Celebrating Older Americans

(This article appeared in the March/April 2010 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Judy Beard, Director

For the second year in a row, the APWU National Executive Board has adopted a resolution proclaiming May “Older Americans Month.” The board action recognizes the contributions retirees make to strengthen our activist-based, member-driven union.

APWU Retirees work hard to make positive differences not just in their own lives, but in the lives of the current workforce. In countless situations, postal retirees help shape the decisions made by leaders of city councils and other municipal boards, and even at the state level, such as in governors’ offices.

At the federal level, retirees’ efforts with their local representatives were instrumental to the passage last year of H.R. 2647, the legislation that will credit FERS employees with accrued sick when they retire. In addition, retired postal workers always have strongly supported the union’s work on Capitol Hill, including efforts to win Social Security fairness by repealing the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions, as well as the fight to have healthcare premiums paid with pre-tax income.

We greatly appreciate your contributions to COPA, the APWU’s Committee on Political Action, and your participation in activities sponsored by the union.

The resolution adopted by the board in December reads, in part: “The National Executive Board encourages all APWU state and local affiliates and retiree chapters to celebrate Older Americans Month by recognizing the countless contributions APWU retirees have made to the APWU, the labor movement, during their military service and/or while working for the Postal Service, the voluntary work they performed in their communities — and especially the love and support they provide to their families.”

The annual recognition of older Americans was a tradition established in 1963 under President Kennedy. The APWU board reflected on the words of our newest chief executive, President Obama, and his 2009 proclamation to “acknowledge the contributions of older Americans.” The APWU proclamation encourages all members to set aside time in May to recognize retirees’ roles in our union and communities.

Last year, to honor retirees, many locals sponsored luncheons, passed out certificates, and took the opportunity to establish retiree chapters where there were none. Some even called their retired members just to express thanks.

Retirees represent timeless lessons of courage and sacrifice for our families, communities and youth as they share their knowledge and experiences with families and friends. It is for these reasons that “Older Americans Month 2010” honors retirees and their gifts as role models for the youth who will be leaders of tomorrow.

APWU Retiree Photo Contest

The Retirees Department is seeking entries to a photo contest to spotlight the good deeds of our retirees. We are looking for images of retirees making a difference for a better tomorrow! Submit pictures that show how you share your time with family and community members (age 17 and under), such as you sharing a favorite outdoor activity, helping out around the house, reading, or anything that shows how APWU retirees give back to their communities. Prizes will be awarded! Winning images will be published in The American Postal Worker and on these pages.

Be sure to include the name of the APWU retiree in the photo, the name and age of the youth in the photo (and your relationship), a mailing address and phone number; and a quote describing the activity and the positive values shared during the time spent together, and/or what effect it has had on your lives.

The contest ends May 15, 2010. Submit high-resolution digital photos to retiree@apwu.org or mail prints to the Retirees Department, 1300 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.