From the President

To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests.

To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate authorities.

To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives.

As I assume my duties as NARFE national president, I want to assure all members that NARFE will continue its history of success as an advocacy organization. Chapters have played an important role in NARFE’s history by helping members connect and get involved in local and national activities. Organizations must build on such traditions to evolve, survive and thrive.

NARFE is facing a big challenge in membership recruitment. As an organization, we must put a renewed emphasis on recruiting, retention, and reinstatement. If NARFE is going to attract more active federal employees into the organization, a change in the way we do business is vital.

After more than 100 years, it is appropriate for NARFE to move to a new model. We can accomplish this task by adjusting its direction, with emphasis on including chapter members and national-only members in recruitment and legislative events. We can’t sit back and expect that the staff at headquarters will solve this crisis. Every one of us possesses the unique ability to speak from the heart and from experience. Word of mouth and personal experience are powerful tools that can attract federal employees to become new members. But this is not enough to conquer the challenge. I know that many of you will use the excuse that we can’t get access to federal buildings, but that does not mean that we should stop recruiting. We can’t become complacent or have the attitude that someone else can do it. We need you to tap into your can-do spirit and apply that to recruiting new members. I believe we can do that and turn the tide on membership numbers, but only with your help.

Over the past two years, while serving as chair of the Membership Advisory Committee, I had the pleasure of working with Dave Bowman, NARFE’s former Senior Director for Membership Development. Dave was very instrumental in the development of FEDHub. He envisioned that FEDHub would be a “package deal” with NARFE NewsLine and other online communications to reach potential new members. Prior to his departure from NARFE, he and I spoke about FEDHub becoming the main conduit to gain access, albeit electronically, to the human resources offices of the various federal agencies. Through FEDHub, HR personnel would become aware of the various webinars offered by the Federal Benefits Institute. Knowledge of the quantity and quality of these webinars can help NARFE expand brand awareness and tap into new member segments. I intend to make FEDHub work for us.

I appreciate all members and their work for NARFE over the years. We must work together to address the challenges that OUR organization faces. I am confident that I am prepared to meet these challenges. Members require someone who will listen and address their concerns, and the lines of communication between myself and the membership will always be open for both suggestions and constructive criticism. I will look to you for your support so that together, we can move NARFE forward.

natpres@narfe.org