Salem Retired Educators Association Seeks Community Support July 2026

By Valeria Luukinen, For The West Side Newspaper

The Salem Retired Educators Association (SREA) concluded a successful Scholars Luncheon highlighting five college-bound graduates from West Salem High School and Roberts High School. This annual fundraiser, sponsored by Roth's Benefit Education Foundation and Marion and Polk Schools Credit Union, and individual member sponsorships, is the primary source of funding for projects. 

SREA, as a nonprofit, besides offering scholarships, supports Family Building Blocks, Liberty House, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and our local classrooms with the mission to support reading and literacy. Since the 2023 Presidents' Scholars theme and the development of specific membership scholarships honoring past educators, volunteerism, community involvement, and outstanding academic achievement were introduced, 20 Salem-Keizer graduates have received scholarships. Donations will increase with community support! 

The next volunteer opportunity for the community will be at the historic Criterion One Room Schoolhouse, which was transported from Wasco County on July 10, 1976, to its present location at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Each year, volunteers greet visitors from all over the US and as far away as Malaysia with interesting facts about this nationally recognized schoolhouse. This year, visitors at the Oregon State Fair, August 28th-September 7th, will have the opportunity to visit the historic one-room schoolhouse and learn about its journey. Interested volunteers, please contact the coordinator, Carla Mundt, at mundtc@gmail.com. 

SREA, an Oregon Retired Educators Association affiliate, will host the annual convention in Independence, OR, September 30th-October 1st, 2026. This volunteer coordination by the SREA members is an example of the designation as a Unit of Distinction and an example of community engagement. SREA has been a unit since 1953, continuing its focus on serving rather than being served.