The 27th Biennial National Convention was held from July 15th until the 18th. The Convention was electrified by several Leadership Institute Alumni. This includes Alumni who were committee chairpeople such as Gabriel Medina and Ibrahim Pedriñán. As well as Alumni who spoke over various resolutions on microphones such as (But not limited too) Sheri Butler, Sam Wood, Courtney Agee, Eric Chornoby, Miriam Brockman, Kimberly Mauer, and Michelle Nadeau.
The floor was electrified by lively debate between various continuance on the floor. The debate over the leadership institute saw solidarity of the Inagural Leadership Institute who all stood around fellow Alumni Jeremy Schilling who addressed the delegation over the need to continue the institute and make it a permanent fixture on the APWU.
Some feedback from the floor resulted in an amendment which would allow local Presidents to select who attends the Leadership Institute. The Alumni were wholly opposed to this effort, as this would give power to large locals and could potentially eliminate candidates due to local politics. Fortunately, this amendment failed!
After debate, the resolution passed to allow the National APWU to continue its efforts in the Leadership Institute. It was clear based on the events of the convention that the most vocal individuals in lively debate were Leadership Institute Alumni, and it would be detrimental to cease the institute as it is.
Attacks on the Young Member Committee via resolution was met with opposition by several Leadership Institute Alumni who created coalitions with National Officers, National Business Agents, and various locals. The result was the resolution attacking the Young Member Committee being withdrawn!
Alumni Sheri Butler, who spearheaded the “We Wont Be Silenced” movement saw her resolution be adopted by the body. This is the culmination of months of work, coalition building, and protesting to protect the mail service against consolidations and degrading service standards. Multiple Alumni stood with her on the microphones to help the passing of her resolution.
The proof was in the pudding. The Leadership Institute was a resounding success. This was evident as the Alumni were the most vocal group at the 27th Biennial National Convention!
APWLI 