reality and was signed into law July 11, 2000 by
Governor Pataki with many of our members attending. Our Association, through the
efforts of State Legislation Chair Carolyn Normile, initiated the COALITION with
retired public employee organizations who with our members worked to obtain the
COLA. NYSRTA presented Appreciation Plaques to Governor Pataki, Comptroller
McCall, Majority Leader Bruno, Assemblyman Vitaliano, Speaker Silver, and Senator
Liebell.
10. The web site is up and running, www.nysrta.org , and is up-dated continuously by
our Albany Office staff.
11.President Hudson appointed a 50 th Anniversary Recognition Committee co-chaired
by Beverly Campany, PR Chair and Alice Supa, former PR Chair who will work
closely with Harriet Vosganian, Editor of YORK STATE and Lillian Randall,
Historian.
Each issue of YORK STATE in 2001 will include, as a centerfold, the last 20 years
of history of each of the zones. This history will be researched and contributed to by
the zones in historical order.
2001
1. The final approval of NYSRTA’s seal as a trademark was issued January 9, 2001.
2. The State Legislation Committee continued working with the COALITION on
important legislation. The “Bump-Up Bill” was passed and signed into law
December 19th. The legislation raised the Minimum Pension for pre 1970 retirees
from $350 per year of service to $500 per year of service, up to a maximum of 35
years. It effected pensions of 1020 NYS Teachers Retirement System retirees
statewide. The average benefit is $230 per month and the maximum raise was
approximately $440 per month. This bill was the primary NYSRTA 2001
Legislative Campaign goal. The Health Insurance Protection Legislation was
renewed for another year.
3. 50th Anniversary seals bearing a 50th Anniversary insignia with 1951 on the left
side and 2001 on the right side were purchased and used by the zones and the
office.
4. Mailing labels with a 50th Anniversary design including the Association seal were
contracted for and sent to members. This was done as a method to advertise the
50th Anniversary and to have additional income for the general fund.
5. Square-Me puzzles on a chain, made of five small pieces, were ordered with the
Association’s seal and 1951 50th 2001 underneath. Seal was gold on a red piece
shaped like a schoolhouse, the other pieces were yellow. The puzzles were sold
promoting the 50th Anniversary by the officers and staff. Some zones used them
in conjunction with their 50th Anniversary dinner celebration.
6. Some of the zones celebrated the 50th Anniversary by having balloons and a
birthday cake at their annual meeting.
7. Each of the four issues of YORK STATE had a colored insert containing a short
history of each of the ten zones. Additional historical information was also
included in each issue.
8. Plans are in progress to publish a 50th Anniversary Book in 2002.
9. The Insurance Trust provided each member a free one year membership to
Family Assist Net.
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10. Name tags for the Executive Committeemembers, committee chairs, and
appointed positions were made. They have the NYSRTA lapel pin attached.
11. Binding the reports for the Executive Committee Meetings was instituted.
12. York State Manor was sold. One third of the revenue from this sale was turned
over to the Association.
13. The Membership Associate staff position was made permanent.
14. A consultant service database was added for interested members. New members
when applying for membership and members when renewing are given the
opportunity to indicate that they would like to be considered for consultant jobs
coming from school districts, universities, BOCES organizations, the State
Education Department and private employers looking to hire retired educators.
2002
1. The State Legislation Committee had success with two additional Legislative
Agenda Items. Both of these items were part of the NYSRTA/RPEA Coalition 2002
Legislative Campaign. One bill passed into law reduced the age at which a Public
Retiree or Teacher Retiree may make unlimited earnings without affecting his/her
pension from age 70 to 65. A related bill introduced by the NYSTRS raised the limit
on earnings that a retiree may make before reaching 65 from $20,000 to $25,000
annually. The other bill was the “Energy Consumer Protection Act of 2002”. This
legislation, which was backed by the NYSRTA/RPEA Coalition, The New York State
AARP, and other NYS retiree and consumer groups, provides consumers with better
financial protection. The Health Insurance Protection Legislation was renewed for
another year. The Committee had a very successful Lobby Day in May in Albany.
2. The Committee for Federal Legislation collected over 2,300 signatures on petitions
sent to each Congressman and Senator from New York expressing NYSRTA”s
Legislative priorities. Hundreds of letters on the issues also were sent to legislators.
Federal legislation was adopted which increased aid to education, tuition vouchers
for private schools was dropped from the legislation, and campaign finance reform
was enacted. The Chair of the Committee, Dr. Frank C. Mayer, met with Senator
Schumer and spoke at a press conference on the issue of Medicare patients being
denied service by HMO’s. Leave No Child Behind Act was signed into law. NYS will
receive a 25% increase in the Title funds, which targeted our neediest students and
a 40% increase in resources for teacher improvement programs.
3. YORK STATE Editor Harriett Vosganian died May 15, 2002. A memorial service
was conducted June 22, 2002. The appointment of the new Editor Jackie Moller
and the Asspciate Editor Beverly Campany was approved. In each of the four
issues a section called Family Traditions was featured. It is a collection of photos of
NYSRTA members with members of their own family who are also educators.
4. Office computer was upgraded to SQL (Sequel Server), which allows for faster
access to database.
5. The Annual renewal membership card contains the following: referral numbers for
NCBA (insurance), the NYS Teacher’s Retirement System, the web site addresses
for Federal and State government legislation information, discount offers from
Collette Vacations, Smuggler’s Notch Vermont Resort, and Cooks/United Van Lines.
6. Voted to increase the annual dues from $18 to $21 and the Life Membership from
$180 to $252 as of January 1, 2003. Through a Bylaw amendment, the zone share
of the Life Membership will be paid at the time of payment of the dues. The
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brochure and membership application has been revised for use after January 1,
2003.
7. The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association joined with the Retired Public
Employees’ Association in forming the National Association of Organizations of
Retired Public Employees, Inc.
8. A signed service agreement between NYSRTA and SAANYS paves the way for
improved job placement service for interim candidates.
9. The Insurance Trust continued to spend assets for member benefits: Grants to
Friendly Service - $10,000, support of NYSRTA including equipment - $4429, free
insurance programs for members - $102,000, mailings to membership to inform
about insurance - $27,000, and a new contribution to the Robert R. DeCormier
Memorial Trust Fund - $10,000. The Trust continues to investigate insurance
proposals for members.
10. Dr. Frank C. Mayer was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Robert R.
Decormier Memorial Trust Fund. A total of nine recipients receive monthly grants
from the Fund totaling $21,300. The $10,000 grant from the Insurance Trust will be
used to increase the number of recipients as well as to increase the individual
grants. Grants are based on financial need. A major revision of the application
process was adopted which simplifies the application process and ensures a more
objective interpretation of the information submitted to the Board of Trustees.
11.The 50th Anniversary Book Committee decided on the name, ON COURSE. The
Book will be printed and ready for sale at the 2003 Annual Convention in October.
12. Executive Committee voted to have the Association provide $6.00 per delegate
towards (or for) the Annual Convention souvenir gift to the delegates.
13. Hired a new company, Karner Blue, to be the website provider for NYSRTA.
14. Refurbished the conference room at the office. New chairs purchased, the
conference table refinished and a glass top added, a new sideboard for
storage was purchased and new pictures were hung on the wall. The past
presidents’ photos are now in similar frames and arranged on the wall.
15. Executive Committee voted to enter into a credit card venture with MBNA.
2003
1. Terry M. Trudeau, NZ, was elected President at the Annual meeting in October.
2. State Legislation- (1) Educational Retirees Health Insurance Protections were
extended for another year, until May 15, 2004, with the passage of S1343/A2824.
(2) Comptroller’s Comprehensive reform package to stabilize the funding of the
Common Retirement Fund was enacted. This law requires minimum annual
employer contributions of 4.5% of payroll to the fund. (3) Both Assembly and Senate
passed a bill which would have extended Health Insurance Protections similar to
those enjoyed by Educational Retirees to Public Retirees. However, this did not
become a law when the Governor subsequently vetoed the legislation. (4) A
successful defense of Medicare Premium Reimbursements as a protected retiree
benefit was fought in the Watertown City School District with technical assistance
from NYSRTA State Legislation Committee chair. This happened when the
Superintendent of the District revoked this benefit in violation of the existing health
insurance protections that are renewed every year. [See item (1) above] This action
was subsequently reversed on the advice of their attorney. This action, in effect,
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saved this same benefit for others who were receiving it as members of the
Jefferson-Lewis Employees Health Plan through other school districts.
