The Constitution of the UAW is the highest law of our Union. It provides the framework for the day-to-day operations of our Union and sets forth our rights, guarantees, and responsibilities as UAW members. But more than that, our Constitution is an eloquent expression of out commitment to democratic unionism and social responsibility.

Democracy requires, as the Preamble states, that we participate meaningfully in making decisions affecting our welfare and that of the communities in which we live. The same is true of our role as members of a democratic union. The UAW is only as strong as we, the members, make it by participating fully in the life of the Union.

In that spirit, I urge you to carefully study our Constitution and apply its principles in your daily life, both as a member of a great democratic union and as a citizen in a democratic society.