The 2012 NPMHU National Convention will convene next Monday, August 6, at the Downtown Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon. This is the 100^th Anniversary of the founding of the NPMHU, and the theme of the Convention is “Honor the Past, Shape the Future.” Over the next several days, more than 280 delegates, many accompanied by family and friends, will be arriving in Portland, presenting their credentials as properly elected delegates, and registering for the Convention. Starting next Monday, and continuing for six days through Saturday, August 11, the Convention and its delegates will discuss and debate issues, consider constitutional amendments, and count votes, as the delegates work diligently to prepare our Union for the changes bound to come during the next four years.

Preparations for the 2012 Convention began several months ago when Mail Handler delegates were elected from their respective Local Unions. Thereafter, many of the elected delegates were appointed to committees, which then set to work in Washington, DC on the business of preparing for the Convention and discussing issues to be addressed by the delegates. These committees included the Credentials Committee, the Rules Committee, the Election Committee, the Constitution Committee, the Legislative & Political Committee, and the Resolutions Committee. All of these committees will be meeting again, both before and during the Convention, to update and finalize their reports and to prepare their presentations for the delegates.

In keeping with the spirit of solidarity expressed in the preamble to the National Constitution, this Convention is dedicated to all Mail Handler brothers and sisters working at postal facilities across the country today, and, on the NPMHU’s 100^th Anniversary, to those who came before us. All Mail Handlers – past, present, and future – have placed their trust in those that will assemble in Portland, knowing that this Convention will make every effort to address the concerns and needs of the Union today, but also to continue to prepare for the future of the Union and the Mail Handler craft.

Be sure to visit this web site often to stay informed during the 2012 National Convention. When the Convention officially opens on Monday, August 6, we expect to provide updates of each day’s activities.