3. The committee for Federal Legislation focused on the major issues related to the
privatization of Medicare and Social Security, proposed prescription drugs
legislation, the goal of reducing the cost of prescription drugs, and the protection of
Social Security and Medicare trust funds at a time of massive budget deficits. The
Committee worked closely with, many other national and state organizations in
promoting our agenda. A statewide petition containing almost 2,000 signatures was
sent to every New York State senator and representative requesting support of our
legislative goals. In addition, the Committee, through its Chair, sent approximately
180 letters throughout the year to New York’s senators and representatives. Each
month an update on Federal Legislation was sent to each member of the Committee
and to the members of the Executive Committee. Articles on Federal Legislation
appeared in all four issues of YORK STATE during the year.
4. The name of the Fall Workshop was changed to Annual Workshop.
5. Executive Office Manager, Edith Horton, announces her retirement. Edie will stay
on until a new Executive Office Manager is hired and is trained.
6. Edie was given an Honorary Membership in the Association at the Annual
Conference.
7. The Association office at 50 Colvin Road, Albany, was moved to another space on
the same floor as the old one.
8. An Office Secretary was hired.
9. The history book, from 1951 to 2001, ON COURSE was published and went on
sale.
10. YORK STATE publications from the Summer 1958 to the Winter 2003 issues were
put on discs and may be purchased for $10 set.
11. YORK STATE was given a new look. It is printed on glossy paper and has two
colors throughout, red and black. The content was reorganized.
12. By a unanimous decision, the Executive Committee voted to change the name of
the Association. It was decided to poll the members about the name change and
the initial request was in the winter 2003 issue of YORK STATE.
13. New members can join the Association through the Internet using PayPal.
14. Members can advertise saleable or exchangeable item: books, homes, rental
properties, etc. (almost anything) on the NYSRTA Web Site. (Service currently at
no cost to member.)
15. The Association again entered into a contract to have address labels sent to
members. The gifts the members have sent in response to these labels have
increased Association income.
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16. The Insurance Trust gave $6,000 to Friendly Service for distribution to the Zones for
issuing grants.
17. The Insurance Trust Fund gave the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund its
annual contribution of $10,000 for direct help to needy members.
2004
1. Terry M. Trudeau was elected president at the Annual Meeting in October
.
2. State Legislation: In mid-March, Zone Chairs are briefed, and Local Lobby
Packets are mailed out to a statewide network of 208 NYSRTA “Local Lobbyists.”
The NYSRTA Local Lobby Campaign is conducted in late March and throughout
the month of April. The Local Lobby Campaign focuses on approved NYSRTA
Legislative Objectives including Health Insurance Protections, COLA
improvements, Tier Reinstatement for Retirees, a Veterans’ Supplemental, and a
Third Party Notice Bill. This first phase of the 2004 legislative campaign will be
reinforced by the Albany Lobby Day on May 4—5th.
On April 7, S5871/A9284 that was sponsored by Senator Hugh Farley and
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein is signed by Governor Pataki as Chapter 25 of
the Laws of 2004. This law extended, until May 15, 2005, the Health Insurance
Protections originally provided by Chapter 729 of the Laws of 1994 to retirees of
New York State Public Schools and BOCES.
On May 4th and 5th Our Annual Albany Lobby Day is held. At that time 58
NYSRTA “Lobbyists” join representatives of the RPEA (Retired Public Employees
Association) to bring our joint Legislative Agenda to the Legislators and their staff
members in their Albany Offices during the 2004 Legislative Session.
During the Summer, the Assembly and Senate adopt S973A/A4962A which
was sponsored by Sen. Hugh Farley, and Assemblyman Peter Abbate. This
legislation extends Health Insurance Protections to retirees of New York State
and its Local Governments, and is considered an important step on the road for
permanent protections for Public Educational Retirees as well as Public Retirees.
However, Governor Pataki vetoed the bill in September. This veto represents
the third time Governor Pataki has refused to extend this coverage to other
Public Retirees.
Other Legislation, which was sponsored by the New York State Teachers
Retirement System (NYSTRS), was adopted during the 2005 Legislative
Session and signed by the Governor. This legislation also affected Retirees of
Public School Districts and BOCES.
These bills were:
Chapter 4 of the Laws of 2004 that increased the earnings limits for New York
State Public employment under section 212 of New York State’s Retirement &
Social Security Law to $27,500 for the calendar year. (This, in effect, allowed an
increase in such earnings that a retiree under the age of 65 could make from
$25,000 to $27,500 annually without affecting his/her pension payments.)
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Chapter 718 of the Laws of 2004 which extended to June 30, 2005, Chapter 167
of the Laws of 2003. This authorizes NYSTRS to pay, at the member’s
discretion, an actuarially determined lump sum in lieu of an annual retirement
benefit of $2400 or less.
Ronald Wilson is elected NYSRTA Vice President in charge of State Legislation at
the October NYSRTA Annual Meeting. He succeeds Carlyle “Tom” Campany who
served as Vice President in charge of State Legislation from March of 2001 to
November 2004
3. Federal Legislation:
4. Office Highlights: The year 2004 saw some noteworthy changes in our office at 50
Colvin Ave. The new office complex, although smaller in space, is quieter and more
efficient than the previous office complex. Edie Horton gave notice that she planned to
retire. She left her position on May 31, 2004 after serving as Executive Office Manager
for a period of over twelve successful years. She continued to work one day a week as
a resource consultant until December 31, 2004. During her tenure she brought about
many positive changes in the office operation. Computers were introduced, and most of
the day to day operations were computer related. Paying dues on the web was
instituted. Lisa Mitchell was employed by the Association as the new Executive Office
Manager to succeed Edie Horton. She began her duties on March 1, 2004 and with a
very smooth transition, assumed total office responsibility on June 1 st.
5. Office Computers: The Association purchased 5 new computer workstations @ a
cost of $1,670.00 each. Upgrades included Intel Pentium 4 Processor 2.8 Mgh, Crucial
Ram 512MB, Hard Drive 80GB, 720RPM, 32X CD-RW, 16X DVD-R, 17” LCD Flat
panel Monitor. Software system was also upgraded to Microsoft Window XP
Professional, Microsoft Office Professional 2003. With the purchase of the new
hardware and software we should not have to upgrade again until 2011.
6. Video Marketing Project Launched: A professional 9 minute video on the
Association was produced by Media Tech Plus, Inc. of Longwood Florida. This movie is
available for unit or zone meetings by request to the NYSRTA office. It is available in
VHS and DVD formats. It is especially useful for meetings targeting new retirees or
others whenever units and zones are trying to encourage local members to join at the
Association level.
7. CD ROM Production: For the first time, randomly selected new retirees were sent a
CD ROM along with the traditional printed membership brochures, applications and
return envelopes. The CD ROM includes the nine minute movie on NYSRTA but also
has much more information on the zones and other aspects of the organization. Those
viewing it have the option of going directly to the Association’s Web site and joining
online.
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8. Joint SAANYS/NYSRTA Membership Available: Working in cooperation with the
State Administrators Association of New York State, retired administrators within that
organization, joining or renewing their SAANYS membership, had the option of
having a membership from NYSRTA included at the same time. As of December
2004 in the first outreach to SAANYS members, eighty (80) had chosen to enroll in
NYSRTA as well.
9. The ad-hoc Dues Structure Committee evolved into the ad-hoc Marketing
Committee. One important recommendation of this committee was to change the
name of the Association. After a survey conducted in YORK STATE, the name
The Retired Educators Association of New York State, Inc. was passed
unanimously by the Executive Committee and passed by seven (7) zones of the ten
(10) zones. The amendment was defeated by the delegates at the 2004 Annual
Meeting.
10. Personnel Committee: An ad-hoc Personnel Committee was formed and given the
responsibility for interviewing candidates for the Executive Office Manager position.
The Committee recommended Lisa Mitchell as the new Executive Office manager.
The Committee produced the Personnel Policy and Job Description Handbook which
was approved by the Executive Committee. This committee became a standing
committee of the Association with the passing of an amendment at the 2004 Annual
Meeting.
11. The Executive Committee decided that because of the nearness of the Annual
Meeting to the November Executive Committee Meeting, only a few, if any, reports
are needed to be presented. This means that the Executive Committee Meeting can
be concluded by noon and after lunch the attendees can return home. This would
reduce costs by one overnight and one evening meal.
