news&views Winter 2012 | Page 40

Teachers ’ Local of the ATA . A second new bylaw enables the Board of Directors as well as committees to conduct meetings using electronic media .
A branch pension representatives workshop , to be held at a future date , will include presentations from the ATA , ATRF , and , hopefully , the Canada Pension Plan ( CPP ) and Old Age Security ( OAS ).
The Human Resources Committee conducted a six-month evaluation of the new Executive Director and
will follow up with a comprehensive review later in the year . The office renovation and expansion resulted in a greatly improved visual image and working environment . Additional staff were hired to provide financial , word processing , and administrative support services . A two-day off-site retreat for office staff has been approved in an effort to encourage ongoing professional development . The Recognition Banquet , held the first evening of the AGM to honour retiring board members , will now
become an annual event . ARTA ’ s 50 th anniversary celebrations were launched at the event as well .
In an effort to develop a greater understanding of how ARTA can effectively advocate on behalf of its members , the Strategic Planning Committee arranged for an advocacy / lobbying presentation last November . At the retreat in February involving board and committee members , it soon became apparent that there is a lack of understanding of the role

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ALBERTA RETIRED TEACHERS ’ ASSOCIATION News & Views Volume 19 21 , No . 32