This is always an exciting time of year for those of us on the ARTA Board and Executive . We get to be party to the enthusiasm of the new retirees as we wend our way from Pre-Retirement Seminars to Teachers ’ Conventions and then on to those formal and informal Retirement Celebrations . After enthusiastic congratulations , the question is always asked , “ What are you going to do with all your time ?”
Greetings from the President
The Kindness of Strangers by Gordon Cumming
I shall pass through this world but once . Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being , let me do it now . Let me not defer or neglect it , for I shall not pass this way again .
— Mahatma Gandhi
This is always an exciting time of year for those of us on the ARTA Board and Executive . We get to be party to the enthusiasm of the new retirees as we wend our way from Pre-Retirement Seminars to Teachers ’ Conventions and then on to those formal and informal Retirement Celebrations . After enthusiastic congratulations , the question is always asked , “ What are you going to do with all your time ?”
And the answers flow … “ Oh I think I ’ ll travel .” … “ I have to catch up with family .” … “ It ’ s time to spruce up the house ( or the cottage ).” … “ I ’ m just going to treasure my time , and catch my breath .”
But then almost inevitably , “ I might do a little volunteering .” After a life of service , it ’ s in the blood — and we have so much to offer . Teachers , active and retired , have the skills , the patience , the organizational abilities , and the desire to make a difference .
Our neighbors to the west in the British Columbia Retired Teachers Association published a major study a year ago entitled “ The Volunteer Work of Retired Educators : Social and Economic Contributions to the Communities in British Columbia .” The response was inspiring . Retirees were involved in community organizations and events : the education system , support for social and senior housing , food banks , work in hospices , canvassing and fundraising for charities , day care for grandchildren , and assistance
to neighbours , friends , and acquaintances in need . Add to this their involvements in provincial , national and international activities and projects , and the list goes on , and the contribution is massive .
As well as altruistic motives , and the benefit to all of the targeted recipients of our efforts , we know that getting involved has a most positive effect on the volunteer . Being attached to an appreciative community , learning new skills or sharing old ones motivates us and brings the satisfaction of achievement . Retired teachers spent their working lives experiencing the high of being the catalyst for change and growth , and many are able take advantage of opportunities to continue to contribute . It ’ s a win-win situation because we know the resultant satisfaction contributes to our physical health and sense of wellbeing .
So now , it ’ s time for you to get excited . In this issue you will find details of how to nominate a colleague for ARTA ’ s 50 th Anniversary Outstanding Volunteer Award . Our theme for this special year has been , ‘ Celebrating Retired Teachers Serving Their Communities in the Classroom and Beyond .’ Well , this is the ‘ Beyond !’
Across the province ARTA hopes to recognize ‘ Fifty for the Fiftieth .’ Is there a former colleague who has made a difference in your ‘ community and beyond ?’ Who has served unstintingly , and unselfishly ? Send your nomination directly to your branch , or if there is no branch , to the ARTA office . Unsure ? Send it to the office and we ’ ll make sure it gets considered . What we know for certain is those individuals recognized will be great representatives of the commitment , dedication and service of all our colleagues who , as part of retirement , extend their energy and talents to so many worthy causes .
News & Views Spring 2013 3