2005
1.
Terry M. Trudeau, NZ, was elected President at the Annual Meeting in September.
2.
State Legislation: We held our January 23 & 24 Legislative Meeting in Albany. At
that meeting we heard an updates from Larry Johansen, Actuary, from the
Teachers’ Retirement System and from Dave Smingler, Executive Assistant for
Legislation from Senator Farley’s office. In addition we revised all the lobbying
materials for the our spring lobbying campaign. In mid-March we briefed the Zone
Chairs on the latest news concerning all our bills and reviewed the Local Lobby
Packets in preparation for our local lobbying campaign during April. At that time we
focused on our main objectives dealing with our One Year Extender for Health
Insurance Protection, COLA improvements, Tier I Reinstatement, Veterans
Supplemental and Third Party Notification.
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On April 19, S1711/A3328 sponsored by Senator Hugh Farley and
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein was signed in to law by Governor Pataki as
Chapter 16 of the Laws of 2005. This law extends until May 15, 2006, the Health
Insurance Protection originally provided by Chapter 729 of the Laws of 1994 to
retirees of New York State Public Schools and BOCES.
On May 10 & 11 our Annual Albany Lobby Day was held. We had 46 NYSRTA
Lobbyists, joined by an equal number of RPEA (Retired Public Employees
Association) members, to bring our joint legislative agenda to key legislators and
their staff members in their Albany Offices during the 2005 Legislative Session.
On June 23 the Assembly and Senate passed S5758/A3216 which was sponsored
by Senator Hugh Farley and Assemblyman Peter Abbate and then sent to the
Governor for his signature. However, for the third time Governor Pataki vetoed the
bill in August. If this legislation had been signed into law it would extend health
insurance protection to retirees of New York State and its Local Governments, and
is considered an important step on the road to permanent protection for Public
Educational Retirees as well as Public Retirees.
On November 13 & 14 the State Legislative Committee met to review the legislative
session for 2005 and develop strategy for the 2006 legislative session.
4.
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed and has met with officials of NYSUT on issues
of mutual concern and interest to retired educators. Future meetings are planned.
5.
An Ad Hoc Committee has formulated a Leadership Training program designed for
Zone use on all aspects of leadership in our Association. A working report is due at
the July 2006 Executive Meeting.
6.
Two $1000 scholarships will be awarded annually to two educators working on their
MS degree or permanent certification. The cost of these scholarships will be borne
by the Association, and they will be awarded to two zones each year on a rotational
basis so that every five years a zone will get to give a $1000 scholarship. The
purpose of these scholarships is twofold, 1. It will help new educators, and 2. It will
give us more recognition, statewide, as an organization. An Ad Hoc Committee to
establish procedures and guidelines for the first scholarship awards being made to
the NZ and CWZ was established.
7.
The awarding of the site for the 2006 Annual Meeting was changed from the
Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, Kerhonkson, NY to the Turning Stone Resort and
Casino at Verona, NY.
8.
Anniversary Dues: This new procedure was put into place for 2006. Members will
be billed for their annual dues in the month that they joined the Association. For the
first year the current members will be billed from July 1to the month that they joined,
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i.e.: September, $5.25, then in the month that they joined they will be billed for 1
year, e.g., September to September, $21.
9.
In response to the crisis for thousands of Gulf Coast children and their families
resulting from this year’s ferocious hurricane season, NYSRTA members donated
nine thousand dollars to Save the Children. This organization was chosen because
it utilized its vast experience in helping children in various types of manmade and
natural disasters worldwide by developing a curriculum to help American children
trying to recover from Katrina’s aftermath. Believing that a return to school is
essential to re-establishing normal patterns for our youth, this specialized
curriculum is delivered within the regular school setting.
12. The DeCormier Memorial Trust provided financial assistance to eleven retirees in
2005, but by the end of the year the number of recipients had diminished to eight
due to deaths or lack of continuing eligibility. The cost of this assistance amounted
to $39,856 and overhead costs such as auditing, bonding, preparation of tax forms,
postage, office supplies and meeting expenses added another $2,900 to the total
expenses for the year. Investments in CDs yielded $27,319 and contributions from
individuals, units, zones, and two bequests added another $34,750 to the total
revenues received during the year. Long-time Trustee Ted Henry resigned from
the Board and was replaced by Dr. Johannes Olsen during the year. Several
letters of appreciation from recipients of the monthly stipends were received and
published in YORK STATE.
13. The office added a new laser printer and a color laser printer to facilitate the inhouse billing process. This will be a sizable cost savings to the Association to be
able to do all of the billing from the office.
14. An Ad Hoc Marketing Committee was formed to investigate and recommend the
kinds of marketing projects and strategies NYSRTA can consider to strengthen its
outreach to retired educators in NYS.
15. The National Retired Teachers’ Association awarded NYSRTA an $8500 Innovative
grant to redesign the Job Network Service.
16. The School Administrators Association of NYS offered administrative retirees an
opportunity to join NYSRTA at their renewal time or if they were first-time joiners.
17. Albany office staff conducted a massive and successful Local County Drive using
directories supplied by unit/county/zone leaders. Non-NYSRTA members were
identified and sent brochures and applications to join.
18. Posters using a new Apple Logo with golfers and a new branding slogan “While
You’re at Play, We’re Working for You!” were made available in two sizes. One
method of distribution involved printing them on the back page inside cover of YORK
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STATE with a request that members place them in local places retirees visit.
Another method of distribution was to offer a Poster Contest for membership leaders
at the Zone and local levels. In the spring of 2006, the Zone(s) having placed the
greatest number of posters throughout their area will receive an award from the
Association.
19. Personalized address labels were sent to members as a special fund raising
initiative.
20. The NYSRTA office and volunteer Ron Wilson of NEZ offered a ski trip tour
package to a resort in Canada.
2006
1. Ross Hudson passed away in March of 2006.
2. Three weeks later Senior VP Barrie Fleegel passed away
3. Then in June another long time member Roland Randall, President of Central
Zone, passed away.
4. The Association introduced a new dues structure—membership is based on a
twelve month year beginning with the month that one originally joined.
5. At the annual meeting in October held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino,
Ron Wilson was elected President, Carlyle “Tom” Campany was elected SR.
VP, Mary Ella Moeller was elected Federal Leg. Chair, Doris Whitney was
elected Friendly Service Chair. Terry Trudeau was elected to serve as a
member of the Insurance Trust replacing Glenn Clark who chose not to run
again.
6. At the November Executive Meeting a letter of resignation was received from
Association Treasurer Jack Hickey. President Wilson appointed Terry
Trudeau as Treasurer replacing Mr. Hickey. At the Insurance Trust meeting
Terry Trudeau was elected Chairman of the Insurance Trust and Glenn Clark
was appointed as Secretary-Treasurer of the Trust
.
7. Agnes Hudson was elected to membership on the DeCormier Trust, replacing
Alice Bennett who resigned, and Imogene McKendrick was elected Chair of that
trust.
8. Turning Stone Resort and Casino was, again given the contract to host the 2007
Annual Meeting.
9. The Association donated more than $9000 to the Save the Children program to
help children who were victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Association also gave
several thousand dollars to help children in New York State who were victims of
the severe floods in central-southern New York State this past summer.
10. The Association now gives two $1000 Graduate Study Awards to active
educators pursuing their permanent certification. They are named the Florence
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Coulter Kramer and Ross Hudson Scholarships and are so named in memory of
Mrs. Florence Coulter Kramer for her generosity to the Association, and to
Ross Hudson Jr. for his many years of devotion and work for the Association.
This year’s winners were Drew Benware of Saranac Lake in Northern Zone, and
Rebecca Root Davis of South Seneca Elementary School in Central Western
Zone.
11. The Graduate Study Award made it’s transition from the original Ad Hoc
Committee which began in 2005 to the jurisdiction of the Public Relations
Committee.
12. The Ad Hoc Marketing Committee was established this year to begin plans to
include an Exhibitor area at the Annual Convention “07 to help offset costs.
13. Under the terms of the 2005 NRTA grant an administrative survey of NYS school
administrators was hosted online with data collected concerning the desirability
of hiring retired educators to assist in a variety of school tasks and programs.
14. The NYSRTA web site was redesigned by Diversified Network Solutions and its
hosting changed to them as well.
