Be Engaged and Involved

Be Engaged and Involved
by Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

Time is fast approaching as we prepare for our upcoming 68th National Convention at the fabulous Hyatt Regency in the great city of New Orleans. There has been much preparation this past year to make this convention one of the best.

New Orleans Branch 73, led by President Tomica Duplessis, has been working above and beyond getting ready. They now are waiting to welcome NAPS delegates from around the country and greet everyone with that great Southern hospitality. I can’t wait!

What will make this the greatest convention ever is you—the delegate! Engagement is key in making any event successful. Your engagement will help us determine the direction you want your association to go in the future. Your engagement will build the foundation for our future. And your engagement will make our 68th National Convention a success.

If you are a first-timer, make sure you attend the orientation meeting on Sunday, Aug. 7. You will learn the process that will be used during the convention business sessions. The orientation will give you a better understanding of how you can be constructively engaged in the process and events. We welcome you and your participation.

I recently read an inspiring quote from a Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. He said, “You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.” I found this to be beautiful and inspiring. After reading it, I thought about engagement.

True engagement should allow everyone to feel free to express their thoughts, ideas and be part of the process, as well as be appreciated. At our upcoming convention, become part of the process. In order for change to occur, we need the two, big “I”s: Information and Inclusion.

It is easier for folks to accept change when they are part of the process. Become part of the process; get involved. Help move NAPS into the future!

And remember, increasing membership demonstrates leadership. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in New Orleans. Safe travels and stay safe!