NARFE NEEDS YOU -- AND YOU NEED NARFE !!

WELCOME to the MEMBERSHIP segment of our Minnesota-NARFE web page. My name is Mary Burkett, and I am currently the Membership Vice President on the Executive Board of the MN State Federation of NARFE Chapters.

I hope you find the information in this segment interesting, educational and USEFUL to you. I will be updating the information periodically, so be sure to check this section on a quarterly basis to keep up to date. If you have questions or wish to comment on this or any segment of our web site, you may contact me at 763/421-1385 or by email at: mburkett1@mindspring.com.

Membership Benefits are listed below, followed by any available Membership Reports that may be of interest to members.

Membership Benefits
Benefits are too numerous to count; however, some of the most significant benefits are:

• Assertive legislative representation on federal and state levels.
• Liaison with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to help retirees and survivors with their benefits.
• Informative monthly magazine, "NARFE, For Current and Retired Federal Employees", is the prime news source for information about federal retirement and health care issues.
• United network of support with other federal employees and retirees.
• Opportunities for leadership, political action, and community service.
• Health, life, dental, auto and long-term care insurance programs.
• NARFE Visa card program.
• Travel packages, group tours, and discounts through NARFE Travel Services.
• Moving services and,
• Electronic NARFENET - available to internet users.
• Plus, many, many more to include social, civic and chapter/association leadership/membership benefits.

If you would like to join NARFE, please contact us.

This page will be updated from time to time with important membership/recruiting information.

What is your agency doing to insure that your federal employees are informed/educated on retirement issues and ready to make the many decisions required of them once they are eligible and decide to retire? Probably not as much as you would like, if only more time and funds were available. In these times of financial crises, this situation is not likely to improve much anytime soon; BUT – N A R F E can help out in many ways.

Did you know – Sample NARFE magazines/informational pamphlets on legislative issues/member benefits and services can be mailed or delivered to your organization on request – at no charge?

Did you know - NARFE officers or representatives are available to visit your office, anytime, at your convenience, at no charge, to present to your federal employees the critical information they may not know about “N A R F E” – the only organization that works full time to protect their retirement benefits (annuities, COLAs, life & health insurance, TSP, Social Security and IRS/tax issues). NARFE is a RESOURCE they cannot afford to overlook. Membership should be considered a form of INSURANCE policy protecting their hard-earned benefits that will continue to pay life-long dividends they will appreciate.

NARFE is a volunteer organization, non-profit and non-partisan, but politically active and in compliance with the Hatch Act.

Our presentations are tailored to your wishes – 15/20 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour – you decide. We can bring to your worksite –

• A short video tape
• Sample NARFE magazines
• Informative pamphlets on important issues
• Reasons why they need to do their homework and educate themselves before retirement
• Question/Answer session about NARFE
• Short briefings, table displays/exhibits, Open House ½ day sessions, etc.

We customize it to your needs/request – all at no cost to you!

If you would like more information or to schedule a briefing, please contact mburkett1@mindspring.com or click on the “Contact Us” button from the main menu.

NARFE Information Kits containing sample literature and magazine are available on request. As Agency Managers, this is your opportunity to introduce your personnel to the information they need to plan, prepare for and enjoy their future retirement years. Take action now to contact us and take advantage of this free service. Order your NARFE Information Kit now and see for yourself what a great RESOURCE NARFE can be for your employees.

If you have worked for the federal government five (5) years or more and are planning to stay until retirement, here are some questions you should ask yourself:

“ARE YOUR HARD-EARNED, PROMISED RETIREMENT BENEFITS SAFE?” “ARE THEY GUARANTEED?”

“HAVE YOU DONE YOUR HOMEWORK SO YOU WILL BE INFORMED AND READY TO MAKE ALL THE DECISIONS REQUIRED AT RETIREMENT?” “DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT HOMEWORK TO DO?”

“DO YOU HAVE HOME OWNERS’ INSURANCE?” – OF COURSE!

“DO YOU HAVE CAR INSURANCE?” – OF COURSE!

“DO YOU HAVE PERSONAL PROPERTY INSURANCE?” –OF COURSE!

“WHAT ABOUT RETIREMENT BENEFIT INSURANCE??? - - N O !!

NARFE MEMBERSHIP IS YOUR INSURANCE POLICY AGAINST POSSIBLE FUTURE BENEFIT REDUCTIONS OR LOSSES. IT WILL PAY LIFETIME DIVIDENDS TO YOU IN MANY WAYS. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND A CHEAPER MORE VALUABLE RATE?