15. The recipients of the Certificate of Recognition this year were Judie Byndas of
Central Western Zone, Carlyle “Tom” Campany of North Central Zone, and
Robert Joyce of North Eastern Zone.
16. Insurance Trust instituted new Health Care program through NCBA for members
of Medicare age called Today’s Options.
17. DeCormier Trust instituted new program that will allow members to apply for a
one-time Grant based on specific criteria.
18. Continued cooperative efforts with RPEA and SAANYS .
19. Historian was changed from an Appointed Position to a Standing Committee.
2007
Graduate Study Awards of $1,000 each were presented to Erin Damin, teacher in
The Gilboa-Conesville CSD in Eastern Zone and Parke Brown from the ErieChautauqua-Cattaragus BOCES in the Western Zone.
An Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee was formed to look at the future of NYSRTA
and how it operates.
Manning and Napier became our Financial Advisors.
A Community Service Committee, under the Chairmanship of Len Sikora, was
approved and formed.
Certificates of Recognition went to Jane Buell CWZ, Jackie Morana WZ and James
Parsons, SZ.
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Annual dues increased from $21 to $27 and Life dues increased from $252 to $378 as
of July 1.
Anna May Hoffman (LIZ) was elected Association Secretary.
Leon Harrold reported 331 Wal-Mart cards for $31 each were given to students who
were victims of the flooding in Southern New York State.
NYSRTA noted the passing of Julia Jones WZ, long time Western Zone Friendly
Service Chair, former Vice President in charge of Friendly Service, member of the
DeCormier Trust and recipient of the Certificate of Recognition.
Vendors purchased booth space and exhibited at the Annual Convention for the first
time.
The Association continued cooperative efforts with RPEA and SAANY’s.
Ron Wilson, Jennifer Gardella and Lisa Dolen attended AARP Sept. Conference and
made official contacts with Elderhostel & Borders. We are now planning three resume
writing workshops with Borders that will support the NYSRTA Job Service registration
process. Also as a result of an outreach to Elderhostel we are beginning a pilot with
them involving their Day Journey programs.
Jennifer Gardella and Lisa Dolen attended the International Conference on Older
Workers.
Transition of NYSRTA members from old consultant database to the new job service
site was begun and will complete by April ’08.
The pension plan for NYSRTA employees was switched to MetLife.
The NYSRTA office provided support for Tier 1 Legislative Lobby Day.
Jennifer Gardella and Lisa Dolen presented a workshop at Literacy NY in June.
The Association of Career and Technical Educators Administrators and NYSRTA
discussed ways in which NYSRTA retirees can support Career and Technical Education
statewide as a result of ’05 WZ Resolution #3 to do so.
2008
In the spring of 2008 changes were made in the Albany Office. Jennifer Gardella
retired after about 10 years with the association and Debbie Weisgerber was hired as
an Executive Assistant. Lisa Dolen continues as the Executive Office Manager and
Bobbi Ziarno as the State Legislation and Technical Services Coordinator.
The DeCormier Memorial Trust now offers two financial assistance programs. One is
the monthly stipend. The other is a lump sum Special Grant to assist with an
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unexpected, emergency situation. For the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the DeCormier Trust
Fund sent $3,300 a month to six retired educator members for a total of $39,600 and
awarded a total of $6,215 under the Special Grant program.
Graduate Study Awards: Kathryn Konstanty, a middle school French teacher at
Beekmantown Middle school in Beekmantown, NY was the recipient of the Ross
Hudson Jr. graduate study award for the Northeastern Zone. Tamara Edwards, an
elementary music teacher, at Drexel Avenue Elementary School in Westbury, NY was
the recipient of the Florence Coulter Kramer graduate study award for the Long Island
Zone.
Appointments: Burt Phillips, NCZ, was appointed Chair of the Bylaws Committee,
replacing Jacqueline Morana, WZ, who had been forced to step down due to illness.
Leigh Powell, LIZ, was appointed Chair of the Site Committee, replacing long serving
Mike Hayduk of CZ. Dr. George Forbes, NCZ, was reappointed to a three-year term
as a Trustee of the Insurance Trust. Anne Flansburg (WZ) was elected a Trustee of
the Robert R. DeCormier Memorial Trust Fund, replacing Robert Wallace
The 2008 Annual Convention, held at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY, was ably
hosted by Northern Zone. Several innovations took place at the Annual Convention,
including “open seating” at meals and, rather than having a head table as in the past,
officers and Zone Presidents were introduced for recognition and then allowed to sit
where they wished.
The Annual Meeting was speeded by not having committee chairs give oral reports
unless their report required delegate action.
Election: Wm. H. (Bill) Hall, LIZ, was elected Vice President in charge of Membership,
replacing Charles Peszynski, WZ, who had served the maximum number of terms.
Certificates of Recognition went to Jack DeWeese, EZ, and Doris M. Whitney, CWZ.
Marianne Malatino joined the Executive Committee as President of North Central Zone
and Dr. Johannes (John) Olsen joined the Executive Committee as President of
Western Zone.
2009
The NYSRTA office was moved, July 1st, to its new location in the SAANYS building at 8
Airport Blvd, Latham, NY 12110-6414. This move saves on rent and provides better
security and a cleaner, more pleasant and more flexible venue.
Graduate Study Grants: The Southeastern Zone selected Tara Hamburger, a
mathematics teacher at the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School in Monticello, as the
recipient of the Ross Hudson Jr. Graduate Study Grant for Educational Professionals.
The Southern Zone selected Candace Blakeslee, a sixth grade teacher at the
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Harpursville Middle School in Harpursville, as the recipient of the Florence Coulter
Kramer Graduate Study Grant for Educational Professionals.
The 59th Annual Convention, held at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY, was ably
hosted by the Western Zone.
Certificates of Recognition went to Jennifer M. Gardella, EZ; Dr. Johannes I. Olsen,
WZ, and Ronald C. Wilson, NEZ.
Elections: Carlyle T. Campany--NCZ was elected to his first term as President.
Judie Byndas--CWZ was elected to her first term as Senior Vice President.
Alphonse Marabella--WZ was elected to his first term as Vice President in
charge of Federal Legislation.
Lucretia Ruppel--LIZ was elected to her first term as Vice President in
Charge of Friendly Service.
William (Bill) Hall--LIZ was reelected to his second term as Vice President in
charge of Membership.
Angelo Grande--LIZ was elected to his first term as Vice President in charge of
State Legislation.
Anna May Hoffman--LIZ was reelected to her third term as Secretary.
Terry Trudeau--NZ was reelected as Treasurer.
The following new Zone Presidents joined the Executive Committee on November 1,
2009: Pete Atchinson--NEZ, Fred Conway--LIZ, Donna Finnerty--NZ, John
Mizerak--EZ, Jim Parsons--SZ and the Co-Presidents of CWZ, John Hogan and
Carol Lord.
Appointments: The following new Standing Committee Chairs were appointed, effective
November 1, 2009: Jennifer Gardella--EZ, Community Service; Jack DeWeese--EZ,
Finance and Budget; Mary Ella Moeller--LIZ, Healthcare; Ellen Barnes--CWZ, History;
Dr. George W. Forbes--NCZ, Nominations; Jane Buell--CWZ, Public Relations; Emily
Castine--NEZ, Resolutions. Ronald C. Wilson, President 2006-2009, was appointed
Chair of a Special Committee known as the “Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning.”
Glenn W. Clark, Past President (1988-91) and longtime chairman of the Insurance
Trust, presented a plaque to Tom Reed for his abiding interest in NYSRTA and his long
service as our insurance broker.
Mr. Clark was recently honored by the government of France. Former Army Captain
Clark was named a Chevalier de Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur. The Legion of
Honor is the highest award given by France. It was awarded for his “personal, precious
contribution to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of France during World
War II.” President Ronald C. Wilson presented a plaque from the association to Mr.
Clark, saying “this award reflects distinct honor and pride upon our nation, the New York
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State Retired Teachers’ Association, and most of all, on Glenn W, Clark himself and his
family.”
