Yvette Kinard was elected to Editor of the Outlook in 2022. Yvette Began her career as a letter carrier and a member of Branch 36 in 2001. She was elected by her fellow carriers as a Shop Steward and appointed to Safety Captain in 2017. Her roles expanded as she became an On-the -Job instructor, and Formal Step A Designee in 2019. In 2020, Yvette was appointed to the position of Director of Education and her roles continued to broaden as she volunteered and was appointed to become a Employee Assistance Program Liaison (EAP). She continued to volunteer for work, and in 2022 was appointed as Food Drive Co-chair. Ultimately in 2022 Yvette was elected as Editor of the Outlook publication. In that same year Yvette was asked to train in the Dispute Resolution Process and was picked to serve on the Dispute Resolution Team, where she continues to defend the rights of all Letter Carriers.

What’s Happening

Happy winter brothers and sisters. I would first like to offer my congratulations to Edwin Robertson Jr., David Terry, Shakena Ford on their appointments by President Charlie Heege. Congratulations Ed for becoming the new Editor of the Outlook. I have to say, you have some big shoes to fill (joke). A second congratulations to Ed for graduating from the NALC Leadership Academy. I have no doubt you will continue to make Branch 36 proud and take everything you have learned to assist the members of our branch. There is always room for growth within Branch 36, and I am proud to see David move into the Director of Education role and Shakena move into the Trustee role. The talent from Branch 36 continues to impress everyone around.

Fight Like Hell Contract Rally

NALC is ready to fight for a fair contract. On February 22, branches across the country will be having a day of rallies to bring public attention to our continuous fight. We are not just fighting for better pay; we are fighting for our safety and ability to serve the public the way they deserve. Attacks on our jobs are constant, and we must stand together to push back against those attacks. One thing that remains the same is the membership’s ability to look beyond disagreements and move as one body to defend ourselves. This rally goes beyond political disagreements. It is about doing what’s right for the members of the NALC. Join us on February 22 at 12 pm to make your voice heard and demand the contract we all deserve. For more details, reach out to the branch. Hope to see you all there.

Food Drive

Every year, the members of Branch 36 come together to ensure that our community will have the essentials on their tables. The NALC Stamp out Hunger Food Drive takes place on the second Saturday in May (May 9). As many of you already know, the food drive is a big deal for Branch 36. Charlie has once again appointed Charles Kinard and Shirtedra Thomas as food drive cochairs. Over the last few years Charles and Shirtedra have worked tirelessly to spread the word about the food drive, ensure seamless pickup of donation items and everything else in between. Branch 36 goes above and beyond, and the food drive is no different. Every year, Branch 36 sells t-shirts so the proceeds can be used to purchase more essential food items for our community. To help assist the branches with organizing within region 15, LeShawn Brown has been appointed the state food drive coordinator. LeShawn will assist the branches in NY, CT, and Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Congratulations to LeShawn on her appointment. We know you will do your best in this important role and ensure a successful 2026 food drive for the region. Until next time brothers and sisters, stay safe, stay warm and stay active!

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