IF YOU HAVE NOT ASKED YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE OR EVEN GIVEN THEM ANY THOUGHT, PERHAPS NARFE MEMBERSHIP IS FOR YOU!

NARFE IS A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION FOUNDED IN 1921 BY FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO SOON REALIZED THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORGANIZE AND UNITE IF THEY WERE GOING TO KEEP THEIR HARD-EARNED, PROMISED - BUT NOT GUARANTEED - BENEFITS FROM BEING REDUCED OR EVEN ELIMINATED BY A STROKE OF THE PEN BY CONGRESSIONAL ACTION. WHAT CONGRESS GIVES – CONGRESS CAN TAKE AWAY. NARFE IS NON-PROFIT, NON-PARTISAN BUT, POLITICAL, IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR EYE ON CONGRESS.

NARFE WILL HELP YOU EDUCATE YOURSELF EASILY AND CHEAPLY TO RESOLVE THE ABOVE QUESTIONS, SO YOU WILL NOT MAKE B A D DECISIONS THAT CAN COST YOU DOLLARS WHEN THE TIME COMES. SELF- EDUCATION IS ACCOMPLISHED IN MANY WAYS, BUT CHIEFLY THROUGH:

• NARFE MONTHLY MAGAZINE WITH ITS SPECIAL “QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS” SECTION. YOU CAN LEARN A LOT BY REVIEWING OTHER PEOPLES PROBLEMS.
• A MULTITUDE OF PAMPHLETS AND BROCHURES, ALL WITH SIMPLE, CLEAR AND CONCISE INFORMATION -- FREE FOR THE ASKING.
• UTILIZATION OF THE HQ WEB SITE (WWW.NARFE.ORG) AND THE MINNESOTA WEB SITE (WWW.MN-NARFE.ORG).
• LOCAL CHAPTER AFFILIATION OFFERING MANY RESOURCES, LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES. THERE ARE CHAPTERS LOCATED NEAR MOST ALL MAJOR CITIES IN THE STATE AND IN OTHER STATES AS WELL.
• FAMILY BENEFIT SERVICES AT TIME OF DEATH OF A GOVERNMENT ANNUITANT.
• ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN STATE, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL CONVENTIONS/CONFERENCES.
• BENEFIT OF FULL-TIME LEGISLATIVE STAFF ON CAPITOL HILL EVERY MINUTE CONGRESS IS IN SESSION.
• COALITION ACTIVITIES WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WITH COMMON INTERESTS.
• AND ON …. AND ON….. AND ON………..

NEED MORE INFORMATION, HAVE QUESTIONS, OR READY TO JOIN? PLEASE CONTACT MBURKETT1@MINDSPRING.COM OR USE THE “CONTACT US” BUTTON ON THE MAIN MENU.

I HOPE YOU ARE NOW THOROUGHLY CONVINCED THAT ----

YOU NEED NARFE – AND NARFE NEEDS YOU !!

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN RETIRED?
DO YOU MISS ALL THE PERIODICALS AND OTHER INFORMATION THAT USED TO CROSS YOUR DESK?
DO YOU MISS SEEING YOUR FORMER FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS?
ARE YOU FEELING A LITTLE “ISOLATED” OR OUT OF THE MAIN STREAM?

IF YOU ARE A SURVIVOR ANNUITANT, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ALONE?
WERE YOU ALSO A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE?
IF NOT, HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO FIND NEEDED INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE, WHEN NEEDED, TO RESOLVE ISSUES CONCERNING YOUR BENEFITS?

WHERE DO YOU GO FOR HELP WITH BENEFIT PROBLEMS NOW?

AT RETIREMENT, YOUR MAJOR RESOURCE FOR GUIDANCE OR HELP IS A TOLL-FREE NUMBER IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WITH AN AUTOMATED MENU TO CHOOSE FROM. HELP CAN BE VERY SLOW IN COMING.

IF YOU CAN IDENTIFY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS, THEN YOU WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT HELP IS AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE ANY OF THESE ISSUES FROM (NARFE), NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

NARFE IS AN INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER, NON-PROFIT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION THAT COULD BE COMPARED TO A PERSONNEL OFFICE OR A UNION. YET, IT IS NEITHER. HOWEVER, NARFE DOES PROVIDE MANY OF THE BENEFITS AND SERVICES OFERED BY BOTH THESE GROUPS.

