President’s Message

November 2024

Change is in the air. It is that time of year! The weather is changing! Leaves are falling! Winter is coming! These are realities which we cannot control. 
However, other changes we can initiate, experiment, talk about and ultimately make choices. What am I talking about? The Edmonton Retired Teachers’ Association (ERTA) is looking at all things ERTA. We are finding many things good – but we are also hearing calls to be more efficient and to try more options for engaging our members. 
The real positive is that more people are offering help if they are given meaningful input. We have added a highly successful travel symposium, that is leading us to host a travel club. We have now held several tasting events (wine and beer so far with more to come). Numerous suggestions for one-time activities are being shared with our board and with our program committee. While we will not be able to do all these things at once it is good to see what interests people. 
On the organizational front we are also hearing suggestions for alternative payment methods, different ways for signing up for events and for renewing membership. In addition, we are looking at our policies and procedures. Look for changes to come with a new mission and vision statement (now in the drafting stage), a new budget plan and so much more. We know Rome was not built in a year and the same thing can be said of ERTA–now 60 years old. 
Stay tuned–it will be exciting to see what the future holds. In the meantime, dress for the weather and stay warm! 

Ed Butler 
President 
Edmonton Retired Teachers’

Ed Butler,
Presidenterta@gmail.com
Ph:  780.461.0261