September 25, 2023
WSARA 2023 Convention
The WA State Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans (WSARA) held its 2023 Annual Convention in person on September 12. Laurie Weidner from the Retired Public Employees Council of WA and Rick Olson from Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees were both re-elected to new 3-year terms by their union caucuses. They were sworn into office by former WSARA President Ron McGaha.
ARA Executive Director Rich Fiesta joined with members by Zoom to provide information on retiree issues and the senior vote and Fuse Washington Communications Hub staff Reiny Cohen and Abigail Leong conducted a workshop on Digital Organizing for Seniors.
Three WSARA Senior Champions Awards were presented. WA State Senator Karen Keiser sent an acceptance video for her Elected Official award. And the Retiree Advocate Award was shared by Retired Public Employees Council of Washington and Washington Education Association-Retired.
Above: Laurie Weidner accepted on behalf RPEC of WA, WSARA President Jackie Boschok, and Mary Lindsey accepted on behalf of WEA-Retired.
President Boschok concluded the meeting with information on the impact of ageism on everyone and why celebrating the upcoming Ageism Awareness Day on October 7th is an opportunity to raise awareness about ageism and help shift attitudes toward older Americans.
