Talking points on Constitutional Amendments 2013

1. Talking points on ConstitutionalAmendments 2013

2. Article 3 - Members Section 1 & 3 • Sec 1 after “…Officer-in-Charge, add “Postmaster relief/replacements (PMRs)” or any… • Sec 3 Delete …”Postmaster relief/replacements (PMRs)” • Rationale: PMRs are the point of contact servicing that community. • Postmaster Replacements work one to six days a week to serve their community-- just like you. • PMR dues will be determined by the same formula as active Postmasters. • PMRs earn benefits and are on a career path to higher level Postmaster positions. • We need to open our arms and welcome them into our organization.

3. ARTICLE 4- ORGANIZATION • Sec 1, 4 and 5 add “… or possession, or grouping thereof,…”, • Rationale: Enables chapters to merge, providing for maximum operational efficiency. • Helps to ensure the survival of troubled chapters and continued long term viability of NAPUS.

4. Article 7 Officers • Section 2C- delete …”twenty-two(22)” • Rationale: This change will align the constitution with amendment accepted in 2012.

5. Article 9-National Vice President • Rationale: Establishes representation based upon a four area system. • Three National Vice Presidents from each area. • Terms will be for three years, with one National Vice President elected each year from each area. • No state will have more than one National Vice President serving on the National Executive Board at one time. • An interim process will be in effect till 2016.

6. Article 9-National Vice President • Area 1: Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming (327 votes)* • Area 2: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont (320 votes)* • Area 3: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky,, North Carolina, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia (331 votes)* • Area 4: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi ,Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah (322 votes) *Based on membership total as of 2/28/2013

7. Article 12 Dues • Section 8: …Postmaster Retired, "Postmaster Reliefs(PMR)”… delete • Rationale: PMR dues will use the same formula as active Postmasters. (to be determined before Gazette publishing)

8. Establishment of Bylaws in addition to Constitution • The following policies will be incorporated into the bylaws intact; • Official Family Policy • Fiscal Policy • Fiscal policy on Conventions • Rationale: Gives the organization the flexibility to react rapidly to changes that occur. • Robert’s Rules of Order recommends governing documents of a organization should be Constitution and Bylaws. • Requirements for amendments to the bylaws are 2/3 majority of the National Executive board.

9. Establishment of Bylaws –Move Art 5 to Bylaws as Art. V • Article 5 National Convention • Rationale: Allows for timely action based upon membership participation and economic conditions. • More flexibility is needed so the organization does not get locked into larger room blocks and food guarantees too far into the future than we are able to meet in these changing and uncertain times. • Would allow for the possible combining of events in the future if needed.

10. ARTICLE 6 Representation and voting at National Conventions • Section 6: …categories of membership "and on floor votes for time and place selection of future national conventions.” Move to Article 5 of the Bylaws as Section 5. • Rationale: To conform with the previously approved movement of Article 5. This keeps all decisions on future conventions in one article and enables the National Executive Board to make changes as needed.

11. Establishment of Bylaws-Move Art. 14 to Bylaws as Art. 1 • Article 14 Committees at conventions • Rationale: Gives the National President and Executive Board the ability to establish convention committees based on the current needs of the organization.