Grassroots Engagement Is Paramount

Grassroots Engagement Is Paramount
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer

At our recent 2026 Legislative Training Seminar (LTS), attendees went to Capitol Hill to speak with their elected officials and, in some instances, members of their legislative staffs, to seek support of bills that have a direct effect on their livelihood. I want to thank all those who attended.

While on the Hill, our members spoke on behalf of the over 47,000 EAS employees of the United States Postal Service and, even more importantly, the American people. Being able to personally engage with our lawmakers is one of the great freedoms we have as Americans. It also was great to have 59 first-timers attend LTS. Building the bench by mentoring members to secure the future of NAPS is extremely important.

Some of the folks attending LTS had the privilege of attending fundraisers with their elected officials while in Washington, DC. My wife Ivonne and I had the honor, along with members of the New Jersey State delegation, to attend “Capital Coffee” with New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim.

A continental breakfast was served, then Kim met with each group individually. Kim already has signed on to S.Res. 147 that expresses support to keep the Postal Service independent and not be privatized.

Our delegation also discussed S. 624, the Equal COLA Act, which, if passed, would grant FERS retirees full COLA increases in their pensions. Kim assured us he would support this initiative.

We cannot stop and expect things to be accomplished in Congress once we return home after LTS. Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” As NAPS members and postal employees, we must keep pursuing our issues — even more so while back home.

I urge everyone to try and schedule an appointment with their members of Congress at their local offices in your community to explain — as one of their constituents — the importance of these issues. Let them know firsthand how these issues impact your personal life, which impacts the community they represent.

On pages 79-81 of this issue, you will find QR codes with an explanation of the important issues of which we need to make our elected officials aware. Scanning the QR codes will allow you to directly send an email to your representative and senators, informing them of your position and asking for their support.

This process takes just a few minutes. Let your voice be heard! Have friends and family, as well, use the QR codes to send messages in support of our issues to increase awareness.

The issues connected to the QR codes include:

  • H.Res. 70/S.Res. 147 — Resolutions expressing support to keep the USPS independent and not be privatized.
  • H.R. 1559 — Postal Employees Appeal Rights Amendment Act
  • H.R. 7600 — Postal Supervisors, Managers and Postmasters Fairness Act
  • H.R. 491/S. 624 — Equal COLA Act
  • H.R. 2095 — Postal Police Reform Act
  • H.R. 7265 — Vote By Mail Tracking Act

We all need to pay attention to these issues and remain vigilant regarding our legislative agenda. It’s not business — it’s personal!

And remember, increasing membership demonstrates leadership.

Stay safe!