CHAPTERS ARE AVAILABLE NEAR MOST MAJOR CITIES IN MINNESOTA AS WELL AS ALL OTHER STATES. MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES ASSISTANCE AT THE CHAPTER LEVEL, REGIONAL LEVEL AND NATIONAL LEVEL, WHEN NEEDED. MANY OF THE EMPLOYEES IN OUR NATIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE FORMER OPM EMPLOYEES, AND THEY ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR EXPERTISE IN PERSONNEL/RETIREMENT MATTERS. TRAINED SERVICE OFFICERS ARE AVAILABLE IN MOST CHAPTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE OR REFERRALS WHEN REQUESTED. THERE ARE NO CHARGES OR FEES INVOLVED.

MANY OTHER BENEFITS OF NARFE MEMBERSHIP ARE LISTED IN THE SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR CFE’S, SO YOU CAN ALSO REVIEW THAT SECTION AS WELL TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MANY BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES THERE ARE TO NARFE MEMBERSHIP.

YOU KNOW, IT IS VERY IRONIC THAT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES THINK THEY HAVE ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, THAT PROMISED BENEFITS ON RETIREMENT AFTER THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR GIVEN NUMBER OF YEARS OF SERVICE, ONLY TO REALIZE THEY MUST THEN SPEND THE REST OF THEIR LIVES HOPING THAT CONGRESS WILL NOT REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THOSE VERY HARD-EARNED BENEFITS WHICH WERE PROMISED, BUT ARE NOT GUARANTEED.

I HOPE THAT BY THIS TIME I HAVE CONVINCED YOU THAT YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BECOME A NARFE MEMBER. IF YOU ARE NOT THOUROUGHLY CONVINCED YET, BUT ARE CURIOUS, I RECOMMEND YOU VISIT THE CHAPTER LOCATED NEAREST TO YOU AND PLAN TO ATTEND A MEETING OR TWO AND MEET SOME VERY NICE NARFE MEMBERS, AND ENJOY AN INTERESTING/INFORMATIVE PROGRAM. KEEP UP TO DATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND SURVIVOR ANNUITANTS.

YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION ON CHAPTER MEETINGS IN THE SECTION STATE CHAPTERS. JUST CLICK ON THAT SEGMENT FROM THE MAIN MENU – OR – YOU CAN CONTACT MARY BURKETT AT MBURKETT1@MINDSPRING.COM. MAKE PLANS NOW TO CHECK US OUT – YOU MAY BE IN FOR A SURPRISE!

GREETINGS, FELLOW NARFE MEMBERS! WELCOME TO YOUR MN WEB SITE. We hope you will visit often, communicate with us frequently, and keep yourself up to date on NARFE happenings in the state.

As stated in one of the other segments, it is very ironic that federal employees think they have entered into a contract with the federal government that promised benefits on retirement after they have completed their given number of years of service, ONLY to realize they must then spend the rest of their lives hoping that Congress will not reduce or eliminate those very hard-earned benefits which were promised but are NOT guaranteed! Ironic BUT true. Such is our fate – like it or not!

Your very membership indicates your understanding of our situation and your desire to participate in group actions necessary to insure happy, healthy and secure retirement years. Participation is the key word here; and, we need the interest and support of every member in order to be successful in our endeavors.

Have you ever asked yourself: “What does NARFE Membership Mean to Me”? Every member should occasionally spend a few moments reflecting on this question. Sometimes we are so caught up in the daily stresses of just living that we forget to focus on our basic priorities – like annuities, COLAs, decent and affordable health care and life insurance plans, etc. Now that most of us are on fixed incomes, these are the issues that should be foremost in our minds and actions. The next question is: “What can I do to help”?

We all have limited amounts of time, talent, energy, and physical abilities; and, only we can answer this question for ourselves. But, please consider these suggestions in determining your decisions. Be Informed! Read your magazine each month; attend as many chapter meetings, conventions, as possible; visit the HQ and MN web sites frequently – they contain a wealth of information. Possess the “SPIRIT of NARFE!” NARFE is not just any organization! It is a cause unto itself. It is our benefit insurance plan. It will continue to pay us (and our survivors) dividends the rest of our lives – AND, you could not find cheaper insurance premiums anywhere.

