WZ-President’s Report- Michelle Claus

I have been president since November 1, 2021 of Western Zone.  My background in Western Zone and RENY has several supporting roles in my 11 years as a member.  I fell in love with the philosophy and workings of WZ.  Some assignments/volunteer jobs are, president of Springville/West Valley RTA, advertising director for our Western Zone newsletter, Western Currents, which is delivered to members 3 times a year, Membership Chair, 2 nd Vice President, and 1 st Vice President.  One of the most exciting jobs was to co-chair the RENY state conference in 2018.  Our zone was in charge of most aspects of this statewide meeting for three days with over 150 delegates.  100% of our Board of Directors worked tirelessly to accomplish our goals at the state level.  Thank you to our 47 Board of Directors.

Our two past presidents, Doris Kirsch (4 years) and Judy Farmer (2 years) have been mentoring me for 2+ years leading up to this presidency.  I  continue to consult them almost daily.  Guidance from the Board of Directors and Executive Board continues. Thank you.

Our NYSUT and RENY relationship is strong.  A very large percent of public school employees belong to NYSUT.  As public-school employees retire, they automatically continue to be members of NYSUT.   RENY continues to consult with NYSUT and support

much of what they focus on. Some members of NYSUT belong to RENY and vice versa.  As retirees, we CAN-and SHOULD-be active participants in both. RENY is an all-volunteer group that relies on membership and volunteers to carry our goals.  RENY membership is

$39 a year.  This breaks down to $3.25 per month, $. 75 weekly and almost $.11 each day. The protection of our pensions, the COLA and other concerns of active and retired ducators is clearly worth the investment.  WZ receives one-third of the RENY annual dues in reimbursement, this providing our zone with its largest source of revenue.  Maintaining our membership is vital.  We must do our part in getting new members and bringing back those that have become delinquent.  Membership is EVERYONE’S job.

Western Zone’s success also begins with our nine units.  These units have officers and committees that work at the state and local levels. These members volunteer work on unit committees, supporting their school districts.  Leadership and guidance at the unit level is

our heart and soul.  We develop long-lasting friendships and have common goals. Supporting public education is an important goal. Our success is because of our hardworking members and leaders.

Our Western Zone bylaws have been updated. The updated bylaws were presented and voted by our Board of Directors in June 2023.  The general RENY membership voted, on these bylaws, September 2023.  The new bylaws are in effect as of September 2023.

Our legislative committee works with the state committee.  The topics that are important to retirees are many including lower drug costs and elder abuse registry.

Our Teacher Grant Committee also gave awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022.  In odd years, the WZ President’s Award (given by WZ) is given to two teachers, each receiving $500 to each implement a teacher generated classroom activity.  Even years, the Hudson-Kramer Memorial Grant Competition is sponsored by RENY (state) for $1000.  A teacher receives this grant for implementing a teacher generated classroom activity.

Thinking of our retirees and our current educators, please join RENY/Western Zone and be part of our team.  Think what you can do to make Western Zone even stronger.