District 13 – A Small SOAR Chapter with a Big Impact!

“We have our best impact when we network with and support others,” says Richard Rock, Vice President of SOAR Chapter 13-1 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

With little resources, the leaders of this small SOAR Chapter: Andy Rosas (President), George Rosas (Secretary) and Richard Rock (Vice President), know how to make a big impact.

Richard recently took time to talk with us about his SOAR Chapter’s efforts to support like-minded groups while asking them to participate in SOAR’s joint postcard campaign with USW Rapid Response to urge members of Congress to not put Social Security, Medicare or pensions in jeopardy.

In return, SOAR 13-1 has provided modest financial support to these groups, and shown them solidarity by tabling events that they’ve organized. The Texas Alliance for Retired Americans has been supporting and helping to provide volunteers to staff these tables.

The first event their chapter took part in was organized by the Coastal Bend Wellness Center, where they were able to get 134 postcards signed.  Another 51 postcards were signed in just two hours by residents at the Sea Gulf Villa (a senior citizen housing facility) when 13-1 got permission to set up a booth on the premises.

Their Chapter also participated in the 22^ndAnnual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice on March 24. On April 26, they’re scheduled to table an event, organized by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

“People are very receptive to our presence and have positive things to say about our efforts,” says Rock. “I feel that this effort is worthwhile and would encourage others to do the same.”

PICTURED: 

• Top — SOAR Chapter 13-1 Secretary George Rosas and Vice President Richard Rock at the Sea Gulf Villa, a senior citizen housing facility.
• Middle — Left to Right: Linda Chavez-Thompson, past Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO; Nancy Vera, AFT President, Corpus Christi; Richard Rock, SOAR Chapter 13-1 Vice President; Becky Moellar, past president of the Texas AFL-CIO, at the 22^nd Annual Cesar E. Chavez March for Justice.
• Bottom — Andy Rosas, President of SOAR Chapter 13-1 in Corpus Christi, Texas.