So, Do What You Can to HELP! If you can lead – LEAD! If you cannot lead, then ASSIST! I do not know a single volunteer worker in NARFE that would turn down good help if it were offered. If you cannot assist – SUPPORT! All of our leaders (whether beginners or burned out old timers who refuse to abandon the cause) would love to feel our support and our thanks. AND, most important of all – the one thing that all of us CAN do – Be sure our dues are paid on time, or better yet, try dues withholding. Our numbers are our strength! Without them, we have no leverage with Congress. We just cannot afford to reflect decreasing numbers. So, I encourage you – DO NOT BE APATHETIC – JOIN the TEAM -- (Together Everyone Accomplishes More!) Always remember –

BECAUSE YOU ASKED !

Several inquiries have been received from chapters recently asking different questions about th operational functions of the MN Federation Board.  For example:

How are the funds managed?

Where Does the Money Go?

What Does the Federation Do For the Chapters?

What Has the Federation Accomplished Lately?

To answer these questions and to make the information available and easy to share, the three attachments were generated.  CHAPTER OFFICERS - Please share this information with your chapters and discuss it at your next meeting.  This information is being posted on the MN Web Site, the NARFE Net and the April Federation Bulletin to insure maximum distribution.

Also, if there are other questions or confusing procedures that have been "bugging" you, please let me know so we can take action to avoid any confusion or lack of communication between the chapters and the Federation Board.  We are here to serve you, BUT, we must hear from you to be of assistance.  The following articles are attached.  I hope you find them helpful:

Expenditure of NARFE MN Federation Funds

Federation Assistance Available to Chapters

Brief History of MN Federation Accomplishments

Feel free to contact me at:  mburkett1@mindspring.com.

MARY BURKETT
MN FEDERATION VICE PRESIDENT/MEMBERSHIP

FEDERATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO CHAPTERS (pdf file)

EXPENDITURE OF NARFE MN FEDERATION FUNDS (pdf file)

BRIEF HISTORY OF MN FEDERATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS (pdf file)

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRS – are encouraged to monitor your chapter’s monthly M-112 computer reports regularly. Please make phone and/or letter contact with all new members, second notice members, dropped members; and, reinstated members. We need your help to improve our retention numbers. Please make this a PRIORITY! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact me.

DO YOU APPRECIATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP? Please ask to discuss my recent letter sent to all Chapter Presidents and Secretaries, “Membership Thoughts for the New Year,” at your next chapter meeting. Please let me know your thoughts. Remember, “Membership Appreciation Guarantees Renewals! ”

New Officers needed -- Click here to find out more

The subject article will also appear on the NARFE Net in order to make it available to more members. Please discuss it at your chapter meetings, use some of the suggestions, and especially come up with better ideas of your own. Retention is really a serious issue and we must begin to take any actions we can think of to decrease our dropped numbers.

So, ask yourself - Do you really appreciate your membership? Can you explain it to others in a convincing manner? Can you name 5-10 reasons why membership is important to you?

Please, please, please - DO NOT TAKE YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR GRANTED! Be Informed, educate yourself about NARFE issues and benefits and MOST OF ALL -- APPRECIATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP, BECOME ACTIVE AND HELP NARFE SURVIVE! IF I CAN HELP IN ANY WAY, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

As we leave another year behind us and our thoughts and hopes for NARFE in the New Year begin to materialize, there is one critical challenge which we CANNOT fail to conquer and that, of course, is our alarming rate of increasing nonrenewals! It is quite apparent that what has been tried in the past has been ineffective. We can no longer be complacent, accept the status quo, and hope somehow tomorrow will be better. As was stated repeatedly during our recent political campaigns, the definition of insanity is “to continue to do the same things, in the same ways, and expect a different outcome!” What we obviously need is C H A N G E!

It has been more than several years now since our membership numbers at the end of the year have reflected an overall increase. BUT – What is the problem? It is difficult, if not impossible, to fix what you cannot identify! Many reasons have been suggested; and, I am sure they have all had an influence to some degree or other, in prolonging the problem. After considerable thought and mind-searching, allow me to share with you some factors that I believe have a significant impact and, I have yet to see or hear them expressed elsewhere.

I have asked myself many times – “Why would someone join an organization, whose sole purpose is to protect their income and benefits after retirement, and then make the decision to abandon their membership? Here are the reasons I believe are the root causes, either independently or in combination:

And, so, if these be the causes – what are the cures?? I believe the cure is simple and expressed in one word only –

If you care about or appreciate something – you do not abandon it! You cherish and protect it! Therefore, the answer we need to find is – How do we get members, both current and new, to be aware of and appreciate the value of their membership??

There are probably as many ways to do this as there are stars in the sky – so we must pick and choose what we think will work best for our own members/chapters.

