CRTA Area V Members,

Today Area V Leaders convened at Asilomar Conference Grounds to prepare
for the CRTA Convention in Santa Clara, May17-21.  Earl Cornwell, Area V
Director, called the meeting to order with introductions by 35+
attendees, cheerfully welcomed.

Earl provided information for convention delegates, area caucuses, five
amendments, and the Sunday/Monday's leadership training which will be
available to all officers.  A handbook was provided regarding the CRTA
Political Action Committee (PAC).  This will allow CRTA to be politically
active, once in place.  Information is being sent to the members.

The details of the Rapid Response Program was presented by Elaine Tersol,
Communications Chair.  All major newspapers are reviewed by a service to
provide articles of CRTA concern to Ed Ely.  He then prepares a response
letter to be sent to newspapers by a local CRTA officer.  Thereby
creating greater public awareness of retired teacher's situations.

Legislation update was provided by Irene Wetzel, Legislation Chair.  The
Legislative Platform provides guidance for selecting legislation to
support in three areas: retirement, health benefits, and public
education.  This selection became the basis of the Legislative Action
Plan 2006

Strategies for division implementation was presented by Curt Parker,
Associate Legislation Chair.  With a little insight into motivating
legislators, he concluded members contacting legislators is when the
action counts.  Members make the difference!

CRTA Strategic Planning is an annual leadership interaction which creates
"sub-goals" to meet our overwhelming goals.  Ann Hansen discussed our
success through strategic planning.

Yes, everyone agreed that our new CRTA website is a grand success.  Julie
Costantino, Website Committee, announced the Website Committee is now a
standing committee.  There is two parts to the web site: public and
members.  For members to sign in, use the number on the address label of
Contact and last name.  Visit  http://www.calrta.org/  now and learn
current information.

Resolutions supported by a number of divisions, were presented by Larry
Burke, President Division 23.  There was keen interest in the idea of
preparing for 2011, when the current retirement plans sunset for active
teachers.  Also, there was focus on the need for CRTA to have regular
advocates attending the STRS and advisory committee, same as CTA and
other groups.

Frank Broz, Membership Chair, announced we are at an all time high, about
53,000 members.

Much appreciation goes to Earl and Virginia Cornwell for a well planned
and meaningful event.
Cheers and Happy Anniversary,
Irene Wetzel, CRTA Area V Legislation Chair, www.crtav.org
1682 El Cerrito Court, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805)543-2145   iawetzel@juno.com