Legislation Tier V legislation was signed into law by Governor Paterson December 10,
2009. Included in this bill was wording that amends “Chapter 729 of the Laws of 1994,
to make permanent the prohibition on diminution by a school district, board of
cooperative educational services, or vocational education and extension board of the
health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their dependents, or the contributions
such board or district makes for such health insurance coverage, below the level of
such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and their dependents by
such district or board unless a corresponding diminution of benefits or contributions is
effected from the present level during this period by such district or board from the
corresponding group of active employees for such retirees.” Simply stated, a long term
effort by NYSRTA to affect legislation was successful and all educational retirees have
benefitted.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Morana, WZ, former Bylaws Committee Chair and a recipient of
an Association Certificate of Recognition, passed away at her home December 21,
2009.
Barbara “Bobbi” Ziarno, of our office staff, retired from her position as State
Legislative & Technical Services Coordinator December 31st. She was a joy to work
with, and a real asset to the State Legislation Committee. She will be sorely missed.
2010
Graduate Study Awards: The North Central Zone selected Jennifer L. Myers, a sixth
grade language arts teacher and administrative intern in the Carthage Central School
district, as the recipient of the Ross Hudson Jr. Graduate Study Grant for Educational
Professionals. The Central Zone selected Jesus Martinez Gomez, a Spanish teacher
in the Richfield Springs Central School district, as the recipient of the Florence Coulter
Kramer graduate Study Grant for Educational Professionals.
Alice M. Denfeld, former Dutchess County and SEZ President and Certificate of
Recognition recipient, passed away in February.
At the Annual Meeting
Carlyle T. Campany--NCZ was reelected to his second term as President.
Judie Byndas--CWZ was reelected to her second term as Senior Vice
President.
Lucretia Ruppel--LIZ was reelected to her second term as Vice President in
charge of Friendly Service.
Angelo I. Grande--LIZ was elected to his first term as Vice President in charge
of Legislative Action.
Sharon J. White--CWZ was elected to her first term as Vice President in charge
of Membership.
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Anna May Hoffman--LIZ was reelected to her fourth term as Secretary.
Terry Trudeau--NZ was reelected as Treasurer.
The new President of the Central Zone, William (Bill) Tenity, joined the Executive
Committee
Appointments: The following Standing Committee Chairs were reappointed, effective
November 1, 2010: Burt Phillips--NCZ, Bylaws, Jennifer Gardella--EZ, Community
Service; Jack DeWeese--EZ, Finance and Budget; Mary Ella Moeller--LIZ, Healthcare;
Ellen Barnes--CWZ, History; Dr. George W. Forbes--NCZ, Nominations; Jane BuellCWZ, Public Relations; Emily Castine--NEZ, Resolutions. And Thomas W. O’Shea,
WZ, was appointed Chair of the Credentials Committee, replacing Anthony Vetrano,
WZ, who stepped down. Ronald C. Wilson, President 2006-2009, was reappointed
Chair of a Special Committee known as the “Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning.”
Also, a special committee was established to look into the impacts of a possible change
to a biennial convention. In response to a member petition for an amendment to the
Bylaws, the “Ad Hoc Committee to study Impacts of the Biennial Convention” was
established under the chairmanship of Senior Vice President Judie Byndas. Members
of the committee are CZ President Gwynne Bodle, Assistant Treasurer Jack DeWeese
Community Services Chair Jennifer Gardella, SEZ President Leon Harrold, Site
Committee Chair Leigh Powell and Treasurer Terry Trudeau. A later Opinion of
Counsel was received and we learned that NY State law requires us to hold an Annual
Meeting.
Legislation: Vice President in charge of State Legislation (2008-2010) Angelo I.
Grande reported that our state legislative effort saw two major successes this year. He
thanked the Zone Chairs and the Local Lobbyists who were influential in getting this
legislation passed.
Permanent Health Insurance Protection--Governor Paterson signed bill
#A40026/S66026 into law on December 10, 2009. The “Retirement Benefits for New
Entrants Tier V” bill contained a provision that will make permanent the retirees’ health
insurance protection for educators in New York State. (This means that any changes in
educational retirees’ health insurance benefits or costs can be made only in conjunction
with similar changes in active employees’ benefits.)
Third Party Notification Bill—Governor Paterson signed bill #A00217/S5456
into law on April 28, 2010. This requires third party notification prior to
termination of long-term care and health insurance for persons 65 and older.
Vice President Grande acknowledged the involvement of a coalition of retiree
groups that made the passage of this bill possible. NYSRTA, AARP,
NYSUT,SAANYS, RPEA and the Alliance of Public Retiree Organizations
(APRONY) all worked together.
2011
Graduate Study Awards: The Central Western Zone selected Joseph Pompili, an
instrumental music teacher in the Kendall Central School district, as the recipient of the
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Florence Coulter Kramer graduate Study Grant for Educational Professionals. The
Northern Zone selected Mary L. Jones, a fourth grade teacher and administrative intern
in the Chateaugay Central School district, as the recipient of the Ross Hudson Jr.
Graduate Study Grant for Educational Professionals.
The 61st Annual Convention was held at the Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa in
Ellenville, ably hosted by the Long Island Zone.
Certificates of Recognition were awarded to Beverly Campany, NCZ, James Moller,
LIZ and Anthony Vetrano, WZ.
At the Annual Meeting, October 20, 2011:
Carlyle T. Campany--NCZ was reelected to his third term as President.
Judie Byndas--CWZ was reelected to her third term as Senior Vice President.
Lucretia Ruppel--LIZ was reelected to her third term as Vice President in
charge of Friendly Service.
Angelo Grande--LIZ was reelected to his second term as Vice President in
charge of Legislative Action.
Sharon J. White--CWZ was reelected to her second term as Vice President in
charge of Membership.
Anna May Hoffman--LIZ was reelected to her fifth term as Secretary.
Terry Trudeau--NZ was reelected as Treasurer.
At the October meeting of the Executive Committee, the following standing committee
chairs were appointed, effective November 1, 2011: Burt Phillips--NCZ, Bylaws;
Jackie Moller—CZ, Certificate of Recognition; Jennifer Gardella--EZ,Community
Service; Thomas W. O’Shea, WZ, Credentials; Jack DeWeese--EZ, Finance and
Budget; Mary Ella Moeller--LIZ, Healthcare; Ellen Barnes--CWZ, History; Dr. George
W. Forbes--NCZ, Nominations; Jane Buell--CWZ, Public Relations; Emily Castine-NEZ, Resolutions; Leigh Powell—LIZ, Site.
And Ronald C. Wilson, President 2006-2009, was reappointed Chair of a Special
Committee known as the “Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning.”
Beverly (Bev) Campany of North Central Zone, Charles (Chuck) Peszynski of
Western Zone and William (Bill) Yost of Southeastern Zone joined the Executive
Committee as new Zone Presidents.
In another matter of note this year Vice President in charge of Legislative Action Angelo
I. Grande submitted this report:
Legislative Action Committee - 2011
With the passage of Proposition A at the October 2010 NYSRTA Convention, we added
a new component to our Legislation Committee. With the addition of Federal
Legislation, we had a new challenge. In order to create a smooth transition to a
true "Legislative Action Committee", the Chair formed a Sub-Committee on State
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Legislation under the direction of Jack Leasure (CWZ) and also formed a SubCommittee on Federal Legislation under the direction of Dick Bushnell (NCZ). It was
a big undertaking, but it was a great experience, and the entire committee gained
new organizational experience from it.
Another accomplishment during the 2011 year was the trip in April that the Committee
Chair, and Subcommittee Chair for Federal Legislation took to Washington, DC as
guests of NRTA (AARP). Most of the conference dealt with Pension Reform. We also
got a chance to go up to Capitol Hill to visit our legislators and present our Federal
Campaign Card. During the visit to Washington, we visited the following legislative
offices: Senator Kristen Gillibrand, Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Carolyn
McCarthy and Congressman Bill Owens. We also visited Senator Amy Klobuchar’s
office. She had introduced Bill S.1249, the Medicare Improvement Act of 2009, which
included “value indexing. (We were pleased when we learned that this concept (one
of our Federal Legislation goals) became part of the idea of “value indexing”
that is now a part of President Obama’s “Affordable Care Act”. This portion of the
act tries to provide a fair fee reimbursement schedule for doctors.
Our Federal Campaign Card was adopted by the thirty-eight states’ representatives who
attended the NRTA conference. We would like to thank Dick Bushnell (NCZ) for his
effort in putting together the Federal Campaign Card.
In October Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who represents the 22nd Congressional
District was the guest speaker at the 2011 NYSRTA Convention, which was held at the
Honor’s Haven Resort, Ellenville, NY. This is the first time in the history of NYSRTA that
a Congressman has spoken at our convention. The Congressman spoke about his
position on Medicare and Social Security.
