July marks the half-way point of the year.  Six months of 2013 have passed and summer is upon us, the time for vacations, barbecues, and possibly the kids returning home.  Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, take joy with family and friends.  Get outside if you can and enjoy the scenery—just remember to wear sunscreen.

Even though vacation time is here, AMFA National has been working hard to ensure that the Association stays financially healthy and secure.  Several steps have been taken to reduce various costs.  We have been successful to date and will continue to seek out those inefficiencies that put a drag on our momentum.

We have also been diligently seeking out ways to utilize technology to better communicate with you.  This digital version of the Grapevine is an example.  Some of you received this via your email, some got it via Tweet, and still others got the link from our Facebook post.  You will notice much more information being disseminated via email blasts, Twitter, and Facebook.  For example, the video version of our contract negotiation updates is being sent in this manner.

It is important that you provide us with your personal email address by going to the National Website at www.amfanational.org and registering.  You should also follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.  We’ll still be using the bulletin boards for information, but if you want to get the information first and while you know it’s relevant, join us as we move into the 21st century. 

Don’t forget to take a minute from your busy summer to stay involved and engaged by checking for updates on a regular basis.

In this issue