This is Felicia Bruce. I am excited to be the new President of RC 43. I have served as Vice President of our NYSUT Retiree Council in Florida, for more than two terms.
Recently Deb Peterson announced that she would not be seeking another term as President but would like to continue representing RC43 as a delegate. The usual transfer of office takes place immediately following our Annual Conference. However, with all NYSUT meetings canceled until at least October 1st, the RC 43 Executive Board has agreed to a transition effective immediately. That means that I am stepping into BIG SHOES effective immediately.
There is much to be said and more to be done as the times are rapidly changing.
FIRST, I need to acknowledge the enormous contribution Deb has made to our organization. It has been an honor to work with her and learn from her.
SECOND, I hope this email finds you safe and well. These are difficult times and there is no precedent to draw from so we must support each other. The Executive Board is here for you. JUST ASK....
This virus has changed EVERYTHING and impacted us all in a variety of ways we could never have imagined!
THIRD: I hope you completed your 2020 census. If not, it is still possible to do so online by going to census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020 (The deadline is extended).
FOURTH: If you are available to help in the upcoming campaigns, your time, energy and talents are MOST WELCOME. NYSUT has set up virtual phone banks that you can join! Stay at home. Stay in your pj's. STAY THE COURSE....
The most pressing legislation facing US now is the HEROES ACT. And your efforts will make a difference in getting it passed. Below is some information to help you make sense of it. Please call your two Republican senators, Rick Scott 202-224-5274 and Marco Rubio 202-224-3041 to urge them to support the HEROES ACT.
FINALLY: We want you to be part of the growth and expansion of our RC 43 group. Please reach out to me at 772-409-4560 (landline) to discuss the ideas you have to help grow us and options (officer in a reconstituted unit? Start a new unit? Officer with the Ex Bd such as Secretary, VP, newsletter editor, FB / web page coordinator ? ) Whatever your talents and available time constraints, WE WELCOME YOU !!!!
Thank you for all you have done....now is a good time to continue your good works! Unionists never give up...we are always ready to fight the good fights !
Stay safe and well. I look forward to all we have to share in the coming days and years.
Yours in solidarity,
Felicia