To push the group to new levels of activism, the New York State Alliance for Retired Americans turned to an organization man.

"We know the political threats against retirees," said Jim Wood. "And we know how to respond — organize, organize, organize."

NYSARA, at its convention in May, elected Wood its new president, succeeding Fred Nauman, who did not seek re-election. Nauman was elected president emeritus.

Wood is NYSUT's former executive director and a former president of the Rome Teachers Association.

NYSARA is a broad statewide coalition of community organizations and AFL-CIO-affiliated unions advocating for seniors.

The convention was an occasion for commitment. "I strongly oppose the privatization of Social Security and I want to see Medicare extended to the general population," said Judith Wishnia, who chairs Retiree Council 40-42, representing members of United University Professions.

A board member of the Long Island ARA, Wishnia is one of hundreds of retiree activists who traveled to NYSUT headquarters for the convention. Since 2001, NYSARA has fought to protect the health and economic security of seniors and their families. Six years later, they're still at it. And the issues — Social Security, Medicare and prescription drug coverage — are largely the same.

"Your voices are important; your government needs to hear from you," said keynoter Mike Burgess, director of the state Office for the Aging. NYSARA's former executive director, Burgess also outlined several new office initiatives, including the New York State Senior Citizen Resource Guide, a booklet detailing services for seniors.

— Kara E. Smith