DC16 Retirees Rally Behind CARA

District Council 16 Retirees Rally Behind CARA: Why We Need to Get Involved

Recently, some of District Council 16 retirees came together for a special meeting—not just to reconnect, but to focus on something critical to our well-being and future: the work of the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA).

Leading the conversation was someone many of us know and respect—our former DC16 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Chris Christophersen Sr. He not only put on the meeting but also now serves on the CARA Board of Directors. His continued dedication to our membership, even in retirement, was a powerful reminder that our work as union members doesn’t stop when we hang up our tools. It just shifts gears.

Why CARA Matters to DC16 Retirees

CARA is a grassroots organization fighting to protect and expand the rights of retired workers. Their mission aligns perfectly with the core values of DC16, especially when it comes to:

            •  Defending Social Security and Medicare

            •  Protecting hard-earned pension benefits

            •  Securing affordable healthcare and prescription access

            •  Standing up against corporate and legislative threats to retirees

Chris is spreading the word that CARA is not just a senior advocacy group—it’s a movement that directly supports the rights and benefits we spent our careers fighting for. His leadership on the CARA board helps ensure that the voice of DC16 is heard.

The Power of Union Retirees

Retirees of DC16 are still a force. With our experience and solidarity, we can help CARA push back against attacks on the programs we depend on and secure a better future for younger generations of workers.

We need to continue to advocate—not just for ourselves, but for every union family who will someday walk the path we’re on now.

How You Can Help

Here’s how DC16 retirees can step up and support this important work:

            •  Show up to meetings and actions – Your presence makes a difference.

            •  Spread the word to other retirees & active members – Stronger together!

            •   Support our former BM/ST’s leadership on the CARA board – His role keeps our union’s interests at the center of CARA’s mission.

This meeting reminded us all that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from union values. It means we now have the experience, time, and perspective to advocate even more effectively.

Please join us at our next meeting at Local 294! Date to be determined.

Connect with Chris Christophersen to get involved today! (510) 304-7318