April Litty

This episode features April Litty, recording secretary of South Jersey Branch 908, Blackwood, New Jersey.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:22

Welcome to the History of Female Leadership in the NALC podcast. I'm Craig Schaefer. I'm a city carrier in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Today I'm have the honor of having a sister from Northeast here with me. If you don't mind, go ahead and introduce yourself.

SPEAKER_00 0:38

Hey Craig, how are you doing? Thanks for having me on. My name is April Liddy, and I'm a city carrier in the Woodbury office in New Jersey. And my branch is the Bill Reback branch 908 South Jersey Letter Carriers. We are um the southern part of New Jersey, kind of just outside of Philly, a little above Delaware. Um, and I've been with the NALC for I guess 20, 21 years.

SPEAKER_01 1:07

All right. All right. Well, I I said the Northeast. I I don't know if you consider yourself Northeast where I'm at here in Southern Illinois. You you're definitely Northeast to me, but I don't I don't want to offend if it if that's not at all. Okay. All right, good deal. Um, so you've been with the NALC for a while. If you don't mind, uh kind of go back a little bit and tell us what brought you to the Postal Service in the first place.

SPEAKER_00 1:31

Uh so I always tell everybody I come from a postal family, and when I was, I guess, in my early 20s, my dad, he is a retired clerk. Uh, he put like almost 43 years in. And back then he was like, okay, test is coming up. You're all gonna go take the test. Uh me, my brother, uh a bunch of our friends, and he made us all go. That's back when they did testing to get the job, and he took us all over into Philly to take the test. And um from there I got hired, and here we are. The rest, as they say, is history. Nice.

SPEAKER_01 2:08

So all right. Well, um, so you you got hired on, you've been with the union for a little over 20 years now. Um what caused you to, was there, was there something that caused you to pursue a leadership role in the NALC?

SPEAKER_00 2:26

Uh so I guess, and probably more so when I was younger, I had, even though I'm a quiet person, I had kind of a big mouth when it came to things. Um, so I was never one uh to take any crap from bosses. And I guess people kind of gravitated to that seeing, you know, myself I would speak up for other people and myself. And it just kind of came to me. Um, you know, when there was nobody else stepping up and doing that. And then we also had a good core in the office that I was in. Um I guess the group that I was close with, and we all kind of worked together in doing that. I know at the time uh the steward we had, he was, you know, looking to pass the torch, so to speak. Um, so it just kind of just kind of came actually. I don't want to see anybody treated bad, and I'm definitely not gonna let somebody treat me the wrong way.

SPEAKER_01 3:19

So yeah, well that that seems to be uh, you know, it's usually something like that. You know, you kind of see your brothers and sisters uh flailing at times, and you want to step up and take care of them, help them out. So that's that's the way to do it. So uh what what all positions uh leading up to where you're at now, what positions have you held in in your branch or whatever?

SPEAKER_00 3:44

Uh so I was a trustee for quite a few years. That was my first like board position. Um, and when while doing that, you know, we have different committees in our branch. I'm sure a lot of other branches are the same way. So like I was on the MDA committee, um, I was on the awards committee, things like that. I am a um was and up until now I am an instructor at the Carrier Academy. Uh, I do the union part portion of orientations. Um and I guess about I want to say I should have looked at my dates first. Probably about five five years now, I've been the recording secretary. I ended up I was appointed for that position when our previous recording secretary he was going out, he was retiring, he was moving away. And my president had appointed me into that position, which was a little bit of a surprise because I thought I was moving up to assistant recording secretary, and he jumped me right up to recording secretary, and there was so much to it. Um, like we were talking earlier about the the different technical stuff, and just you know, learning all the things that needed to be learned before the old recording secretary moved away. So yeah.

SPEAKER_01 5:04

Well, I thank you. I always love hearing all of the other jobs that aren't exactly, you know, the e-board, I guess you would say, you know, the MDA, whether it's MDA Food Drive, whatever coordinators, uh committees, things like that, because um, as I've said many times, a lot of people think that there's just president vice, secretary, treasurer, and that's about it. And there's so many other things to get involved with, and I hope that people hear that and and you know, run with that and go and talk to somebody and say, hey, I would like to get involved. And I I'm not really looking to be the recording secretary, but hey, I I enjoyed, you know, doing the food drive. Can I help out on that? Something like that, you know. So thank you for throwing those things out. Um, in your current position as recording secretary, what what exactly are your duties?

