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Our Blueprint for the Future

Our Blueprint for the Future
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

As I was writing this column, I got a call from Suann Killackey informing me that her husband Jay had died. He was an extremely dedicated member of our NAPS family. It was with a heavy heart that I continued to write this column after hearing this sad news.

I spoke with Jay on the phone along with our NAPS accountant Jack Wallace the day before he died. He said he was ready to go home soon from the hospital as he had resolutions to write for the upcoming 2024 National Convention.

Jay was looking forward to attending the convention and seeing everyone, especially since it is being held in the NAPS New England Area at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. That conversation inspired me to write about our resolutions process and its importance in this column. Even while Jay was fighting for his life in the hospital, he still was thinking about NAPS and its members.

Spring is here and state convention season has started. These conventions are the premise of our national convention. Business conducted at the state level prepares us for the business to be conducted at our national convention—our guidance for the future.

Some of you may be asking, “Jimmy, what do you mean?” Well, let me tell you! The business conducted at state conventions is extremely important; it should not be taken lightly. Branches will be submitting resolutions to be voted on at the state convention. Resolutions passed at the state level will be presented to NAPS delegates at the national convention.

These resolutions have the potential to change our Constitution & Bylaws, which govern our association. Other resolutions will give your resident officers the direction our members want us to pursue in the consultative process with the Postal Service.

This is extremely important business that must be conducted properly. Resolutions give us the framework for moving forward in the next two years based on members’ concerns and the direction they want us to pursue. This is the voice of our membership to seek change and provide direction.

Resolutions adopted at the state conventions are to be emailed to Executive Vice President Chuck Mulidore at naps.cm@naps.org. There is a specific timeline when resolutions are to be submitted:

• Resolutions from state conventions ending on or before May 31 are due at NAPS Headquarters on June 3.
• Resolutions from state conventions ending after May 3 are due at NAPS no later than June 28.

In the resolutions process, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Businessman William Wrigley Jr. of chewing gum fame is credited saying, “When two people always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” General George Patton said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking.”

We need to respect others’ thoughts and opinions, even if we do not agree. This is what valuing diversity is all about: Value others’ thoughts and ideas, then come together with a common solution to provide a direction to lead NAPS into the future.

We are a vast and diverse association. We must use this strength if we are to be successful in moving NAPS forward. And remember, increasing membership demonstrates leadership.

Stay safe!