Knowledge is Power

With Labor Day behind us and the kids back in school, summer is definitely winding down and the fall is upon us. I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer. Mine was a whirlwind of union activity and education. In July, I had the invaluable experience of attending the Stewards College in Ellensburg, WA. The instructors were absolutely fantastic, the training was comprehensive, and the friendships I made will stay with me for a long time to come. I was warned before I went that I would come away from the College physically and emotionally exhausted; even so, I wasn't ready for the sheer volume of work and information that was required of all the students. It was a complete immersion in the grievance process and I learned more in that week than I had in the previous few months of being a steward. To meet national APWU officers and to learn from them was something special. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this intense training and I hope to go to the advanced class next summer. 

I was home for about a week and a half before I left again to attend the Biennial National Convention in Los Angeles. I had attended the Washington State convention in April, where I was installed as your District 1 Representative, but I had never attended a national convention. It was a fascinating experience, one I wish every APWU member could experience at least once. There were craft conventions and training in the days preceding the convention. The training classes covered a plethora of topics; I attended the classes on FMLA and NTFT positions. It was the second time during the summer that I learned from and met some of our national officers. More than ever, I felt invigorated and educated. The frustration of not knowing what I was doing had weighed heavily on my shoulders. I had great support from Charles and other brothers and sisters these past months for which I am so grateful, but the old saying of knowledge being power certainly holds true.

It was suggested to me that I start a blog for District One to keep everyone up to date with what's going on in, and I thought that was a great idea, hence you are reading this. Additionally, you can follow me on Twitter at @WAPWUDist1Rep or on our Facebook page, District 1, Washington State American Postal Workers' Union at http://www.facebook.com/pages/District-1-Washington-State-American-Postal-Workers-Union/251079151655682 .

Until the election, in addition to serving the members of District 1, I will be involved in the Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO for Workers' Voice program, working closely with local unions and Central Labor Councils here in Western Washington to assist with the AFL-CIO's Labor 2012 program. The upcoming election is one of the most important ones in our country's history, and the outcome will determine the future of not only the APWU but of the USPS. I urge each of you to get out the vote and get involved in supporting the candidates who will work on behalf of the Postal Service.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the brothers and sisters who have extended a warm welcome to me as their new District Rep. The emails, cards, phone calls, gifts, and even dinner have been incredibly kind, more than I expected. I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability. Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions, concerns, suggestions, or just to get acquainted.

In solidarity,

Maria Risener