STRS should expand its communication with members as well as its collaboration with other public pension funds. We can effectively use Internet blog and video services, an expanded public participation program, and school-district level representatives to establish a more effective two-way dialog that includes unions and other interest groups as well as individual STRS members. We should make an effort to involve new members early in their careers and we should use the force of our large numbers to lobby the General Assembly and Governor for beneficial legislation and policies. Even if we don't put 100,000 teachers on their lawn, that many emails to legislators and news outlets would certainly draw attention to our concerns.
