MEA-Retired: Advocating for Members and Serving the Community
Michigan Education Association-Retired president Barb Schram is new to leading the organization. However, she’s not new to advocating for public school retirees. Schram has served in many roles with MEA-Retired, focusing her activism on retiree pensions, health benefits and other issues related to public education.
Established in the 1980s as the retiree branch of the Michigan Education Association, MEA-Retired has more than 40,000 members, including retirees and public school employees. There are 35 local chapters, which allow members to participate in their own neighborhoods. They’re active in lobbying, conducting outreach to lawmakers and raising awareness of important issues and legislation.
“Members care deeply about what is going on in their communities. Members are highly involved all over the state — both active teachers and retired teachers,” Schram said.
Mentorship and community connections
MEA-Retired is proud of the strong connections retired members maintain with schools and members working in education. Many members volunteer in classrooms. Some even serve on school boards as elected officials.
Through its strong mentorship program, MEA-Retired pairs newer teachers with retirees. Participants meet regularly on video call or in person, giving newer educators a sounding board and insight from seasoned educators. The program also connects mentors with students at various universities who are preparing to go into teaching.
Keeping members informed
MEA-Retired has many avenues to keep members informed. There are quarterly meetings with the Michigan Office of Retirement Services. MEA-Retired’s staff liaison works with ORS on behalf of active and retired members. To keep members informed about medical plan changes and new programs, Blue Cross delivers presentations at MEA-Retired chapter meetings.
Members also get important information through MEA-Retired publications Michigan Retirement Report (published four times per year) and The Tribune (published monthly).
Looking to the future
“Networking is big to keep members involved and engaged,” Schram said. She explained that MEA-Retired looks for ways to meet members’ desire for information and social interaction. Chapter presidents are finding different ways to conduct meetings to expand membership and present novel topics that members will find enlightening. Future MEA-Retired programs will include sessions on beekeeping and artificial intelligence, along with opportunities to stretch and strengthen with chair yoga.
Reflecting on her first few months as president, Schram said the experience has been great and the forecast for MEA-Retired is favorable: “I see the future as being bright with engaged members who want to be a part of a growing organization.”
To learn more about MEA-Retired and membership, visit the MEA-Retired website.