SUBMITTED BY GORDON CUMMING

Retired Teachers ( ACER-CART ) will reach a significant benchmark in its history — its twenty-fifth anniversary . Looking back to the first tentative discussions in the 1980s about the possibility of forming such an association , and seeing the eventual success of this organization today , one realizes that it took the good will and hard work of many individuals to be able to celebrate in 2016 . The discussions initiated by a BC Retired Teacher Association vice-president in 1984 , the responding encouragement of a Canadian Teachers ' Federation president , and the early financial support by CTF for an initial meeting in Ottawa were critical in the eventual founding meeting on June 15 , 1991 .

Today this national association has thirteen provincial and territorial retired teacher associations and members representing 136,968 retired teachers , and it has continued to improve in its influence at the national level . Through its developmental years , its annual general meetings have identified , discussed , and debated issues that affect retired teachers , and seniors in general . As a result , directions and decisions have been established that assist its members in their focus and their communication among themselves , and provide a collaborative approach in dealing with the national government .

Growth in ACER-CART ’ s influence over twenty-five years has been steady . Its bylaws , policies , and positions have reflected the commitments of its members during that period . In the mid-1990s the importance of being a bilingual organization was recognized , and into

the 2000s the importance of group and collaborative advocacy was accepted . This perspective reflected the issues at its founding — support for quality education , health care in all its aspects , and the safeguarding of retiree pensions .

In 2002 , ACER-CART ’ s public face was enhanced with the development of a website , and again in 2005 with the adoption of a logo and the naming of its national newsletter . In 2006 , production of important documents in both official languages was achieved . By 2007 , ACER-CART had become incorporated , and its policies and practices were codified for better understanding and consistency . ACER-CART proved its adaptability by updating its executive membership over the years to better reflect the size and location of its members , and by seeking ways to collaborate with other like-minded national organizations .

An enhanced direct service to member Directors was achieved through the inclusion of training and discussion seminars at the ACER-CART annual general meetings . The development of a political advocacy strategy and support documents for the 2015 Canadian election were significant achievements that were well received across the country by retired teachers and others .

The 2016 AGM will celebrate the many individuals who , along with their provincial members , have contributed their time and talents since 1991 to energize the national association . For further information please telephone

President JoAnn Lauber 604-523-1653 .

news & views SUMMER 2016 | 13