That Connected Feeling : ARTA ’ s Branches
Inge Coates | Chair , Communications Committee
Retiring from teaching meant freedom to me . It meant freedom to travel , freedom to pursue my creative side , and freedom to stretch my body and endurance in physical activities . I was a busy lady when I first retired .
I did not miss the stresses of teaching ; however , I soon began to miss my colleagues and the sense of community that was part of teaching . I missed feeling connected . A few years later , after the heady rush of retirement ’ s freedoms had passed , a friend introduced me to our local branch of retired teachers . Why did I not know about our district ’ s retired teachers ’ association ? The answer to this question came later , when I found out how FOIP makes it difficult for a branch to get information about new retirees .
At the first event I attended , I met not only
Community former colleagues but also teachers who had taught me ! I wanted to be part of this group , so I joined the branch and also volunteered to become part of its executive . That was almost ten years ago , and the sense of community and sense of purpose I felt then is still with me now .
The social events organized by our branch included a joyful breakfast in early September when we celebrated our freedom from the school bell , and a Christmas turkey lunch enjoyed by those who looked forward to connecting with friends at Christmas and who may have craved a turkey dinner but did not find it practical to cook one . There were also smaller events like a Segway tour in the river valley , tea at the legislature , paint night , and a wine tasting event . Since COVID-19 , such activities have been on hold , but our social committee is eager to plan them again soon .
a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes , interests , and goals .
At this time , Calgary , Edmonton , North West , and the Heartland branches offer mini-conferences online , often not only to their members but to members from other branches as well . Branch ties with ARTA have been tremendously helpful , and ARTA has sponsored Branch Zoom Grants to enable branches to continue with both executive and member meetings .
Most branches reach out to members through their website , a branch newsletter , or by email or phone to keep them informed about relevant local or provincial updates . Additionally , information about retirement is often shared through these media , providing articles , links , or virtual sessions that report on housing , volunteer opportunities , health , financial wellness , and more .
Each branch president is also on the Board of Directors of ARTA and represents their members in ARTA ’ s decision-making .
There are eighteen branches of retired teachers — seventeen in Alberta and one in British Columbia . Each branch is unique .
Although large urban branches have many members , smaller branches often consist of a community whose members know each other well .
Some branches have existed for a long time , while others are relatively new . All of them are run by volunteers who believe in maintaining a community of engaged retired educators where members can feel connected to each other through their experiences in the classroom .
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