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The IAM's 36th Grand Lodge Convention will convene in
Cincinnati, Ohio on September 19, 2004.
Every four
years delegates elected by local lodge members set the policies
that keep the IAM a strong, progressive union.
“As we embark
on our second hundred years, we have many challenges before us,”
said International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger. “The world
is changing and so must we. Throughout our history, Grand Lodge
Convention delegates have made important decisions to see us
through difficult times. We will continue that great tradition
in Cincinnati.”
Action by
delegates at past Conventions are still felt today. In 1984 and
again in 1988, delegates secured operational funding for the
IAM’s crown jewel, the William W. Winpisinger Education and
Technology Center. More than 44,000 students have attended the
Center since it opened in 1981.
In 1976,
delegates approved a new Civil Rights Department, now the Human
Rights Department, keeping the IAM at the forefront of defending
the rights of all members, regardless of race, religion, gender
or sexual preference.
In 1996,
delegates created the Women’s Department, which is a tireless
advocate for more involvement by women at all levels of the
union.
And in 2000,
delegates enacted the Communicator and Educator program to bring
cutting-edge communications and education information to every
local lodge.
“The Grand
Lodge Convention is the soul of this union,” said Buffenbarger.
“It defines who we are and where we are going. I’m proud of the
delegates and the work they do to secure the future of this
great union.”
The IAM
Constitution requires that thirty days prior to the Grand Lodge
Convention every delegate receive an “Officers’ Report” that
details the IAM’s activities over the past four years. Past
IAM Journals have
featured highlights of the report. This year, they will be
available online at
www.goiam.org after August 20, 2004.
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