In early December of 2011, the Chair was invited by NRTA (AARP) to attend a
conference in Washington DC on Public Pensions. New York was one of ten states
asked to participate. The aim of the conference was to determine ways of improving
our Public Pension systems. At the conference it was noted that New York has one of
the best Pension Systems in the entire country.
Next year we plan to improve on our success and hope we can travel to Washington
again to propose our 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda. We would also like to develop a
coalition of other retiree groups to push our federal legislation.
NYSRTA thanks all of the Legislative Zone Chairs and all of the Legislative Advocates
who helped make this year another success.
2012
Graduate Study Awards:
The Western Zone selected Melissa Bowman, an art teacher at Barker Central School,
as the recipient of the Ross Hudson Jr. Graduate Study Grant for Educational
Professionals.
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Three dedicated activists passed away this year: Dorothy Buell was three weeks
shy of her 97th birthday. Dorothy served NYSRTA in many roles, including president of
the Steuben County unit and as Central Western Zone President. Dorothy also served
as Chair of the Vice President for Membership; she was a recipient of the Certificate of
Recognition.
James Moeller was a past President of Long Island Zone and, until shortly before his
death, the Treasurer of Long Island Zone. Jim was a member of the Finance and
Budget Committee and Chair of the Board of the Insurance Trust. He was a recipient of
the Certificate of Recognition.
Anna May Hoffman, a past President of the Long Island Zone, was serving as the
NYSRTA Secretary at the time of her passing.
At its July meeting the Executive Committee authorized changes to the Certificate of
Recognition award. Henceforth it is to be known as the “Certificate of Recognition for
Distinguished Service.” Living past and future recipients of the award are to be given
distinctive gold pins and their status will be noted in official documents of the
Association by including *CR following their name,
The 62nt Annual Convention was held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in
Verona. It was ably hosted by the North Central and Northeastern Zones.
Certificates of Recognition for Distinguished Service were awarded to Angelo I,
Grande--LIZ, Diane E. Hahn--EZ, and Thomas W. O’Shea--WZ.
At the Annual Meeting, October 18, 2012:
Judie Byndas *CR–WZ was elected to her first term as President
Angelo I Grande *CR--LIZ was elected to his first term as Senior Vice
President.
Mary Ella Moeller *CR--LIZ was elected to her first term as Vice President for
Friendly Service.
Mary Johnson--SZ was elected to her first term as Vice President for
Legislative Action.
Sharon J. White--CWZ was reelected to her third term as Vice President for
Membership.
Nancy Roberts—NCZ was elected to her first term as Secretary.
Terry Trudeau *CR--NZ was reelected as Treasurer.
The Executive Committee was renamed Executive Board as the result of a bylaw
change.
At the October meeting of the Executive Board, The following standing committee
chairs were appointed, effective November 1, 2012: Burt Phillips--NCZ, Bylaws;
Jackie Moller *CR—CZ, Certificate of Recognition; Jennifer Gardella *CR--EZ,
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Community Service; Thomas W. O’Shea *CR--WZ, Credentials; Jack DeWeese *CR-EZ, Finance and Budget; Gwynne Bodle--CZ, Healthcare; Carol Lord--CWZ, History;
Emily Castine--NEZ, Nominations; Jane Buell *CR--CWZ, Public Relations; Doris
Kirsch--WZ, Resolutions; Leigh Powell—LIZ, Site.
Also, Ronald C. Wilson *CR--NEZ, was reappointed Chair of the ad hoc committee on
Strategic Planning.
And Beverly (Bev) Campany *CR—NCZ was appointed temporary chair of the ad hoc
committee on Graduate Study Awards.
Timothy L. (Tim) Quill of Central Western Zone, Kevin Mulligan of Northeastern
Zone, Vincent (Vince) Smith of Southern Zone and Anthony C. (Tony) Colombo of
Southeastern Zone joined the Executive Board as new Zone Presidents.
In late November Robert Mooso--NEZ, former Chair of the Public Relations
Committee, was reappointed to that post during the illness of Jane Buell. And two
appointments were confirmed by the Executive Board in an electronic meeting: Brian
Sherman--EZ is the new Editor of YORK STATE and Kathi Bassett of the office staff
continues as Associate Editor of YORK STATE.
2012 Legislative Action Committee Report - Mary Johnson, SZ, Vice President for
Legislative Action
The Legislative Action Committee proposed an ambitious state legislative
program in 2012 and going forward into 2013. The zone chairs, along with their local
committees, advocated for Minimum Pension Bump-up, Senior Anti-violence and
Enforcement Act, Adult Day Services Respite Demonstration Program and Granting of
School Tax Exemption to Veterans with at least forty per cent disability. While none of
these bills passed this year, we will continue to focus on these themes in 2013, along
with COLA bills and Tier I reinstatement. Janice Mullins served as chair of State
Legislation for the Legislative Action Committee and did extensive research on the bills
and talking points .
The Legislative Action Committee adopted a federal agenda that includes: Elder
Abuse Victims Act, National Silver Alert Act, Medigap Medical Loss Ratio Improvement
Act and Social Security Lock-box Act. We worked to train our state activists on how to
approach federal legislation and legislators. We plan to expand our federal involvement
in 2013. Mary Johnson served as chair of Federal Legislation.
The 2011-2012 Vice President for Legislative Action. Angelo Grande *CR,
thanked the zone chairs and their local committees for increasing the number of visits to
legislators and for an increase in reaction sheets submitted. Our focus is on meeting
with legislators in their home offices. This provides a venue with fewer interruptions and
greater opportunity to increase the visibility of NYSRTA. We held conference calls in
January, March and June to finalize the state and federal priorities. In May, six of our
members met with key NYS Legislature committee chairs in Albany to present our
priorities and try to move them along. We were encouraged to continue to advocate for
Minimum Pension Bump-up next year. Between the economic climate and the
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September floods, finances were very tight again this year.
NYSRTA depends on our Legislative Action Committee’s zone chairs to forward
our agenda. We are grateful for their excellent efforts and offer our thanks to them.
2013
Two dedicated activists passed away this year:
Alice Bennett *CR 1981 EZ, was the president of TARTA (Troy Area Retired Teachers'
Association), now RCRTA (Rensselaer County Retired Teachers Association) from
1991-1993. She attended every event and didn't hesitate to speak up for herself,
retirees of Rensselaer Co., and the NYSRTA organization.
Carol J. Kraft *CR 1997 LIZ was a very active member of North Nassau Retired
Teachers' Association, LIZ and NYSRTA. She was parliamentarian and the Awards'
Chairperson of North Nassau for many years. She was parliamentarian for LIZ and also
served as Bylaws Chairperson for NYSRTA in 1995.
The Friendly Service Committee took on a special project this year. The Hurricane
Sandy Relief Fund received $10,395 dollars in donations which were channeled to 14
members.
The 63rd Annual Convention was held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in
Verona. It was ably hosted by the Southeastern Zone.
Certificates of Recognition for Distinguished Service were awarded to Charles T.
Peszynski—WZ and Burt W. Phillips—NCZ.
At the Annual Meeting, October 17, 2013:
Judie Byndas *CR–WZ was elected to her second term as President
Angelo I, Grande *CR--LIZ was elected to his second term as Senior Vice
President.
Mary Ella Moeller *CR--LIZ was elected to her second term as Vice President
for Friendly Service.
Mary Johnson--SZ was elected to her second term as Vice President for
Legislative Action.
Salvatore J. Sedita–WZ was elected to his first term as Vice President for
Membership.
Nancy Roberts—NCZ was elected to her second term as Secretary.
Terry Trudeau *CR--NZ was reelected as Treasurer.
At the October meeting of the Executive Board, The following standing committee
chairs were appointed, effective November 1, 2012: Burt Phillips *CR--NCZ, Bylaws;
Jackie Moller *CR—CZ, Certificate of Recognition; Patricia Dietrich--NCZ, Community
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Service; Thomas W. O’Shea *CR--WZ, Credentials; Jack DeWeese *CR--EZ, Finance
and Budget; Gwynne Bodle--CZ, Healthcare; Carol Lord--CWZ, History; Emily
Castine--NEZ, Nominations; Robert Mooso--NEZ, Public Relations; Doris Kirsch-WZ, Resolutions; Leigh Powell—LIZ, Site.