The first thing I would suggest is that we need a slogan or unifying symbol of some kind. Something that identifies our problem and our goal and our sincerity to achieve victory.

And, so, I propose the following slogan that we could all adopt, use at every opportunity, and unite together with the sole purpose of dramatically reducing nonrenewal numbers in our state:

The National Executive Board recently adopted a new slogan for NARFE, in general, which I think is a great idea for national unity. However, in order to correct the critical and serious threat that nonrenewals are causing, I think this problem deserves its very own slogan in order to increase and highlight its significance. It would place emphasis and focus on the appreciation that we must promote and foster. We cannot survive if these negative numbers continue to thrive and increase year after year after year.

Some ideas that I would suggest each and every chapter try are listed on the attachment.

These ideas are just a beginning. I am sure that each chapter will be able to think of and practice many more similar creative ideas that might foster appreciation.

Also consider – a sense of membership appreciation needs to be emphasized to current members as well as new members. Otherwise, we soon accept the status quo and start taking our membership benefits for granted and minimizing them. Remember – without appreciation – value is soon diminished or lost entirely.

If any of you have any ideas or suggestions you would like to share, be sure to let me know. Let’s all pledge to work hard this year together ---- to make a difference in 2009, to promote appreciation, and hopefully, to show improvement in our MN nonrenewal numbers.

This letter is addressed to chapter presidents; however, it is directed to ALL members, and I would appreciate it if chapter presidents would share and discuss it thoroughly at their next few meetings and all throughout the new year.

Give these ideas a try – AND, add any others that come to mind:
Adopt a Membership Slogan & use it frequently in every way possible; e.g., - -
“Membership Appreciation Guarantees Renewals”

Appoint Membership Committee vice only one officer.
Faithfully monitor monthly M-112 Reports.
Contact ALL new members, 2nd notices, dropped, & reinstated members – personal touch counts!
Always recognize new members &/or ACTIVE members frequently at chapter meetings.
Consider “Big Brother/Sister” assignments.
Educate all members on NARFE benefits.
Establish short “NARFE Q&A Sessions” at each meeting.
Review NARFE magazine “hot topic” issues.
Devote one entire program to “NARFE Member Education” ea. yr.
Encourage members to describe NARFE benefits they appreciate.
Hold essay contest on “What NARFE Membership Means to Me.”
Read or post entries at meetings or in newsletter.
Award small “prize” at chapter meeting for member who can list or name most benefits membership provides, OR make it a game.
All members stand; each identifies a different membership benefit; if member cannot name a different benefit, they must sit down.
Last member standing is the winner.
Establish & use phone trees for monthly meetings & other important events.
Encourage member participation & acknowledge ALL accomplishments.
Have Suggestion Box available at all meetings.
And so on, and so on, and so on …….

Resolutions will be discussed at the 2011 MN State Convention in May. Your chapters will be receiving advance copies soon for you to discuss at your next few chapter meetings. Please express your thoughts and opinions so your delegates will know how you want them to vote on the issues.

Information Pending - Please try again later.

(DETAILED INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE BLOCK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDARS SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON IMPORTANT NARFE EVENTS.)

2011

HEALTH FAIR VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECEIVE THANKS: Volunteer workers from Minneapolis Chapter #0150 received thanks and calendars for 2011 from Mary Burkett, 1st VP/Membership. From left to right: Mary Hayden, Mark Hayden, Clayton Olson, Nancy Courteau, Mary Ann Kelly. Not pictured are: Adrian Swanson and Mary Sauer.

SPECIAL THANKS ALSO GO TO HEALTH FAIR WORKERS FROM OUTSTATE AREAS: The following chapters also represented NARFE at the outstate locations in their respective areas: Duluth Chapter #0106; Mankato Chapter #0282; Rochester Chapter #0391; and St Cloud Chapter #0644.

HEALTH FAIR VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECEIVE THANKS: Volunteer workers from St. Paul Chapter #0140 and White Bear Lake Chapter #1232 received thanks and calendars for 2011 from Mary Burkett, 1st VP/Membership. From left to right Back Row: Scott Halstead, #1232 President; Frank Paterson, #1232; Elaine Bryan #0140; Roxanne Ianovich, $0140; and Linda Cincotta, #1232. Front Row left to right: Art Lemke, #0140; and Jim Bryan, #0140. Not pictured: Larry Benson, #0140; Bernie Klein, #0140; Joe Noeker, #0140; and Sue Organovich, #0140.