Just what is APWU POWER?
APWU POWER is the women's committee within the American Postal Workers Union.  It unites women, with their special concerns, yet works within the framework of the national APWU organization.

How do I join?
If you are a female member of the APWU, you are automatically a member of APWU POWER.

What is its purpose?
The following is the Statement of Purpose adopted at the founding conference of POWER:

• To establish an APWU national women's committee, to be incorporated within the structure of one of the present APWU national departments.
• To establissh APWU local and state women's committees.
• To establish a viable communications ssetwork for APWU women throughout the country to exchange ideas, issues, problems and solutions; and to initiate and also support educational programs.
• To encourage the involvement and participation of all women in the APWU.
• To organize the unorganized workers in our workplace.
• To promote affirmative action programs in the APWU; to assist women in achieving leadership roles with the ultimate goal of equalizing participation in leadership positions.
• To join and become fully involved in the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).
• To enhance harmony within the realm of the National APWU Executive Board.
• To work in cooperation with other groups and individuals where possible and appropiate to promote women's rights and advance the labor movement.
• We espouse "A WOMAN'S PLACE IS IN HER UNION," and will constantly endeavor to make the above quotation a reality.

How is POWER structured?
POWER committees exist on four levels -- local, state, regional and national.  A national Steering Committee, consisting of one coordinator from each of the five regions, assist in local, state, and regional committee operations and communications.

How do I form a Local Committee?
If you're interested in forming a local APWU POWER committee, first contact your local union president for assistance.  Then contact your regional POWER coordinator, who will provide futher assistance and materials.

Now we're in business, what then?
First, set a convenient meeting place, time, and date.  Remember, many members have family, home and union responsibilities.  You should make arrangements for child care.  Provide a sign-in sheet at the meeting.  Let members introduce themselves.  Circulate a questionaaire that will elecit insight into members' interest.  Plan educational programs that encourage member participation, based on results of the questionaires.  Display POWER posters, literature and related materials.  Invite interesting speakers.

What kind of programs should the local committee undertake?
Many program suggestions can come directly from local members.  The regional POWER coordinator can offer information on what other local committees are doing.  Some recommendations are:getting to know your union sisters, contract review, women in non-traditional jobs, sex discrimination, women and the economy, sexual harassment, labor history, child care, affirmative action in the workplace and inthe union, occupational health and safety, organizing the unorganized, legislative issues, communicating for action, leadership skills, stress and CLUW.

Where do committees obtain funds?
Your local may assist your POWER committee, as it does any other APWU committee.  In addition, funds can be raised by various means, such as: dinners, bus rides, sale of items (bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts, etc.), garage and yard sales and raffles.  Ideas on profitable fundraising activities can be obtained through your POWER coordinator.

Join in!
The APWU POWER Steering Committee -- and all the members of POWER -- invite you to join them in our rewarding and productive action-oriented program.  Together we can help improve the working climate not only for APWU members but for all working people.

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This site was created by Jack Ball.
Please address all comments and corrections to him at apwuqcy@adams.net