Also, Ronald C. Wilson *CR--NEZ, President 2006-2009, continues as Chair of a
Special Committee known as the “Ad Hoc Committee on Strategic Planning.”
Kathryn Grande of Long Island Zone, Gayla LePage of Northern Zone, and Rosalie
Oliver of Eastern Zone joined the Executive Board as new Zone Presidents.
Continuing in their appointed positions are. Assistant Treasurer Jack DeWeese *CR,
YORK STATE Editor Brian Sherman, and YORK STATE Associate Editor Kathi
Bassett.
2014
Word was received that President Emerita Charlotte Huff *CR (1991-94) had passed
away in December 2013. Miss Huff, a former Long Island Zone President, was an
innovator who brought lasting changes to the Association. Her passing was the subject
of an article in the summer 2014 edition of YORK STATE.
Jack Hickey *CR, a former Eastern Zone President and NYSRTA Treasurer (2000-06),
passed away in May.
President Emeritus Glenn W. Clark *CR (1988-1991) of the Central Zone, passed away
in June. A tireless advocate of everyone’s role in helping to keep membership strong,
his legacy includes being the creator of the book of guidelines now known as the
Leaders’ Manual. His passing was the subject of an article in the summer 2014 edition
of YORK STATE.
NYSRTA Grants: The Long Island Zone selected three co-winners of a grant involving
butterflies: R. Nudegger, J. Warring, and P. Renona as the joint recipients of the Ross
Hudson Jr. Award for Educational Professionals. The Northeastern Zone selected Kim
Quinn from Plattsburgh Middle School for her “Dreamboard Project,” as the recipient of
the Florence Coulter Kramer Award for Educational Professionals.
APPENDIX A
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Parliamentary law was the name given originally to the rules and customs for
conducting business in the English Parliament and the procedure was developed
through a continuing process of decisions and precedents. The general principles of
Parliamentary Law are referred to as “Rules of Order.”
Consult the latest edition of the NYSRTA Leaders’ Manual and the approved Bylaws of
The New York State Retired Teachers’ Association, Inc. to resolve questions regarding
a particular provision or procedure.
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MOTIONS AND THEIR USAGE. The successful presiding officer must understand the
categories of motions, their precedence, their purposes and the basic rules that govern
their correct handling. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised is a volume of over 500
pages and most of them deal with the subject of motions. Sufficient familiarity with
“Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance” (below) to look up rules quickly should be the
minimum study.
REFERENCES. The most widely used authority on parliamentary procedures is
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The 11th edition was promulgated in
September 2011 and became effective as the NYSRTA’s governing authority November
1, 2012.
An authoritative reference that enables the chair to use “Robert’s Rules” effectively
without committing the rules to memory is “Parliamentary Procedures at a Glance” by O.
Garfield Jones.
A variety of publications and tables are available which provide simplified summaries of
parliamentary procedures. Most, including the above-cited authorities, are available in
most bookstores and online suppliers such as Amazon.com
Revised December 2012
APPENDIX B
THE PROPER FORM OF MINUTES
Minutes should contain what is done, not what is said. Debate, conversation,
argument and the opinions of the secretary should not be recorded. All motions and
resolutions should be included, all important announcements and activities needed
to understand the parliamentary activities of the association. Reports of committees
and officers should be attached, and recommendations included in the reports are
treated as motions. The secretary should not attempt to summarize the report.
Minutes should contain [RONR (10th Edition) pp. 451 – 454]
The opening paragraph must include:
1. The kind of meeting - regular, special, adjourned regular or adjourned special
2. The name of the society or assembly
3. The date, time and place of the meeting
4. Who presided and recorded
5. Disposition of previous meeting's minutes
The body of the minutes contains a separate paragraph for each subject matter and
should include:
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1. Any main motions or restorative motions made using the exact words stated
by the Chair. The maker's name is recorded, but not the name of the seconder. Record
the disposition of the motion. The fact that the motion was amended or debated is
mentioned only parenthetically. Withdrawn motions are not recorded.
2. Any secondary motions that were adopted.
3. All notices of motions. All points of order and appeals, whether sustained or
not, include the Chair’s reasoning.
4. All counted votes. The number of votes on each side should be recorded.
5. The name and subject of a guest speaker can be given but no effort should
be made to summarize his/her remarks.
The final paragraph should include the hour of adjournment.
Other authors feel that the minutes should also contain:
1. Treasurer's statement, including the amount on hand at the previous meeting,
receipts, disbursements and total amount on hand currently.
2. All reports of officers and committees should be noted in the minutes as
having been received by the assembly. If the assembly feels a report is of great
importance it can order it entered in the minutes. Any recommendations should be
treated in the minutes as motions.
3. If any ad hoc committees are formed, the charge of the committee, the
chairman and members should be in the minutes.
4. Important announcements.
Issued March 2012
What may seem like wasted space in this spot is intended
to provide integrity to the material on the pages following.
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APPENDIX C
Annual Meeting Rules of Order
THE NEW YORK STATE RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.
8 Airport Park Road, Latham, NY 12110-6414
2014 ANNUAL MEETING
RULES OF ORDER
1.
Credentials
1.1 The Credentials Committee shall certify the credentials of all delegates to
the Annual Meeting.
1.2 Immediately after the opening of Annual Meeting, the Credentials
Committee Chair shall report the number of delegates present with proper
credentials.
1.3 If there is a challenge to the validity of the credentials of any delegate or
alternate delegate, the Credentials Committee shall investigate the
challenge and shall decide on the validity by a majority vote of the
committee. The determination of this committee shall be final unless
overruled by a two thirds (2/3) affirmative vote by the credentialed
delegates.
1.4 If there are multiple sessions of the Annual Meeting, the Credentials
Committee Chair shall present a supplemental report at the start of each
session.
2.
Rules of Order
The rules contained in the eleventh edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly
Revised shall govern the Annual Meeting in all cases to which they are
applicable and in which they are not in conflict with the Bylaws of the Association
and with these Rules of Order.
3.
Parliamentarian
3.1 The President shall appoint a parliamentarian who shall be present at each
session of the Annual Meeting.
3.2 The parliamentarian shall advise the Chair throughout the Annual Meeting
on matters of procedure.
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4.
Quorum
One hundred (100) accredited delegates in attendance at each of the business
sessions of the Annual Meeting shall constitute a quorum.
5.
Official Time Keeper
5.1 The President shall appoint an official time keeper
5.2 The official time keeper shall time all speakers as provided in these Rules
of Order.
6.
Seating of Delegates
6.1 All delegates shall be seated in the places provided for their delegation and
shall remain in their seats at all times when the Annual Meeting is in
session, except when seeking recognition.
6.2 The vote of any delegate who is not seated in the delegate section or on
the dais shall not be counted.
7.
Addressing the Annual Meeting
7.1 Delegates who wish to speak from the floor shall:
7.1.1 Approach a microphone, hold up a voting card to facilitate being
seen, and wait to be recognized by the Chair.
7.1.2 State their name and their zone or affiliated group, which they
represent.
7.1.3 Once having spoken, any delegate who wishes to speak again on the
same matter will go to the end of any line at the microphone. This
delegate must allow full access to the microphone by others who have not
yet spoken and who wish to gain recognition by the Chair.
7.2 Any person not a delegate who wishes to speak must obtain permission
from the Chair.
8.
Motions
All main motions and amendments made to a motion (except those made by a
committee chair) shall be in writing and on an official NYSRTA Motion Form.
This is to be obtained from the Secretary.
9.
Debate
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9.1 No delegate to the Annual Meeting may speak for more than five (5)
minutes at any one time nor more than twice on each question.
9.2 No one may speak a second time on the same question as long as any
delegate who has not spoken on that question desires to speak.
9.3 The maker of the motion shall be entitled to speak first.
9.4 The Chair will then ask for those who wish to speak in favor and those who
wish to speak against a motion in alternating fashion.
9.5 The limitations on debate may be suspended at any time by a two-thirds
(2/3) affirmative vote of the delegates voting.
10.
Voting on motions
Voting on motions shall be by voice vote accompanied by a raising of the voting
card. If the Chair deems the voice vote to be inconclusive, a counted show of
hands, using voting cards, or a counted standing vote shall be taken. The
Credentials Committee shall serve as tellers in any counted vote. The Chair may
appoint additional tellers to assist in the vote count.
