THE ASSOCIATIONS'S PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO PROTECT AND EXPAND THE RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF MAINE'S RETIRED TEACHERS, AND STATE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WHO RECEIVE A PENSION THROUGH MAINE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (MAINE PERS), AND TO SUPPORT A FISCALLY SOUND RETIREMENT SYSTEM. TO FULFILL THE ASSOCIATION'S MISSION WITH A VARIETY OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS INCLUDING NEWSLETTERS, WEBSITE, COMMITTEE, REGIONAL AND ANNUAL MEETINGS, AND TO ADVANCE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP'S RETIREE PENSION PLAN AND ITS BENEFITS THROUGH TESTIMONY AT STATE LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS, COMMUNICATION WITH CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, INFORMATION SHARING WITH THE GOVERNOR, PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS, AND PARTICIPATION IN RELEVANT ASSOCIATIONS, COALITIONS, AND MEETINGS.