Q1 Why are there BCRTA committees?

BCRTA committees exist to advise the board on issues that are of concern to retired teachers and other seniors. BCRTA members may bring forward their concerns to the committees.

Q2What are the BCRTA committees?

The current committees of the BCRTA are Social Concerns, Health and Housing, Heritage, Postscript, Membership, Advocacy, Finance, Pension and Benefits, Excellence in Education, and Personnel. A member of the Board of Directors chairs each committee.

Q3  How are committee members selected?

Committee members are directors and often volunteers, retired teachers who have expressed an interest, perhaps at a Delegate's day or AGM. Committee members are recommended to the Board by the chair of a committee. No committee can have more than seven members, plus the chair.

Q4   How many committees can a member be on?

Committee members are asked to be on two committees to reduce the cost of bringing committee members to Vancouver for meetings. Seldom are they on more than two committees.

Q5   What are the responsibilities of each of the committees?

a) The Social Concerns Committee keeps up to date with critical issues that impact the quality of life of members. This committee reviews issues related to the environment, estate planning, access to information, scams and fraud, and elder abuse, to name only a few.

b) The Health and Housing Committee provides substantive information for BCRTA members and seniors on ·

The federal and provincial aspects of Medicare, Pharmacare, and housing for seniors, including public and private costs ·

The preparation of proactive responses to any changes that will impact the costs, and/or quality of care and the timeliness of care that seniors will receive ·

The development of a Quality of Life program to help seniors to remain as healthy and independent as possible as they age

c) The Heritage Committee encourages the preservation of our educational heritage. It encourages Branches to document and retain the educational history of their area. Branches may apply for a grant to do this work.

d) Postscript communicates with the members of the BCRTA. Members are welcome to advertise in this newsmagazine. As well, most Branches have their own newsletter or communication vehicle for keeping members informed.

e) The Membership Committee encourages all persons eligible for membership to join the BCRTA and assists members in the formation and operation of Branches.

f) The Advocacy Committee develops materials and strategies that inform members and encourage them to take proactive positions in support of issues affecting their well being.

g) The Finance Committee oversees the Association's income and expenditures, manages a cost-effective organization, and reviews the investment of the Association's monies.

h) The Pension and Benefits Committee monitors the economic security of the membership and recommends policy affecting the Pension Plan, benefit and insurance programs.

i) The Excellence in Public Education Committee recognizes outstanding educational practices within the BC K-12 system.

Q6   How can I find out more about committees?

More information is available on web site. Also, you can contact the President or the office for more information.