SPEAKER_00 5:56

Uh so along with like communications, like lots, I guess what a lot of people would think of as you know, recording secretaries. So there is communications along with communications. Um, I edit our branch's newsletter. We do a monthly newsletter. I actually just finished that up before getting on with you. Um, so I edit that. Um I I'm in charge of our branch's website. Uh, so when I did take over the previous recording secretary, who was he was wonderful at his job, and um the website that he ran, it was um at its time of inception was you know, it was the thing because it was created back in the 90s and it was created back in the 90s, so it needed to be updated. Uh so I I run our website. Um, as you saw, we have a branch Facebook page. I run that. Uh, so you know, those those techie type things. Um, any kind of communications, you know, keeping up on uh the uh we have a P.O. box, so I'm the one that collects the mail, case of the PO box, uh, any kind of correspondence, you know, if there's uh members that need something, we're sending letters out, things like that. Uh let's see, what else? Um for some reason I am now labeled the tech person. So I have been creating PowerPoints and things for when the branch does, um, you know, they might do branch training with the stewards. Uh, we've been doing a few route inspection trainings because some of our some of our offices had recently went through route training or sorry, route inspection training. So I put together a PowerPoint for that training, and that worked out really well. And yeah, just just things of that nature. Um, this year I'm chair of our convention committee. So um which is it's a great experience. It'll be my second time being chair of the convention committee, and we our branch allows for 18 paid delegates, and sometimes hurting 18 adults is like hurting cats, but um, it's a good experience, and I enjoy doing that. And we also this year have uh our branch elections will be at the end of the year, and I am the chair of that, so that's also another, I don't know, it's another good experience I've been enjoying, and it's it's kind of new to me. So this will be my second election committee chair.

SPEAKER_01 8:21

So in your spare time, you just carry a little mail here and there because it doesn't sound like you have a lot.

SPEAKER_00 8:28

I know, and lately I really I've been carrying less and less mail because I was asked to be on the joint retention team as far as the the new NURM program goes.

SPEAKER_01 8:37

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 8:37

Um, so I've been doing that for about two months and like two or three days a week, we've been visiting offices in Region 12 in New Jersey, because we region 12 also goes out to PA. Um, so the the offices in New Jersey that follow my region, we've been visiting them and checking on their compliance for the whole NURM program. So, yeah, I haven't been carrying very much mail lately.

SPEAKER_01 9:01

Yeah, well, I mean that is that is super important as well, trying to keep some of these people, you know, not running not letting them run them off as soon as they come in. So I'm glad I appreciate you guys doing that stuff because we we definitely need some people to stick around. So that's that's awesome. Um so I it this is always kind of the the not so much fun part of my podcast, I guess, but I always want to this is it's very important. Um I know when I talk to a lot of ladies that they've had to they've dealt with things that most likely I haven't dealt with. Um have you personally dealt with any kind of discrimination or anything, uh, either from the Postal Service or from the NALC? And if so, were you able to, you know, deal with the situation and what do you feel like it was resolved?

SPEAKER_00 9:51

Right. So when I was checking out your questions, I I was kind of wondering, you know, how I would answer this. I've never had any um I don't want to say any blatant discrimination. Um looking back, I know when I was like brand new, you know, and I was very young when I started, and I remember a woman telling me, don't ever let them see you cry. And I was so confused by that. I guess because maybe because I was young and naive and had never dealt with something like that. And I was like, why would they make me cry? Um and like I said, I've never had anything blatant, but there's been it's always like a a dismissive kind of thing, you know, and especially now that I'm older and I know what I'm capable of, and I still kind of like get that sometimes, and it's like I I know that my ideas or you know, my thoughts shouldn't be dismissed, you know what I mean? Um and and I in my branch they have been wonderful. Um I haven't had anybody, you know what I mean, coming up. We do have a lot of uh older men, and at this point, I am the only woman on the board. Um it's not by any design, it's just the way it has happened. Um, and I'm sure a lot of younger ladies may look at that and and be intimidated by that. Um, I think that's one of your later questions, but you know, it shouldn't be. Yeah. Um yeah, so it's just, you know, like I said, mostly for my part, it's been being, you know, being dismissed. Um, and it's not been bleat and and it's been more with, you know, people that I work with at the post office, you know, uh supervisors or postmasters, that type of thing. So yeah.

SPEAKER_01 11:36

Yeah, yeah. Fortunately, the majority of times that I've heard these things from the ladies, it it is, um I I say fortunately, I guess that's not exactly the right term, but um, you know, I would I it's kind of one of those things where I wouldn't expect anything more from postal management, but I expect more for my union siblings, uh, that they're going to treat each other, you know, respectfully and everything. So I if you're gonna have it, I'd rather it be coming from those guys because I don't expect anything more from them. So um, but yes, I I've noticed that a lot of times that ladies get, you know, like kind of microaggressions, I guess you would say, where it's not really, you know, sometimes well, sometimes it is very blatant, and then other times it's just little just little jabs that you know here and there ignor ignoring or whatever. So well, I I I I'm sorry that you've dealt with that. I'm glad it's not been any worse, but I uh I'm sorry that you've had to deal with that. Another question is I mean, you're obviously doing so much stuff for the union. Has this caused you any issues with your family or friends as far as time away from them, missing things, that sort of thing?

