California Retired Teachers Association
Whittier Division 31
1955-2007
  
    On September 13, 1955, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a division of CRTA in Whittier. The association consisted of 22 paid up members; dues were $1.17 per month. By 1956 there were 39 members, with a balance on hand of $26.33. By 1965 membership totaled 200.
   Early meetings were held in local schools. A vote to have a potluck picnic in September, a December Brunch, and every-other-month luncheons through June was passed.
   The division awarded its first scholarship in 1972. In 1988, $100 scholarships were awarded. Eventually, an incorporated Scholarship Foundation was formed by the division, and in 2006, three $1,000 scholarships were granted to students enrolled in the field of
education. The Foundation raises funds through membership donations, used book sales at general meetings, and a special fundraiser/holiday December meeting.
   The division has been active in many areas. In 1969 they sponsored a Defensive Driving Course. In May, 1984, a singing group, the Cheerios was formed.  They performed for convalescent homes, senior centers, and church groups. This group grew from seven to twenty-four members and existed for ten years. The division conferred an Honorary Membership on First Lady, Pat Nixon, a Whittier native. In 1989, Whittier area’s
Historian Book was awarded first place at the CRTA Convention in Ontario.  In 1987, the Carousel Group—members of CRTA—presented travel shows once a month; this continued for ten years. A bridge group was formed in 1988. At the present time the division collects can tabs for Ronald McDonald House.
     The division holds general meetings in September, November, January, March and May.  The Scholarship Foundation holds a holiday/fundraiser luncheon in December. All members 90 and older are treated to free luncheons at the general meetings. Present membership is 746, all united to support our core purpose, to enhance and protect the benefits of retired California teachers.
In 2005, CRTA Whittier Division 31 celebrated its 50th anniversary.


Dear Retired California Educator,

The Whittier Division of CRTA-California Retired Teachers Association invites you to join CRTA.  We invite you to join with Retired Teachers and persons interested in public education. We invite you to join us in our goal to protect our retirement benefits.
    CRTA is the largest retired educator organization in the United States.  It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide organization that is dedicated to enhance and protect the benefits for all State Teachers Retirement System recipients. .
    As a CRTA member you will receive the state newsletter called Contact.  You will receive Whittier area’s newsletter called Whittier Write-up.  You will be invited to attend CRTA division meetings and have the opportunity for contact with peers and enjoyable entertainment.  You will be informed of special services including travel, insurance, discounts and all issues important to you concerning your pension. As a CRTA member you will know you support State and Local Scholarships for future educators. CRTA offers continuous membership for only $3.25 per month deducted monthly from your STRS warrant.

 If you have any questions, please contact me at 562-696-4474.

Barbara Nichols
CRTA Whittier Division 31 President