For many of us, the decision to join the union during our first years in the classroom, office, bus or building was driven by a need for immediate stability. We recognized that our collective voice was the primary shield protecting our employment, driving our wage increases and ensuring that our working conditions remained professional and safe. As active employees, the “value of membership” is measured in the contracts we sign, the grievances we win and the ability to do our jobs knowing we are supported by our union.
However, as we transition from the hallways of our schools to the well-earned days of retirement, the nature of that value doesn’t disappear — it evolves. In fact, one could argue that membership in the NJREA is even more critical now than it was when we were drawing a paycheck.
Defending Your Earned Investment
Our careers in education were more than just a series of workdays; they were a lifelong investment. We gave decades of service to New Jersey’s students with the understanding that our commitment would be met with security in our later years. However, these aren’t just “set it and forget it” benefits. They are the results of decades of legislative battles, and they require constant vigilance to maintain.
Membership isn’t just about social connection (though the camaraderie is a wonderful perk); it is our political and legal frontline. We remain active to:
- Secure Pension Funding: Pensions are not a gift; they are deferred compensation. We must continue to push the state to meet its funding obligations, so that the promises made to us are kept.
- Protect Quality Healthcare: As we age, our reliance on comprehensive healthcare naturally increases. The NJREA fights to ensure that the coverage we rely on remains accessible and affordable, shielding us from rising costs that could otherwise erode our fixed incomes.
- Combat Inflation: In an era of fluctuating costs, we advocate for legislative fixes and cost-of-living considerations that help our benefits keep pace with the real world.
Let’s stay united, stay informed, and continue to protect the legacy we all worked so hard to build.
Know someone who is not yet a member or needs to renew? Reach out to your county retired education association today, and ensure your voice continues to be heard.
Do you remember your first union conversation?
Do you remember when you first became a union member? I bet you do.
Now think back to when you retired. Do you remember having a meeting with a union member? Did anyone take the time to explain the value of continuing your union involvement through NJREA membership?
We know that one-on-one conversations with a trusted voice are the most effective way to encourage membership — whether active or retired. That hasn’t changed.
As retirees, your role is just as important as when you were in the workplace. You bring experience, credibility, and perspective that current members value. You’ve experienced the benefits of union membership, and your stories carry weight in a way brochures and emails simply can’t.
Retirees are uniquely positioned to reconnect with colleagues as they approach retirement. A quick phone call, a coffee meeting or even a conversation at a community event can make all the difference. When you share what NJREA has meant to you — continued advocacy, community and staying informed — we help others see that retirement is not the end of union involvement, but a new chapter.
Most importantly, retirees remain trusted messengers. People listen to those they know and respect. When that message comes from someone who has walked the path before them, it resonates.
Let’s embrace that role. Reach out. Start the conversation. Share your story. Together, we can continue to grow NJREA — one connection at a time.
Tina Dare is the NJEA Secretary-Treasurer and Liaison to NJREA.
Contact her at tdare@njea.org