Strategic Plan
Introduction to the Plan
The development of the Strategic Plan 2026 to 2030 is the result of the inspiration, commitment and contribution of many people dedicated to the success of the Alberta Retired Teachers’ Association (ARTA). Thanks are extended to ARTA members and staff and, in particular, to the ARTA Board of Directors and the Strategic Planning and Advocacy Committee.
Evolution of the ARTA Strategic Plan
ARTA has been creating long-term, far-reaching strategic plans since 2013 and has been reaping the benefits of these plans for just as long. Each iteration has provided a framework for forward-thinking, measurable outcomes and focused goals that have driven the association’s growth and strengthened member value.
Over the past five years, we have seen successes that would not have been possible without the foresight and big-picture thinking afforded to ARTA’s leadership through strategic planning. ARTA has celebrated its 60th anniversary, transitioned to self-administration of the ARTA Benefit Plans, opened two plan-owned pharmacies that have a completely unique business model, grown from 24,000 to over 33,000 members, and expanded from 13 staff members to 63. All of these accomplishments, and more, can be attributed to the goals, values, and vision cited in our last strategic document.
To prepare this iteration of ARTA’s strategic plan, we followed the framework exhibited in the previous strategic plan.
ARTA Strategic Plan - 2026 to 2030
ARTA's Mission
Our vision is to foster a strong, inclusive community of retired educators and like-minded professionals who are dedicated to living a healthy, active, involved lifestyle in retirement. Through collaboration and shared experience, we seek to elevate our collective voice to influence meaningful change.
ARTA's Vision
ARTA supports vibrant lifestyles after retirement through the provision of member-centred services, health and wellness initiatives, and advocacy, by focusing on overall member experience and organizational excellence.
ARTA’s Strategic Goals and Conditions of Success
In the earliest iterations of ARTA’s strategic plans, three strategic goals outlined the direction that ARTA would take to achieve its vision and direct long-term planning. In 2021, Organizational Excellence was added as a fourth goal. As ARTA continues to expand its service offerings, further expansion of our strategic goals allows for better focus in defining conditions for success and key performance indicators.
Member Experience
ARTA is dedicated to delivering a consistently high standard of service that reflects our deep respect for every member.
We recognize that exceptional member experiences are built on trust, responsiveness, and genuine care. Whether engaging directly with our team or through our partners, members can expect professionalism, integrity, and value in every interaction. We hold both ourselves and our partners accountable to the same high standards, ensuring that all services provided under our name meet the expectations of excellence our members deserve.
Conditions of Success
- Consistent, High-Quality Service
Ensuring every interaction with the association and its partners reflects professionalism, care, and responsiveness. - Member-Centred Culture
Embedding a culture where member needs, preferences, and feedback are at the heart of all decisions and services. - Seamless Partner Alignment
Holding all service providers and partners to the same high standards expected by our members. - Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Actively collecting and acting on member feedback to enhance services and experiences over time. - Personalized and Relevant Offerings
Delivering programs, communications, and support that reflect the diverse interests and needs of our membership.
Member Health
ARTA is dedicated to supporting the long-term health and well-being of our members by offering high-quality benefits and personalized, member-centred pharmacy services.
We invest in sound, evidence-based research to better understand the health issues most relevant to seniors, ensuring our programs remain responsive and forward-thinking. By promoting proactive health management, we empower our members to maintain active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyles throughout retirement.
Conditions of Success
- Comprehensive and High-Quality Benefits
Providing accessible, reliable health benefits tailored to the evolving needs of seniors. - Member-Centered Pharmacy Services
Ensuring pharmacy programs are personalized, supportive, and focused on improving health outcomes. - Evidence-Based Decision Making
Using sound research and data to guide health-related initiatives and respond to emerging health trends affecting older adults. - Health Education and Promotion
Offering tools, resources, and information that empower members to take an active role in managing their health. - Advocacy for Seniors’ Health
Holding governments and health systems accountable to ensure seniors receive equitable, effective, and sustainable care.
Member Wellness
ARTA believes that wellness in aging is essential to living a vibrant and fulfilling retirement.
We are committed to supporting the full spectrum of wellness — social, physical, emotional, intellectual, financial, and spiritual — through programs, resources, and opportunities that empower our members to stay active and engaged. By fostering a culture where members and branches can connect, grow, and thrive, we promote a holistic approach to wellness that enhances quality of life and supports a meaningful retirement experience.
Conditions of Success
- Holistic Wellness Programming
Offering diverse programs and resources that support social, physical, emotional, intellectual, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. - Inclusive and Accessible Opportunities
Ensuring wellness initiatives are available to all members, regardless of location, ability, or background. - Engaged Branch Participation
Empowering branches to lead local wellness activities that reflect the interests and needs of their communities. - Member-Led Initiatives
Encouraging members to take an active role in shaping and participating in wellness opportunities that matter to them. - Collaborative Partnerships
Building relationships with community organizations and experts to enhance the quality and reach of wellness programs.
Member Voice
ARTA is committed to amplifying the voices of seniors by fostering strong advocacy efforts at both the branch and association levels.
We believe that meaningful change begins with listening to our members and ensuring their experiences, insights, and concerns shape our direction and priorities. By empowering members to actively participate in discussions and decision-making, we strengthen our collective ability to influence public policy, protect retirement security, and enhance the quality of life for all older adults.
Conditions of Success
- Active Member Engagement
Creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for members to share their insights, experiences, and concerns. - Empowered Branches
Supporting local branches to advocate for and represent members’ interests effectively at the grassroots level. - Representation in Decision Making
Ensuring member perspectives are reflected in governance, planning, and policy development at all levels of the association. - Advocacy and Influence
Translating member voices into impactful, non-partisan advocacy that shapes public policy. We seek to engage with government to discuss key issues affecting seniors in Alberta and beyond. - Member Education
Produce research-supported materials to educate members on issues affecting fellow seniors.
Organizational Excellence
ARTA is committed to doing things the right way — operationally, financially, ethically, and with full transparency.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and accountability in all that we do, ensuring that our decisions and actions reflect our members’ trust. Through sound governance, responsible financial management, and clear communication, we continuously strive to improve our operations and uphold the values that define us.
Conditions of Success
- Strong Governance and Leadership
Clear roles, responsibilities, and oversight from leadership and the board ensure strategic alignment and accountability. - Transparent Communication
Open, regular communication with members, staff, and stakeholders builds trust and shared understanding. - Financial Stewardship
Prudent budgeting, monitoring, and reporting practices ensure responsible use of resources and long-term sustainability. - Operational Efficiency
Streamlined systems, effective processes, and continuous improvement practices enhance service delivery and organizational agility. - Ethical Culture
A values-driven culture that prioritizes integrity and fairness, and ethical decision-making guides actions at every level of the association.