PARRA Report
October 2022 Report
Submitted by Jim Dolgonas, President, PARRA
PARRA, the President's and Regents Retirement Association, representing retirees of Office of the President and the offices of the Regents, has begun to offer some in person activities, while others continue over zoom.
Membership and Recruitment
PARRA continues to struggle to obtain from UCOP timely and correct information about new retirees. However, recently UCOP has resumed providing Universitywide death reports to PARRA.
Association Activities
PARRA's held two in person luncheons this year. Both were held outdoors. The last was held on September 28, with President Michael Drake as our speaker.
PARRA also held a volunteer work session at a local food bank. Though not as well attended as previous sessions, those that participated enjoyed providing an important community service to those in need.
Association Member Benefits
The Berkeley Retirement Center has extended to UCOP/Regents retirees benefits available to campus retirees, except for access to some library privileges.
A major benefit PARRA provides to retirees is advocacy on their behalf. Since the last report there have been many instances where PARRA was asked to advocate for a retiree and in other cases PARRA has raised issues to UCOP on behalf retirees.
Plans for the Future
UCOP retirees receive health care facilitator support from the RASC, unlike other locations which have dedicated staff. Based on concerns that the RASC is not able to fulfill this responsibility to the level desired, PARRA has requested that UCOP provide dedicated health care facilitator support. Apparently funding for this has been provided but retirees have not yet been informed of any new contact for health care issues.