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Relationships Make a Difference

Relationships Make a Difference
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

This past January, I had the pleasure of attending numerous branch meetings and the Eastern Region Cabinet Meeting. It was a proud experience witnessing the relationships built not just by the NAPS region and area vice presidents, but also the branch officers with Postal Service executives. At the Eastern Region Cabinet Meeting, postal executives were in attendance and gave presentations, as well as interacted with attendees during breaks, discussing questions and concerns.

While attending Honolulu Branch 214, Los Angeles Branch 39, San Bernardino Hayes Cherry Branch 466, Linda Wilson Southeastern Massachusetts Branch 120, South Coastal Massachusetts Branch 118 and Providence Rhode Island Branch 105 meetings, the enthusiasm was tremendous. Members acknowledged that, yes, things are getting tough, but encouragement and fortitude were displayed.

Postal leadership (nearly all NAPS members) attended some of the meetings. It was truly refreshing to see the camaraderie among postal officials and NAPS leadership, as well as members in attendance. At four of the six meetings, officers were sworn in. Each of those branches had at least one new officer.

It was good to see branch officers mentoring others, enabling the baton to be passed on so their branch will continue representing members into the future. At some of the meetings, when an issue was brought up, a branch board member immediately responded, saying they would investigate it. This all is possible because the branch has built a foundation of a professional relationship with local postal leadership; they knew whom to contact.

At the Los Angeles Branch 39 retiree meeting, one of the new retirees was Sean Andrews, plant manager and longtime NAPS member. It was amazing hearing from NAPS members and leaders how Sean had helped so many in their careers with upward mobility and offering assistance when someone was in trouble, giving them a chance.

Branch 39 members were sad to see Sean retiring. To Sean and all the retirees, thank you. I wish you all the best—enjoy!

Creating professional relationships is not always as easy as it may seem. But when relationships are established, they create much better engagement and benefit our members.

Remember, increasing membership demonstrates leadership. Stay safe!