History of the Association

What is the North Carolina Retired Governmental Employees'
Association (NCRGEA) and how did it begin?

The first gesture toward the organization of retired state and local government employees took place in 1970 when a group of retirees met to talk about the plight of retirees who did not have an agency to represent them before the legislature.  Although there were several good associations at that time, their greatest efforts were directed to active employees as opposed to retirees. 

The most recent legislature had authorized the governor to appoint a commission to study the status of all governmental employees so our group met to discuss and organize a committee to visit the commission concerning needs of retirees.  After this experience, the group of about 10 realized that state retirees needed to have their own organization.  A board of directors and officers were elected and instructed to proceed with development of plans for the Association. 

In the early days of NCRGEA, many leaders came from Wake County and the surrounding area but as the organization grew, leaders joined in from across the state.  During the early seventies, a great deal of attention was devoted to providing increased benefits to those who had retired in the earlier years at a lower rate of pay.  These efforts were successful and benefit increases were given at a prorated rate for some years.  Early efforts of the Association included issues such as the Homestead Exemption issue, credit for military service, repayment of withdrawn contributions, credit for work outside of North Carolina and the issue of disability retirement.

A big milestone for the Association's leaders and members was reached in 1978 when the legislature approved the payment of health insurance for state retirees.  Also, because of gains in the retirement systems, NCRGEA worked for those extra funds to be given back to retirees in the form of cost-of-living increases.

Local chapters began in the early eighties, with the first one in Butner.  Our newsletter, Living Power, was developed in 1984 and has grown into a bimonthly publication.  In 1985, district meetings were started and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance was provided to each member in 1986.  In 1989, the Association began giving each member who reaches his/her ninetieth birthday a free lifetime membership.  A couple of years ago, toll-free information lines were added. Members were given access to group dental insurance in 2002 and in this year, NCRGEA has introduced a hearing aid discount program.

As technology changes, so have the services offered by our Association.  Today, Legislative Updates are provided via the website and e-news.  There is also an online Forum for open discussion from members and you’ll find our newsletter, Living Power online as well.  Our goal is to keep members up to date about issues that affect their retirement, their healthcare, and their lives!

Thirty-six years later with membership of just over 51,000, who would have thought that the vision of NCRGEA's early pioneers would have resulted in the strength the Association has today!  Thank you for your support of NCRGEA, the largest statewide organization that works exclusively for the benefits of state and local government retirees!