Message to a concerned retiree who wants to know how he can help - you can help, too

From Kathie Bracy, September 14, 2009
Subject: Re: concerned retiree

Hi xxx --

So good to hear from you and to know you want to help. Off the cuff, the best thing you can do is to be watchful and vocal on issues affecting retirees at STRS and spread the word among other educators. I would suggest getting on John Curry's e-mail list (curryjo@watchtv.net) to keep up to date on issues and opinions. He puts out mailings daily, including articles he has researched pertaining to retirees and actives and relevant e-mails from STRS retirees. Actually, he has two e-mail lists; the second one is for CORE Alerts, usually several e-mails a month (the most important ones), sometimes more. People who want to receive fewer e-mails often opt for this list. You can be on either or both; I recommend both.

You can check out the CORE website (www.concernedohio.org) to find out what we're all about (reforming STRS, basically) and my blog (www.kathiebracy.blogspot.com). I've maintained this blog for four years, and there's a LOT of history on there (nearly 5,000 posts).

If you can, it would be good to attend some of the monthly STRS Board meetings (and bring others with you), and if you feel inclined, give a 3 minute speech. You can find info on my blog and on the STRS website (www.strsoh.org). If you come to a Board meeting, you can also attend a CORE meeting in the building, and consider joining ($10.00 per year).

Most important, though, is to keep a close eye on what's going on and to let the Board members know you're out there and watching, and to spread the word among others (including legislators) as much as you can. Don't be afraid to speak out on issues. Retiree involvement does and has made a BIG difference, and we need to keep it up.

Thanks for writing and wanting to become involved.

Kathie Bracy