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Thirty-three Arizona NARFE members just returned from the 2009 Region VII Conference that was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming and hosted by the six chapters comprising the Wyoming Federation. Over 130 members from Region VII federations (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) attended the Conference.

Margaret Baptiste, National President, was the keynote speaker. Dan Adcock, NARFE Legislative Director, gave two presentations. Several members of the Arizona delegation lead group sessions. Merv Stuckey, Arizona Past Federation President, gave a very informative power-point presentation about the “Structure of NARFE”. Leon Gordon from Chapter 1400, Sierra Vista, lead a knowledgeable session about being a Service Officer. Jane and Vern Pall, from Tucson Chapter 55, presented a unique overview about Chapter Operations and Procedures.

President Baptiste spoke at length and answered questions about the Dues Referendum, explaining that National Headquarters is not against chapters, but is opposed to stagnant chapters, and is not trying to boss chapters around. The intent of the NARFE (association) dues is to stem the decline in membership retention and rejuvenate NARFE. When members resist renewing their membership we should remind them of all that NARFE has done for them lately and ask them, “Does any other organization do for you what NARFE does?”

When speaking about Legislative Issues, Dan highlighted NARFE's successes in assuring equitable treatment on the $250 February stimulus and the improvements in the Thrift Savings Plan. He also discussed those issues that are pending such as the FERS sick leave legislation and possibility of FERS employees being able to redeposit previously withdrawn retirement contributions. He explained what NARFE has done to assure that all those on Medicare Part B are treated equitably under the hold harmless provisions whether they do or do not receive Social Security. During his presentation on Grass Roots Organization, he spoke about the most effective methods members can use when contacting their legislators. He emphasized that “Legislation is everybody's business”. One letter to a congressman will not be effective but many letters on the same issue will be noticed. To be effective, advocate vigorously, don't take no for an answer, but be respectful and be persistent.

As a result of several threats to our FEHBP benefits, an e-mail request was sent to all members for whom NARFE has e-mail addresses. Dan announced that over 6,000 members responded by using the Legislative Action Center to send letters in defense of FEHBP to their Senators. Unfortunately only 15 percent of our members have included their e-mail addresses in their NARFE membership records. Can you image what our response could have been if all members with internet capability had provided NARFE with their e-mail addresses? All chapters need to inform their members of the importance of including their e-mail addresses in their membership records. NARFE does not provide members e-mail addresses to the NARFE Perks Partners or any other entity. If we are to be effective advocates in protecting our benefits, we must convince our members of the importance of including their e-mail addresses in their NARFE membership records so they can receive the weekly hotline messages and any action alerts, plus the significance of their responsibility to respond to such action alerts.

Currently there are 5,271 NARFE chapter members in Arizona. In the past eight months we have lost 221 voting members. Because of the declining membership, the Arizona Federation is announcing a Recruiting Contest that will run for six months. Any member who recruits a member has an opportunity to win one of three cash prizes. The more members recruited, the larger the cash prizes. Read more about the contest in the Oct/Nov newsletter. All chapter members are eligible to participate. The winners will be announced at the 2010 Arizona Federation Convention to be held April 11 - 13 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.