SPEAKER_00 12:51

Um so again, I'm a postal family. Uh so my fiance is also an officer with our branch. Um, so and and we have to set limits sometimes, you know. We're both we'll be working at home and I'm better at it than he is, and I'll say, okay, this is our cutoff, you know, we need to stop and and relax a little bit. Um as far as my family goes, you know, they all know they know I work Saturdays, you know, that type of thing. Um when friends like social engagement, they want to get together, you know, like Friday nights, and it's always like work Saturday, you know, it's hard to do those type of things. Um, but I wouldn't say it's you know, for the most part, most of the people that are in my life, they know, you know, that that that is something I'm you know, I'm working a lot and then I'm doing the other work a lot. So they they get it. You know, um, and as far as you know, I am a mom. Uh the kids are grown now though, so but when I was younger, I think I put um I I didn't start really getting active until my son was older. Um because I was also a single mom at the time, so it was kind of hard to put the time in. I mean, it was hard to even make it to the meetings, I'd have to find a babysitter, that whole thing. Um, so I did kind of put that off for for quite a few years, uh, which I would not change because mom was my most important job I've ever had, you know what I mean? So um, yeah, so that was always tough, you know.

SPEAKER_01 14:24

Yeah. Yeah, I kind of did the same thing. I kind of just was dipping my toes in it while my kids were little, and then once now they don't even pay attention if I'm here or not. So, you know, it's they don't really care one way or the other. So it works out a lot better that way. Um so when you and your your fiance decide to call it an evening and you know you're done, you're closing your laptops, you're turning off your phones. What do you guys like to do? What do you like to do to unwind, relax? Do you have hobbies? What do you do in your time when you're not dealing with the union stuff?

SPEAKER_00 14:59

We sleep. No, I'm just kidding. Um uh we uh when the well now that the weather's warming up, we do like to spend time down, we call it down the shore in this area. Um so we we go to the beach, you know, that area. Um and me personally, I I like to read. I always have a always like to have a good book on hand and just kind of chill out with with friends and family and just relax, you know. Tonight I wouldn't say it's relaxing, but we're watching the flyers. Uh as soon as I finish with this, I'll get back into it.

SPEAKER_01 15:33

All right. I'll I'll try to hurry up. I don't want to interfere with that.

SPEAKER_00 15:37

That's awesome.

SPEAKER_01 15:38

Um as you can see behind me, I'm a I'm a baseball guy of Cardinals. Uh that's my ticket.

SPEAKER_00 15:44

Yeah, the the Phillies took a back burner because it's Stanley Cup playoff.

SPEAKER_01 15:48

So yes, for sure. Totally understandable. Um, so you know, you've been around for a minute, you you've seen some stuff, you've done some stuff. If there is someone listening to this podcast that is considering, you know, stepping up and you know, trying to pursue a role in their branch or whatever, um, what would be a piece of advice you might give that person?

SPEAKER_00 16:14

I would say go for it. Um, like don't let your insecurities um hold you back. You know, don't think, oh, that they're just not gonna, you know, it's not gonna work out the way I would think. Just just go for it because you, if you have that in your head, you already have those good ideas and and that will to help other people, then you already know that you can succeed in that. Do you know what I mean? Um, and don't let any perceptions keep you from that. Like I was saying earlier, with like for instance, my branch, when I first started, it was a lot of older men, and it wasn't by design, it was just the way it is. And somebody younger coming out might look at that and think a certain way, but that's just you know how you perceive it, and that's not the way that it was. So people shouldn't be afraid to to, like you said, dip your toes in. Um, and if if you ever struggle because there is someone that would give you resistance, there's just as many people out there that would be willing to help you and want to see you succeed. So search those people out. You know, having that, I guess you could say, like, like mentor really is I think one of the best things. Um, and it can come from the most unexpected places, you know what I mean? Just to have someone, even if it was someone who just gave you the smallest little bit of uh advice or compliment, and it's like, wow, that person thinks that of me, then I really should stop doubting myself and yes, go for it.

SPEAKER_01 17:51

It's uh amazing what just a kind word can do for somebody, like you just said. And uh the just a word of encouragement can go a long way. And a lot of times you might not even think that it means anything because it just something you say and you don't think anything of it, but what you put out really resonates a lot of times. So yeah, that was that's some great advice. Thank you for that. Um well, I have exhausted all of my questions for you, so I'm gonna turn it back to you and just ask you do you have anything else you'd like to add? Anybody you'd like to mention, anything at all that you'd like the floor is yours.

SPEAKER_00 18:26

The floor is mine. I don't know. I just thanks for having me on. And um uh, you know, if if you're hopefully there's people that are hearing this and hearing the other podcasts that you've done, maybe there's someone out there who hears one of these and thinks, you know what, maybe I should stop doubting myself and maybe I should go for it. And I have these inclinations to help people and stand up for people, and they go for it. So go for it.

SPEAKER_01 18:51

There you go. Yeah. Well, um, that's what I did because I just jumped on Facebook and uh cold messaged you in Messenger on Facebook and said, Hey, would you do my podcast? And uh fortunately you uh did a little research and made sure I wasn't just some crazy person, which I didn't know I am a crazy person, but you were nice enough to join me here and I really appreciate it. Um thank you so much. Like I said, I enjoy your Facebook page. You you are always on there updating stuff, and I always just like seeing other branches, what they're doing, and everything. So thank you for letting me jump jump in your group and thank you for uh being on here with me as well. I really, really appreciate it. And uh now I will let you get back to your game. Uh once again, thank you so much, and thank you to everyone for listening and be safe and be kind.