This is the way I propose this plan can be put into effect: #1-Plan, #2-Discuss, #3-Implement = P. D. I. Not discipline.

Plan - Your future for the good and bad times.
Discuss these plans with your family members and agree on the "what if." Then implement your plans. Choose insurance that covers your needs. Funeral expenses can be costly even for the most modest arrangements which can average from $5,000 to $10,000.

If you know in advance that you will be out of work and hospitalized, then hospitalization coverage should be important. Choosing the proper coverage does not have to cost an exhorbitant amount.

Point of interest: Did you know that as a union member you can purchase lowcost insurance coverage that can cover all your needs through the union plans? Because we are a non-profit organization, all expenses are kept to a minimal amount and the coverage is as good as that which is offered by larger insurance companies, but it is not overpriced. It is affordable in these hard economic times; but, remember, insurance-wise, you cover your car, house, pets and many other things. Why not look or ask about the union coverage? Protect your most important consideration, your family, and be prepared for the unexpected, to make things a little easier.

Contact me at the union office at: (212) 239-3901 or (570) 801-0612. Let me help you make those tough decisions and help you secure your family needs. The most important union of all is family.

I want to help you, all my brothers and sisters in unionism.

Now that we are discussing new changes, why not make a pledge to get yourself more involved in union activities and/or functions, to raise your awareness level about how much you can do for the union and its membership. Give more time and conseration for the benefit of the entire membership.

Give the union your enthusiasm, your high-spirited determination, your talents and your ability to do better, Agree to obligate yourself to think up ways to better our union and work to achieve the goal.

Attend at least one General Membership meeting, attend one fund-raising function such as bowling, Texas Hold Em or Comedy Show. Also try to attend the picnic with family and friends this summer. If not, make a goal to attend the annual dinner-dance in the fall. Start saving now by putting aside a few dollars , and I am sure you will have a good time

.Also, make a commitment to get involved in COLCPE or become an activist. Go on the website nylcbr36.org. Start to educate yourself, but please try not to ask questions if you are unwilling to get involved, because in this way you are not waiting for the answers. You are failing to make a commitment to help yourself understand the union and how you can make it work for you. With all the new changes in our lives the least we can do is make a pledge that we can keep by helping ourselves with our jobs and our future.

If anyone feels the need to make changes, educate themselves, and bring new ideas to the union by participating, 2009 is the year to start. I reach out to all my brother and sister in unionismm to go for the goals.

Now, on to more important issues on which I want to give my point of view. I live in Pennsylvania and commute every day with my husband Miguel who is a carrier and shop steward at JAF station. As legislative coordinators we both worked very hard with many other volunteers in our county (Monroe); to help in any way that we could to get the vote out for Senator Barack Obama, and we could not have been more elated as millions watched the election results this past Tuesday, November 4th that gave us President-elect Barack Obama.

I would like to thank everyone who let their vote count in this most historical election in the United States of America, but most importantly, those who helped with contributions to COLCPE (Committee On Letter Carriers Political Education). Check out your October, 2008 issue of the Postal Record for the complete story on how restoring America begins with you! Therefore, our work is just beginning, and we need all of you to donate only $5.OO each pay period to Gimme Five For COLCPE campaign. Ask your shop stewards, call the union office, or contact me, but you need to get involved now more than ever to protect your jobs and our benefits.

As has been said before, united we stand, divided we fall. Take a minute and add up how much you spend for some of the things that you feel you need every day. Isn't $5.00 per pay period worth it to you to keep your job and the benefits such as COLA, pay increases, etc. Think of it like a kind of insurance (car, health, life and job security).

Now let's consider President-Elect Barack Obama's great theme of change and change our attitude toward what has the union done for me lately to the new theme, let me effectively contribute to change by giving to the Gimme Five For COLCPE campaign that will truly help our union to protect our future. We need unionism. Let's work together!

Does everyone know who our official fundraiser sponsor is? It's M.D.A., which stands for Muscular Dystrophy Association, directly associated with Jerry's Kids. We have held many activities to raise money for this cause and we are trying very hard to send children to camp. This is a special camp for those kids with "MD" and it provides their family members with a week of much needed time for.themselves but gives the kids a chance to feel normal and participate in activities, arts and crafts. They really have the time of their lives. At our union picnic you can meet some of the local M.D.A. kids or adults in person to see how you have helped those in greater need. Is life not more rewarding when you have the opportunity to contribute to the better quality of life for others?

Again, another opportunity to participate is coming with Branch 36 family and friends at F.D.R. Park in August. Well, this will be a continuing article six times each year when I present my point of view. I invite every brother and sister to write to me about your on-the-job concerns, opinions, and/or ideas, but keep one thought in mind. Get involved. Step in and see for yourselves. Do not just stand by the water fountain. Drink it.