State Legislation 2009 talking points
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Bill Martin, VFC President August 2008 - |
Dave Smith, VFC President |
WELCOME TO VIRGINIA
Welcome to the Virginia Federation of Chapters website www.vanarfe.org. We are part of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Within the Virginia Federation there are 56 local chapters representing over 20,000 members serving current, former and retired federal employees, as well as, spouses and survivor annuitants.
Our primary mission is to support legislation beneficial to current and potential federal annuitants and to oppose legislation contrary to their interests. We work with other senior organizations seeking to protect benefits and potential adverse legislation at the national and state levels. We must all work together to be successful in this mission.
The Virginia Federation is divided into ten areas with an area vice president serving as the link between their respective chapters and the federation. In addition there are six program committee chairs covering Alzheimer’s, Membership, National Legislation, Public Relations, Service and State Legislation. The voting VFC Board members include the Executive Committee (President, 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer), ten Area Vice Presidents, six program chairs and the Immediate Past President.
The Federation’s theme this year is "Working Together Today for a Better Tomorrow ” The life of NARFE begins with its members being involved in the local chapters. The federation’s roll is to assist the chapters in getting their work done through guidance, program training, leadership development, providing pertinent information, serving as speakers and encouraging National and State legislator contacts.
We are concentrating on ways to increase our membership through recruitment activities and to face the challenges in retaining our members over the long haul. Special activities supported by the Federation include federal agency pre-retirement seminar participation, health fairs, TRIAD (law enforcement programs supporting seniors), Postal conventions and seminars for current federal employees.
Please take the time to visit some of the links above and down the left side of the webpage. Particularly visit the current events items, along with List of Chapters, Federation Officers, Program Chair web pages and link to NARFE National Headquarters. If you are not already a member of NARFE, please join today by clicking on www.narfe.org and complete the application on line.
Bill Martin ,
VFC President
September 2008
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TEN THINGS THE VIRGINIA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS (VFC) DOES FOR YOU
- REPRESENTS federal retirees/employees within the state. NARFE/VFC is the
only organization lobbying for our earned rights/retiree benefits at the state
level. Bear in mind that no U.S. Congress or Virginia General Assembly can
be relied upon to treat us fairly or with concern ...VFC has to take the initiative.
- PROVIDES a unified voice in Richmond when dealing with the governor and
the General Assembly and educates state legislators and local officials about
concerns of federal retirees/employees. It helps state legislators refine
proposed bills affecting us all.
- PROMOTES the objectives of NARFE throughout Virginia. The VFC is the logical
organization to set specific and attainable goals for the chapters to support
within the state, in accomplishing the objectives of National Headquarters. VFC speaks for
all Virginia members on National NARFE policy issues.
- FACILITATES effective group action to accomplish common objectives. By establishing
a viable political base at the grassroots level, it channels member efforts
so as to avoid personal agendas, narrow political viewpoints and pet peeves.
- TRAINS local NARFE chapter officers, committee chairs and area coordinators
in order to provide top quality leadership skills for the furtherance of common
goals.
- COMMUNICATES with members and the public-at-large about issues of concern
to federal retirees/employees. VFC provides a larger voice than that of any
single chapter.
- MAINTAINS a state political fund (VFC State Political Account) to support political candidates who share
NARFE's and VFC’s legislative goals.
- MOBILIZES volunteer resources existing in chapters in ongoing support of
causes vital to NARFE members. Advocates NARFE's national legislative agenda and the VFC's state Legislative agenda.
- ADVISES chapters on effective ways of carrying out various functions such
as membership, services, and public relations benefiting federal retiree/employees.
VFC has the unique capability through its area vice presidents to monitor
chapter activities and provide assistance when needed.
- SERVES as a vehicle for the exchange of ideas among members about programs/actions of benefit to federal retirees/employees through its annual convention, the VANARFE VFC official email network, the VFC web site, www.vanarfe.org, and the "VFC Notes" (the VFC newsletter). (April 2006)
VFC SERVES 56 LOCAL CHAPTERS
Representing some 20,000 NARFE Members in Virginia
NARFE'S - FOCUS IS ON YOUR FUTURE
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Email to VFC web master.
Email to Chapter web master.