July 22, 2022
Hello Friends,

Education Summer kicked off this week and it was so great to share space with members from all over the state who are excited to strengthen their local unions!

In other good news, the Green Bay City Council voted to allocate the funds necessary to expand early voting hours to its citizens. It was no coincidence that this measure passed with flying colors - we packed the room! People from labor unions, nursing homes, schools and all over Green Bay turned out to share why expanding voting hours helps our democracy.

As we near August, it is time for planning how to welcome those new hires to the district and your local union! I hope you will join us on Tuesday, August 9th at 9am on zoom for Union Greetings! The workshop will be led by leaders from Pulaski EA and Seymour EA to share best practices on building your team, how to talk to new hires and how to ask them to be part of your union. (Registration link below).

In Solidarity,
Kristin Lytie
Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:

August 2, Tuesday, Zone D North & South Meeting, via Zoom 6PM
 
August 3, Wednesday, Zone B Meeting, via Zoom 4PM
 
August 8, Monday, Zone C Meeting at The Bar on Lynndale & Northland, Appleton, 4PM

l-r: Justin Delfosse (R3); JamieLynn Teska (Southern Door); Gov. Evers; and Kristin Lytie (R3)

Governor Tony Evers in Green Bay! 
Staff and Leaders from Region 3 welcomed Tony Evers to Green Bay this week. Evers discussed the importance of continuing to fight for women's health services and funding for public education. We have an ally in Tony and we need to make sure he's reelected in the fall. If you are interested in working on the fall election (and getting paid to do so), email region3@weac.org!
Join Early at No Extra Cost
WEAC EARLY ENROLLMENT
 
When you become a member of your local association, WEAC and NEA,
by completing an early enrollment membership form, you pay nothing
until September 1 and immediately receive:
 
  • $1 million in coverage under the Educator Employment Liability (EEL) insurance to protect you if a student or parent sues you during the course of employment
  • Discounts and savings through NEA Member Benefits (www.neamb.com)
  • Savings through WEA Member Benefits (www.weabenefits.com)
 
At the start of the school year, you will enjoy the full benefits of membership
including:
 
  • Representation through your local and region in employment disputes
  • Eligibility for assistance through the WEAC Legal Services Program in matters related to your employment
  • Access to the Attorney Referral Program designed to make sure that every NEA member in participating state affiliates has access to affordable legal advice
 
Retiring or Thinking About Retiring?

Request an Official Estimate and Application. If you are within 12 months of your minimum retirement age, take the first step in the application process and request an official Retirement Benefit Estimate and Application (ET-4301). Complete one of the request forms below or call a benefits specialist at 1-877-533-5020.
 
Plan ahead: It may take up to 6 weeks for a Retirement Benefit Estimate and Application (ET-4301) to be processed.
ETF Learning Opportunity/Update - August 2022 Webinars
To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.


AUGUST WEBINARS

Annuity Options
When you get your retirement estimate, you’ll see that there are many options for receiving your retirement benefit. You can choose to receive the payment for your life or extend it beyond your life to your loved ones. The choice is yours. We’ll discuss how each option impacts the size of your payment and affects your loved ones.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
  • Define and explain annuity, annuitant, beneficiary and named survivor.
  • Compare the different annuity options.
  • Find resources with more information.
  • Identify the next steps for you to choose an annuity option.

Tue, Aug 2, 2022 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Thu, Aug 11, 2022 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Tue, Aug 30, 2022 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
Curious about how much money you’ll get during retirement? Our most used online tool, the retirement calculator, lets you see how much money you may get in the future.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
  • Find information on your Statement of Benefits used for calculations.
  • Enter information into the WRS Retirement Benefits Calculator.
  • See an unofficial estimate of your WRS Retirement Benefits online.

Wed, Aug 3, 2022 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Tue, Aug 16, 2022 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Thu, Aug 25, 2022 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

WRS Retirement Benefit Calculations
Have you requested a retirement estimate? Thinking about it? In this webinar, we’ll discuss how we calculate your retirement benefit.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
  • Explain the individual components of the two retirement benefit calculation methods.
  • Describe what affects your WRS retirement benefit for each type of calculation (money purchase and formula).

Tue, Aug 9, 2022, 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Thu, Aug 25, 2022 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Wed, Aug 31, 2022, 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Preparing for Your Retirement
Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
  • Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works.
  • Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits.
  • Identify the different types of annuity options.
  • Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement.
  • Find additional resources

Tue, Aug 9, 2022 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Wed, Aug 24, 2022 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
REPORT DUES & LEADERSHP CHANGES

If your local association has changes to your leadership, or is making any changes to local EFT (electronic funds transfer) payment schedules and/or local dues, please notify WEAC.  
This summer is bringing a much needed opportunity to breathe, finally. With all that educators have endured over the past two years, this summer is the time to refill our cups and take steps to ensure they stay filled throughout this upcoming school year. During this four-hour retreat in New London, Wisconsin, you’ll get to choose from multiple activities to relax and restore in a beautiful nature sanctuary. You’ll also learn tips, tricks, and strategies to add to your toolbox to keep your well-being supported all year long. Finally, time will be taken to set meaningful intentions and strong plans to ensure you’re not finding yourself burned out this school year.
 
Join others for a special summer retreat to help you restore and prepare for your best year of teaching.
 

More information can be found here.
If you have recently moved, gotten a new phone number or email address, changed schools or banking information, please contact Region 3 staff assistant Debbie Armitage or Sue Clauss. They will be able to make any changes to your records. This information helps us ensure that we are able to stay connected with you.
 
They can both be reached by phone at 920-496-2440. 
 
Debbie can be reached through email at ArmitageD@WEAC.org. 
 
Sue can be reached at ClaussS@weac.org.
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members