11.
Committee Reports
Reports of the various committees are printed in the Delegates’ booklets. With
the exception of the Bylaws and the Resolutions Committees, all oral committee
reports shall be limited to five (5) minutes. This time limit may be extended an
additional five (5) minutes by a majority vote of the delegates.
12.
Elections
12.1 The report of the Nominations Committee shall be given. Following the
report, the Chair shall ask for nominations from the floor.
12.2
If there are no nominations from the floor for a particular office, the
election for such uncontested office shall be held immediately and shall be
by voice vote.
12.3
If there are nominations from the floor:
12.3.1 Nominating speeches shall be limited to three (3) minutes per
candidate.
12.3.2 Seconding speeches shall be limited to one speech of two (2)
minutes per candidate.
12.4
If there have been nominations from the floor, ballots shall be prepared
while other business is conducted or a recess is declared. When the Chair
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is ready to resume the elections process, the procedure shall be as
follows:
12.4.1 Each candidate for each contested office shall be allowed five (5)
minutes to speak.
12.4.2 The election shall then be held. Positions of the names on the
ballot is by chance. Only credentialed delegates having delegates’
badges and seated in the delegates’ section or on the dais shall be
allowed to vote.
12.4.3 Voting shall be under the supervision of the Credentials
Committee.
12.4.3.1 The Committee will use the official list of delegates
furnished by the Association’s Executive Office Manager.
Delegates shall be checked off as they vote. To facilitate this
checking, all delegates from a particular zone or out-of-state
region will be called to vote at the same time.
12.4.3.2. Each candidate may have one poll watcher.
12.4.3.3 After all have voted, the Chair shall declare the polls
closed and the Credentials Committee shall canvas the
ballots and report to the Chair as soon as the count has
been completed.
13
Resolutions
13.1 Definitions:
13.1.1 ROUTINE RESOLUTIONS are those expressing thanks,
appreciation, etc. to individuals and/or organizations.
13.1.2 RESOLUTIONS are those submitted thirty days before the July
Executive Board Meeting to the Resolutions Committee.
13.1.3 EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS are those of vital interest to the
Association due to some event occurring less than thirty (30) days
prior to the Annual Meeting and submitted at least forty-eight (48)
hours before they are to be presented at the Annual meeting.
13.2 The Resolutions Committee will normally compose routine resolutions.
13.3 The Resolutions Committee shall go over all proposed resolutions for
clarity, adherence to the guidelines, and compliance with the bylaws. The
committee shall recommend resolutions to be voted on by the delegates at
the Annual Meeting.
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13.4 In compliance with ARTICLE XV, Section 3 of the Bylaws, all emergency
resolutions must be in the hands of the Chair of the Resolutions
Committee at least forty-eight (48) hours before the opening of the first
session of the Annual Meeting.
13.5
When called upon by the President, the Resolutions Committee Chair
shall report to the Annual Meeting. Resolutions will be presented in
two groups, one group of those recommended for a vote and one
group of those not recommended for a vote.
13.5.1 Resolutions not recommended by the Resolutions Committee may
be brought up for action by a two thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of
credentialed delegates.
13.6
Resolutions may be considered using a consent agenda.
13.7
The Chair of the Resolutions Committee may place some or all
recommended resolutions on the consent agenda for consideration by the
delegates. Items on the consent agenda are voted on together without
debate.
13.7
A single delegate may remove a resolution from the consent agenda for
debate and a separate vote.
13.9
Each recommended resolution removed from the consent agenda and any
recommended resolutions which were not placed on the consent agenda
will be considered individually. They will be debated in accordance with
rule 9 and voted on in accordance with rule 10. After these resolutions
have been disposed of, the consent agenda will be adopted or rejected
with a single vote without debate.
13.10 Routine resolutions may be presented by the Chair of the Resolutions
Committee and adopted as a unit, unless there is objection from the floor.
14.0
Bylaw propositions
14.1
Bylaw propositions may be considered using a consent agenda.
14.2
The Chair of the Bylaws Committee may place some or all propositions on
the consent agenda for consideration by the delegates. Items on the
consent agenda are voted on together without debate.
14.3
A single delegate may remove a proposition from the consent agenda for
debate and a separate vote.
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14.4
Each proposition removed from the consent agenda and any propositions
which were not placed on the consent agenda will be considered
individually. They will be debated in accordance with rule 9 and voted on
in accordance with rule 10. After these propositions have been disposed
of, the consent agenda will be adopted or rejected with a single vote
without debate.
APPENDIX D
NYSRTA Board and Committee Electronic Meetings
NYSRTA Bylaws Article VI (Executive Board), Section 2 provides that boards and
committees of the Association may conduct business using electronic means.
The bylaw reads, in part: “…Electronic meetings are authorized in accordance
with the parliamentary authority. Electronic meetings must provide an
opportunity for simultaneous aural communication among all in attendance.
Additional requirements and guidelines shall be developed, approved by the
Executive Board and published in the Association’s policy and procedures
handbook, the “Leaders’ Manual.” These additional rules shall govern electronic
meetings that may be held by any board or committee of the Association.”
The following was approved by the Executive Board March 12, 2013
NYSRTA Conference Call Guidelines and Etiquette
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Organize the Conference Call:
o Complete the Conference Call (CC) Planning Sheet.
o Set a specific date and time to call for the CC.
o Send out the CC number to all participants.
o List any specific instructions that are needed to “log into” the CC.
o Send a list of who will be involved to all participants.
o Email a reminder for Conference Call” 24 hours prior to call.
Create an agendao Make sure everyone involved has a copy to follow.
o During the call be sure to stick to and follow the agenda. (If participants
stray from the agenda, let them know this is not part of the purpose of the
conference call.)
o E-mail, fax, or mail it to all participants well in advance so they can review
it. Do the same for any handouts, reports, diagrams, spreadsheets, etc.,
that will be addressed during the conference.
Identify a leader- someone in charge, a facilitator.
o Contact all participants via phone or e-mail the day before to remind them
of the upcoming CC- At this time ask if there is anything specific they want
to discuss or if they have concerns or questions about the agenda
o Take roll call at beginning of call.
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o Be sure to keep call on track- following the agenda (See note above)
o Set a time limit ( no more than 5 minutes) for any individual to speak - that
will ensure that no participant dominates the “meeting” allowing all
attendees to participate.
o Recap each agenda item before moving on- identifying actions taken and
any person responsible for these actions- make sure these are recorded
by the note taker.
Keep it small
o Too many participants may make the CC confusing and unruly.
o No more than ten participants is recommended- ideally try to keep it
between four and six participants. Have participants be sure to “clear”
their calendar- let people know they will be unavailable during the call to
avoid interruptions.
Assign a “note taker:”
o This participant will be responsible to record the session- acting as a
“secretary” would in a face to face meeting.
o Note the name of the meeting, place and time, and the attendees both
“present” and “absent.”
o Identify objectives and reports that were discussed and the person or
persons that spoke to them.
o Identify and follow up activities and who will be responsible for these and
deadlines.
o Review and distribute these “minutes” to all participants after the call- and
request that any corrections be submitted to you for updates.
Keep things quieto Background noise will make it difficult to communicate among the
participants.
o Use of cell phones not advised- lost signals, reception, and static may
mean lost communication.
o Possibly mute your phone until you are ready to respond.
Speakers need to identify themselves each time they speak.
o Do not interrupt a speaker- wait until they have completed their thoughts,
then identify yourself and speak.
o If necessary make notes so you will remember what it is you wanted to
say when you are called on, or the current speaker finishes.
o Identify the person specifically who you are speaking to or asking a
question of. If looking for a response from several people, identify each of
them and the order you would like to hear from them so there will not be
several people attempting to speak at once.
If your committee takes a “vote” on a particular issue(s), have a “roll call sheet”,
identify each issue voted on, call each member’s name, and record their vote. Email this record to each member following the conference call, and present it as
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part of your committee report to the NYSRTA Executive Board at the time your
committee reports its findings.
At the conclusion of the call:
o Have the note-taker review the list of the motions addressed, actions
decided upon, and who has agreed to take on what responsibilities. Make
sure they understand what they are expected to do and the deadlines they
are to follow.
o Remind them that these minutes will be sent to them for review and
comments.
o Make all participants aware of any contact information that may be needed
for follow up.
o Plan for the next call if necessary.
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