RPEC Launches Redesigned Member Website
Our new website, https://rpecwa.org/, is live! RPEC has spent the past year meeting with Council leaders, chapter leaders, and members, determining their needs and wishes in a redesigned organizational website. This new site will provide our leaders and members with the tools, resources, news, and information that will help RPEC continue to grow and align with our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
Please note that a majority of areas on our new website are password protected to give value to the information available to you as a member of RPEC. Gaining access is a simple process.
- Navigate in your browser to https://rpecwa.org/
- On the blue menu bar, move your cursor over to Member Area and the menu will expand.
- Move your mouse over My Account, and then click on Register New Account. (Or just click this link: https://rpecwa.org/register/).
- Enter your name and email address and choose a password (please write this down so you do not forget), then click Submit.
That’s all there is to it! We will verify your membership and approve your registration within one business day so that you can then log on to the website (again, on the menu under Member Area, My Account, select Member Login or through this link: https://rpecwa.org/member-login/). Once logged in, you have access to all content on the website, including news stories, our digital content featuring recorded videos, webinars & the new RPEC podcast, and much, much more.
If you have any problems along the way, please let us know at info@rpecwa.org and we will be happy to assist you. We hope that you enjoy this reformatted and redesigned communication tool.
Listen to RPEC On Air today!
The first two episodes of RPEC On Air, our new podcast, are now available on the RPEC website. RPEC On Air will feature special guests including RPEC members, the Council Office team, affiliate partners, and experts in fields and topics that are of interest to RPEC members. The podcast is a conversational, audio-only medium that you can listen to on your computer or mobile phone on most podcast and music-hosting platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Pandora, in addition to the RPEC website. Listen from the comfort of your home while you’re cooking or cleaning, and even when you’re on the go, like walking or driving!
This is a collective effort! Members play a huge role in developing and growing the podcast. Do you have a message or story to share about retirement, or maybe something revolutionary that you experienced during your time as an active public sector employee? Are there topics and guests you would like to hear about? If you have something to share but don’t necessarily want to appear as a guest on the show, we are happy to read your story on the podcast for you.
We highly encourage members to reach out to podcast@rpecwa.org or (360) 352-8262, ext. 100, with any suggestions, questions, feedback, etc. Enjoy!
Convention Delegates
The Biennial RPEC Convention is an essential aspect of our organization and its governance structure. At Convention, Statewide Executive Board members are elected, proposed resolutions are considered, RPEC’s priorities are set for the next 2 years, and members enjoy the experience of working and socializing with fellow members. Each chapter is allotted a number of delegates based on their total membership, and it is crucial that as many delegates as possible attend the convention. Your chapter needs sufficient representation when RPEC’s direction is being decided for the 2 years following Convention. Any member, new or not, is encouraged to consider being a delegate for their chapter.
If you’re interested, please reach out to your chapter president. If you don’t have your president’s contact information, you can contact the RPEC office at (360) 352-8262, ext. 106.
For more information, please visit: https://rpecwa.org/convention/
Supporting Older Americans in Navigating Health Care Choices
Older Americans Month is a time to think about how we can better serve older adults in our communities and acknowledge their contributions to society. If you are passionate about helping others and are looking for ways to stay active in retirement, consider becoming a Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options. The SHIBA program is a service that’s offered through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), and its function is to provide free, unbiased, and confidential help with Medicare, including determining general eligibility for health care coverage programs, comparing Medicare plans and programs, providing Medicare enrollment help, and even speaking with 1-800-MEDICARE on clients’ behalf.
As we approach open enrollment season later this year, SHIBA needs more volunteers, especially in the Tri Cities and Walla Walla areas. No prior experience or knowledge about Medicare is needed. You will be provided with all the necessary training and tools, and SHIBA has a variety of volunteer positions. All you need is a passion for learning and helping others!
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to know more about the program, visit the website at https://www.insurance.wa.gov/become-statewide-health-insurance-benefits-advisor-shiba-volunteer.
Upcoming Events:
Please refer to our calendar page for more information for each event, including links to Zoom meetings, if available.
- June 7 – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- June 10 – Leadership Training Part A (10:00 am)
- June 13 – Public Employees Benefits Board (9:00 am)
- June 13 – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
- June 14 – Leadership Training Part B: AFSCME Financial Standards (10:00 am)
- June 14 – Political Action Committee (2:00 pm)
- June 18 – Select Committee on Pension Policy (10:00 am)
- June 19 – Council Office closed, Juneteenth
- June 27 – Public Employees Benefits Board (9:00 am)
- June 27 – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
- July 4 – Council Office closed, Independence Day
- July 5 – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)