|
COLORADO'S
COLUMBINE CHAPTER
Hello and welcome to the Columbine Chapter's web page. Thanks for taking the time to stop and
check us out. Chapter 2339, Columbine, is a new way of doing business for NARFE not only in Colorado, but across the country.
We offer a new approach to NARFE membership that is significantly different from what you have seen in the past.
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the current edition of our newsletter that follow this message will answer most
questions. If you are interested in Colorado's Columbine Chapter as a chapter home, please contact one of the officers listed
in the Frequently Asked Questions for assistance.
Thanks for looking at us.
Robert J. Warren, President,
Chapter 2339, Columbine Colorado
COLORADO'S COLUMBINE CHAPTER FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
What is the Columbine Chapter?
The Columbine Chapter is like any other chapter in the state federation.
We have officers who are responsible for maintaining the chapter on a day to day basis. The Columbine Chapter is chartered
by the National Office and our members enjoy all the rights and privileges of NARFE membership, just like those in a traditional
chapter.
Why was the Columbine Chapter established?
The Columbine Chapter was established to fill
a need that is developing in the Colorado Federation. That need is to provide a chapter home for Federation members who do
not have convenient access to a traditional chapter. The National By-Laws require all members recruited within the past twenty
years or so to be a member of a chapter. In order to remain a member of NARFE you must be assigned to a chapter. The structure
of NARFE is changing like many other organizations and attending chapter meetings and functions is not appealing to some.
Some chapters are struggling to remain open and others have chosen to close, rather than fight the continuing battle of remaining
open. When a chapter decides to close, the remaining members still need to be affiliated with a chapter in order to comply
with the National By-Law requirement.
In many cases the assignment of members to a continuing chapter results
in assignment to a chapter a long distance from their home. These members become affiliated with their new chapter in name
only. The distance is just too great to attend chapter meetings and become involved in chapter functions. The Columbine Chapter
is intended to provide an attractive alternative for members facing assignment to a chapter a long way from home.
What can I expect as a member of the Columbine Chapter?
Good question! The Columbine chapter was established
to meet the needs of NARFE members who cannot or do not attend chapter meetings. We publish a quarterly newsletter that covers
items of interest to NARFE members at both the federal and state level. We monitor issues at the state and federal level that
could impact on your annuity and benefits, both positively and negatively, and report these to you.
We have established
a chapter web page as part of the Colorado Federation's web site that will be updated periodically with new information as
it becomes available. We are establishing our own web site in partnership with Chapter 1072, Aurora and it will provide the
opportunity for members to “blog” with the Chapter officers. You can expect a real break from the traditional
manner in which NARFE Chapters conduct business. Our emphasis is on providing information and service to our members without
time-consuming meetings.
What is expected of me as a Chapter Member?
This chapter needs members to
step forward and assume leadership roles. The officers in place for this year were assigned by the Federation to assist the
chapter in getting started. If you have an interest in becoming part of a new and different approach to conducting NARFE
business, then you will have the opportunity to seek an elected office in the chapter or contribute in some other manner.
If you do not desire to hold a chapter office, then you need to pay your dues on an annual basis, keep your mailing address,
telephone number and email address current and enjoy the benefits of NARFE and Chapter membership.
What are the
dues for the Columbine Chapter?
The dues are very reasonable; they are ten dollars a year. The dues will be spent
on preparing and distributing the newsletters, and to cover the expenses of our chapter representatives attending functions
sponsored by the National, Regional and State Federation. Covered expenses will include recruitment initiatives and any other
expenses undertaken by the chapter that contribute to the mission of NARFE, the Federation or Chapter.
Who can
become a member of the Columbine Chapter?
Any current NARFE member can choose to transfer into the Columbine chapter.
There are no restrictions on membership, other than those for NARFE membership. New members to NARFE may elect the Columbine
Chapter when they submit their initial application for membership. Our membership is open to all NARFE members who desire
to be a part of this new way of doing business.
What do I need to do to become a member of the Columbine Chapter?
Contact one of the officers and we will help you with your membership. You may contact Bob Warren at bobwarren@comcast.net and Sandra L. Inglefield at inglefield@q.com if you have any questions not covered in this document, please feel free to contact
one of the listed officers.
|
