The FPPTA is gathering testimonials that portray the real-life experiences of Florida’s public employees. It is designed to reveal the real people behind the public discussion about public employee benefits, and to strengthen the case for defined benefit pensions. The campaign is called “Faces of Florida….real people, real stories”, and we plan to share it with legislators, the news media, elected officials and the public.

Materials for this campaign will be posted as an interactive addition to the FPPTA website, and it will be used to create multi-media materials for our members, DVDs for presentations, and posters for public service ads. FPPTA members will be encouraged to participate by uploading their personal stories, photos or videos. We will compile a rich tapestry of real-life, real people biographies to post on our website and to share with government and public officials.

Your participation will enrich our efforts to convey the importance of supporting Florida public employees. Your pictures will become the signatures of a multi-media petition to protect defined benefit pensions.

Public employees are too often portrayed as nameless, faceless entities who receive luxurious retirement benefits the public cannot afford. The reality is something quite different. These public employees are your neighbors, friends and family members – they are the administrators, police, rescue personnel and fire fighters who make all of our lives better every day.

These professionals dedicate their lives to public service and to public safety. They are always there when needed. They serve with distinction and courage, often without regard to their own safety and without recognition for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.

We hope the “Faces of Florida” campaign will put a real human face on the work done daily by public employees, and that it will strengthen the very important case for continuing the tradition of defined benefit public pensions.

You can join this effort by uploading your story, photos, or videos. Your upload will be directed to FPPTA staff who will contact you within 48-hours to confirm receipt of your materials. FPPTA members are encouraged to submit their stories and to solicit stories for inclusion in our campaign by any Florida public employee. So, tell us your story!