Page 2 - Retiree News Fall 2022

ACSEA President Mary E. Sullivan: The Leader in You
fter a challenging two years, your perspective of helping our involved in our union. General Letitia I was so happy to join our union pave the way for working Throughout your working years, James and union’s retiree officers and CSEA members today, as well you have all stood strong and fought and State
delegates in person for the Retiree Delegates Meeting to conduct
union business and get important information on issues facing our union, CSEA member-only benefits and other issues that face retirees. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly difficult on retirees, you have shown your resilience, strength and perseverance.
As our world continues to get back to normal from the pandemic, we are shifting our union’s focus toward leadership. As retirees, you play an important role in helping our union develop and cultivate leaders.
This year, the Retiree Delegates Meeting theme was “The Leader in You.” This theme is a way of recognizing that leadership is not necessarily a function of having
a title or a certificate; it’s more about the quality that comes from within each one of us. Through
HRetiree Executive Committee Chair Bernie Giambra: Your vote is your voice
as your continued dedication
to strengthening our union and ensuring your retirement security, you have shown your leadership.
We do not all have the same type of leadership qualities. Some of you always attend your local meetings, volunteer for union activities such as making phone calls or have an interesting perspective to share with union members, even if you have never held a union office. Other people may take a more direct approach, such as holding a retiree local office or volunteering at a union information table. Whatever your ideal form of leadership, if you are involved in any way, you are a leader.
While not all CSEA members will hold a leadership title, we can all be leaders. We just have to look within ourselves. Don’t wait for
an invitation or formal title; get out there, use your voice and be
for many of the rights and benefits CSEA members enjoy today. You know that by strengthening our union, you don’t just help build
a strong future for yourselves
but for future generations. One way to fortify our union for the future is to share our experiences and knowledge with others, and encourage them to share what they learn.
As much as we can stand strong and get involved, it is important to have elected officials who support retirees and working people standing with us. Whether you vote early, vote by absentee ballot or
go to the polls on Election Day, get out and vote! CSEA is supporting candidates for state and federal offices who support retirees, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, state Attorney
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
No matter which
candidates
you support,
your vote is your voice. People have fought and even died for the right to vote, so get out there and use this hard-won right!
In addition to Election Day, we also observe Veterans Day on November 11. Many of you have served our country in uniform, and have loved ones who are serving. We thank all veterans for their service and sacrifices you and your families made.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
ello, hello! determine whether a candidate has history by becoming the first get out and start something new,
I hope CSEA members’ interests in mind. group of its nationwide locations start a hobby, visit a museum, everyone CSEA does not make to unionize, paving the way for more importantly, make that phone
enjoyed spring and summer!
Now that we
are getting ready
for the cooler
weather, put
your sweaters
on and be sure to get out to vote early, and maybe bring an apple with you while you stand in line to vote on Election Day on November 8! Please remember that early voting is in effect across New York State and if you can’t make it out to vote, it’s easy to vote by absentee ballot. Contact your local Board of Elections to get one.
CSEA has an open, member- driven endorsement process. Union members serving on political action committees interview candidates, review voting records and
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endorsements based on party, but rather on who will best represent the interests of CSEA members and help protect the services our union members provide. Retirees play
a very active role in this process, as retiree members sit on political action committees.
Rain or shine, retirees, please be sure to get out to vote! Let’s make it a record-breaking year for retirees to turn out the vote and give our opinions on who represents us best. Supporting candidates who stand with us can help us move forward.
We are noticing an organizing surge in this country. In the past year, we have seen many workers stand up for themselves, demanding to be recognized and recognizing the power and value of a union. Starbucks workers in Buffalo made
workers at hundreds of shops across the country. Amazon workers are also fighting to be recognized, with workers at a Staten Island warehouse leading the way. We are even hearing of museums across the country pushing for better pay and work conditions.
As we move into November,
we will be honoring our veterans, including many CSEA members who served or are currently serving
in uniform. Many CSEA members from both retiree and working locals work hard to pay tribute to our veterans. Contact your local president or your region office to see what’s happening in your area.
Now is the time with cooler weather to clean our closets and declutter, both at home and in your personal life. Shed your inhibitions,
call you have been avoiding and reconnect!
I learned that life lesson the
hard way. I thank you all for your condolences and kind words on the recent loss of my husband. We never know what life will throw at us, and I am so grateful for the support of my union family during this time.
Finally, our thoughts and prayers go out to our Florida members, family and friends who were recently affected by Hurricane Ian. Let’s hope they can all soon mark themselves as safe.
In unionism,
Bernie
CSEA RETIREE NEWS