Membership

Kathy Arpa, Membership Chairman

Kathy Arpa joined NARFE in 2003 while she was still working for the Federal Government. After her retirement from the Internal Revenue Service in 2004, she became active in Chapter 1116 (Vienna-Oakton). She served as Chapter President for several years then 1st Vice President and currently she is serving as President again. She also is the editor of the Chapter’s newsletter.

Kathy became active in the Virginia Federation in 2006 as Area X Vice President when she was sworn in at the National Convention in Louisville, KY by then National President Joseph Beaudoin. Staying active with the Federation she was later elected Second Vice President, 1st Vice President and then President. Kathy served as Newsletter Editor from 2020 to 2025. In July 2025, she was appointed VFN Membership Chair. Since 2006 she has attended the NARFE National Conventions/Conferences every year except one. During that time, she served as the Chair of the Rules Committee and the Membership Committee at the National Conventions.

Who Can Join NARFE?

NARFE Membership is open to civilians who are or will be eligible to receive an annuity or survivor annuity from the federal retirement program of any agency of the United States government.

That Includes:

Retirees
Current federal employees
Spouses and surviving spouses of those eligible to join NARFE
Former federal employees
A former spouse who is entitled to a federal survivor annuity

NARFE members enjoy a wealth of benefits that serve their information and financial needs. Along with the satisfaction that they have put their weight behind a legislative powerhouse that is determined to defend the federal community.

NARFE Chapters – Your Local Connection

A NARFE Chapter can be found in nearly every city and/or town across the USA, as well as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Panama and Guam. These local representatives of NARFE offer a host of benefits and opportunities for their members. Join a local chapter to:
Make Yourself Heard. NARFE chapters provide critical grassroots support for NARFE’s national legislative agenda. Your benefits are under attack and NARFE is in the fight to preserve them. Chapter members let their legislators know what’s on their minds and open doors for NARFE’s legislative team in Washington D. C.
Stay Informed. In addition to the rich communications from Headquarters, chapter newsletters, websites and meetings expand on the local and state issues affecting the federal community. Every NARFE chapter is unique, offering speakers and activities that meet the interests of its members.
Find Community. NARFE chapters unite federal employees, retirees, their spouses, and surviving spouses and provide an opportunity to connect with fellow Feds, get involved in leadership and governance, and develop close and lasting friendships.

To find a local chapter: Always add Chapter 2265 to your NARFE Application

1. Check out this link and contact either a Chapter Officer or the Area VP

2. Call NARFE Headquarters at 1-800-456-8410, ext 204

3. Go to the NARFE National Site: www.new.narfe.org/membership

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What is NARFE?

NARFE is the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. It is the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and preserving the pay and benefits of all federal workers and retirees.

NARFE has two primary roles:

Your Legislative Voice. In-house, influential lobbyists advocate on Capital Hill on behalf of the federal community.
Your Information Resource. NARFE provides clear information and trusted guidance on complex federal benefits issues.

As a member of NARFE, you receive:

Powerful representation and advocacy before Congress, the Office of Personnel Management and the White House
Award-winning NARFE Magazine, the prime source of information and guidance on critical legislation and benefit issues and updates
Access to a team of federal benefits specialists for personal answers to complex questions
Access NARFE Federal Benefits Institute’s online webinars and resources providing answers for the federal community on hot topics as these: Prepping for retirement and post retirement Selecting health benefits plan Thrift Savings Plan management tips Demystifying Social Security and Medicare
Legislative Alerts on congressional actions that impact the federal community
A direct line to Congress through the NARFE Legislative Action Center
Scholarships and disaster-relief grant opportunities
Members-only discounts on travel, health services, insurance and more with NARFE Perks

“Why Should I Join?”

As a NARFE member, you will have access to resources and information that can help you save money, maximize the return from your financial plans, and ultimately get the most out of all your federal benefits. NARFE experts answer your complex pay and benefit questions, NARFE PERKS partners give your discounts on important services you need, and we work tirelessly to protect your earned pay and benefits and to support the federal community.