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UNITY RETIREE COMMITTEE

Update from the Chairs Newsletter

March 2026 | Strengthening Engagement, Communication, and Advocacy

Chair Update

This update highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen retiree engagement, coordinate outreach, and support member communication and advocacy across the Unity community.

Section 1: Coordinated Campaign Communication

A unified communications approach is being implemented to support outreach and engagement across the Unity network. Messaging, digital content, and social media activity are being aligned to increase visibility and maintain consistent communication.

Retirees continue to play an important role as trusted voices — helping share information, engage colleagues, and strengthen communication across professional networks.

What We're Building

  • Aligned messaging across outreach efforts
  • Consistent digital and social media content
  • Clear ways for members to amplify accurate information
Section 2: Retiree Engagement and Outreach

Retiree engagement remains a priority within broader member outreach efforts. Personal conversations, testimonials, and participation in events continue to be effective ways to build relationships and strengthen connections.

Focus Areas

  • Encouraging retiree-to-member conversations
  • Expanding outreach through personal networks
  • Supporting engagement in schools and professional communities
  • Reaching members in smaller schools or locations with limited organizational presence
Our strength is relationships. Outreach grows when members hear from people they know and trust.
Section 3: Retiree Contact Information Updates

Work is underway to review and update the Unity retiree contact list, which currently includes approximately 1,000 individuals. The goal is to work with the Unity Membership Committee to improve accuracy while protecting member data.

By the Numbers

1,000 Contacts in Current List (Approx.)
Ongoing Verification & Updates
Secure Limited Access & Data Protection

Guiding Principles for the Update

  • Verifying current contact information
  • Updating outdated or incomplete records
  • Ensuring data security and limited access
  • Organizing volunteer support to assist with updates

Reliable contact information strengthens every outreach and engagement effort.

Section 4: Coordination Across Subcommittees

Efforts are continuing to strengthen coordination among subcommittees and working groups to ensure alignment and efficiency.

Key Priorities

  • Improving communication between the taskforce, subcommittees, and other Unity Committees
  • Sharing updates on outreach and initiatives
  • Coordinating engagement activities across groups
  • Reducing duplication of efforts

Regular collaboration will help streamline planning and improve overall coordination.

Section 5: Functional Chapter Engagement

Additional outreach is being developed with functional chapters and professional groups. Expanding engagement with these professional communities strengthens relationships and ensures consistent communication across member groups.

Functional Chapter / initial Groups Engagement Focus
Social Workers Strengthen communication and outreach through professional networks
Psychologists Support targeted engagement and consistent member updates
Guidance Counselors Build relationships and expand outreach to schools and communities
Paraprofessionals Ensure Unity messaging reaches all member groups effectively

How Retirees Help

Retirees who maintain connections within specific schools or functional groups can play an important role in supporting targeted outreach.

Section 6: Events and Member Engagement

A range of programs and engagement opportunities is being developed to support retirees and strengthen community connections. These activities are designed to provide resources while also creating opportunities for continued participation and connection.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

  • Educational discussions on healthcare transitions
  • Informational sessions on navigating the union's online resources
  • Borough-based social gatherings
  • Wellness initiatives, outreach, including book clubs, and travel excursions
  • Technology assistance sessions
Section 7: Advocacy and Political Engagement

Opportunities are expanding for retirees to participate in advocacy and political engagement activities that support members and retirees.

Participation Opportunities

  • Volunteer outreach activities
  • Participation in advocacy campaigns
  • Engagement in issue-focused initiatives
  • Supporting communication and outreach efforts

These efforts help broaden participation and strengthen engagement across the retiree community.

Section 8: Communications and Social Media Engagement

A coordinated social media approach is being developed to expand communication and increase visibility. Members are encouraged to support official content by liking posts, sharing updates, and commenting to increase visibility.

Digital Content in Development

  • Testimonial videos
  • Written endorsements
  • Shareable graphics
  • Short digital messaging content
Section 9: Looking Ahead

Several initiatives are underway to support continued engagement and coordination across the Unity retiree community.

  • Updating retiree contact information
  • Strengthening collaboration across committees
  • Expanding engagement opportunities
  • Developing communication and outreach resources
  • Coordinating timelines for upcoming activities and events

Internal Communication | Unity Leadership

Ready to Strengthen Engagement?

Help Expand Unity Retiree Participation and Visibility

This work moves when members take clear, consistent steps, sharing accurate information, reaching out through trusted relationships, and helping connect colleagues to opportunities to participate.

If you have the capacity to support outreach, committee coordination, event participation, data updates, advocacy, or communications, there is a role for you.

How to Support Right Now
Have a retiree-to-member conversation and share key updates
Amplify official digital content (like, share, comment)
Join an outreach or engagement activity when opportunities are shared
To Connect and Get Involved, Contact:

Sterling Roberson

Doreen Crinigan