In past articles that I have written and in my speeches at branch meetings, retirement dinners andthe like, I have stressed the importance of being involved. Being involved can be taken in anumber of ways and fashions. From the shop steward on the workroom floor, to the branch presidents and right on up to the leaders of the union at each level, we have union brothers and sisters protecting our contractual rights. We have carriers doing the job of union representation for 10, 20 and 30 years, and even more. They are joined by new carriers, some of them only on the job for a few months, getting into the fight. All fighting for our rights. This is the most recognized type of union involvement. But there are other areas and other ways. We have carriers on safety committees, helping out on EEO hearings and EAP committees. Supporting the NALC Food Drive and collecting for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We have eight hundred carriers showing up to demonstrate on a July Sunday morning to show our disdain for contracting out. Other carriers are involved in Customer Connect, bringing in much needed revenue to the postal service and ultimately to our pockets. Branch volunteers working over a hot grill all day at a branch picnic, passing out burgers, hot dogs and other foods for the members. Wives and husbands of letter carriers getting involved in different charities, and most importantly, giving up their family time to allow their spouses to attend union functions and union duties. Carriers during the elections for congress and the presidency volunteering at phone banks and knocking on doors to get our people elected.