It feels like the start of a new school year !

We have new branch presidents , newly elected committee members , new initiatives — long-range plans — written last April and ready for enactment today . I am so thankful for the staff and volunteers ( some of whom have even come out of retirement ) who bring their skills and expertise to the ARTA Board of Directors , to committees and to the executive . It will be a busy year !

The committees and the Board of Directors will be examining the recent Meyers , Norris , Penny recommendations regarding an optimal governance structure that would enable the association to best serve its members . Albeit this seems like a rather straightforward exercise , we will be considering the possibilities very carefully .

Advocacy — what is your passion ? ARTA recently adopted an advocacy policy that enables all of our members to act with integrity , build genuine and trustworthy relationships , and create networks and good will . It is an opportunity for each member to be seen as a person who has knowledge of and interest in the good of all . In the next year or so , we will be faced with a provincial election , so the time to offer your thoughts , skills and expertise is now . The “ Call to Action ” policy is on the website at www . arta . net for anyone interested in advocating on behalf of all seniors in Alberta .

When I look back three years I ’ m astounded by how our membership has grown and by how much has changed . You have just received our ‘ new ’ issue of news & views , and in future issues , watch for new columns about ARTA committees and their roles and responsibilities as well as useful articles and information .

As innovative teachers we created plans to meet the needs of our students ; the same planning applies to our skills in meeting the ever-evolving needs of our members .

I was humbled by the vote of confidence at the Annual General Meeting held on October 1 and 2 , 2014 , and I look forward to serving our members to the best of my ability . I also look forward to your suggestions and your feedback .

news & views WINTER 2014 | 3