PARRA Report
October 2023 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 its speaker events as in person luncheons again.
Membership and Recruitment
PARRA continues to struggle to obtain from UCOP timely and correct information about new retirees.
Association Activities
PARRA held one in person luncheon this April 2023. Dean of Berkeley Law Chemerinski was our speaker. The next in person luncheon, to be held September 28, after this update was drafted. Our speaker will be Dr. Atul Butte of UCSF.
PARRA also held a "social hour" in August. The event included beverages and snacks but no formal program. It was well attended and the response was so positive that another is planned for December.
PARRA is updating its web site and also making a few changes to its bylaws to reflect current duties of various individuals involved in luncheons, events and communications.
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
PARRA is planning a December craft sale, hopefully in conjunction with current UCOP employees. It is planned for the UCOP lobby, pending approval from UCOP officials.
UCOP retirees now are able to obtain health care facilitator support from a dedicated staff member, the same as available to campuses.