Frequently Asked Questions

What does ROSE do for me as a school employee?
As mentioned above, ROSE members take action on those issues that affect your retirement rights and benefits within the state (PERS) and nationally such as Medicare and Social Security. We serve as advocates on behalf of all current and future retirees and especially those employees that OSEA represents. For example, every two years when the state has its legislative session, you will find ROSE members attending the Leadership Education Day (LED) functions sponsored by OSEA either visiting legislators directly or testifying at legislative committee hearings and speaking up on legislation that affects education and/or labor.

Do you have some examples of what ROSE could do at the chapter level?
Yes. ROSE offers assistance conducting membership drives, holding chapter elections (on a limited scale), getting information out to the chapter membership, social event planning, retirement planning workshops, to name just a few. The bottom line here is if you need a hand, ROSE is there to help.

Does ROSE offer retiree workshops?
Yes, retirement workshops can be scheduled through the ROSE leadership. Please note that these workshops do not delve too deeply into the Oregon PERS program. Those workshops are offered by the state. Our workshops cover issues such as how to navigate the miriad of paperwork for federal benefits (Social Security, Medicare), wills, etc. We also have held them in the past (and hope to again) at the annual OSEA Conference.

Does ROSE get involved with political activities?
Only to the extent of where it impacts education, labor and your retirement benefits. Political activities may also involve support for endorsed candidates for local, state and federal offices. ROSE normally will have members sitting in on candidate interview committees as well as the OSEA State Legislative Committee. These activities are NOT mandatory – strictly voluntary. It should be noted that as with any political issue, there are two sides and we strive to respect everyone’s position in each case.

Do ROSE members get to attend the OSEA Conference?
Yes, ROSE members do attend the OSEA Conference annually. ROSE is allotted up to 10 delegates for the conference. Delegates are chosen in accordance with the OSEA Constitution and Board Policy.

Does ROSE have regular meetings of the general membership? How often and where?
Yes, ROSE has meetings monthly on the first Friday of each month. Starting in 2022, we have been holding meetings both virtually (via Zoom) and in-person at the OSEA State Office.