THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF LOCAL NO. 18 IS TO IMPLEMENT THE EXERCISE OF THE NATURAL RIGHT OF WORKERS TO ORGANIZE THAT THEY MAY MORE SECURELY WORK WITH DIGNITY; TO ENABLE ITS MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN SELF-GOVERNMENT; TO UNITE ONE LOCAL UNION OF WORKERS ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP, REGARDLESS OF RELIGION, RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE OR SEX TO SECURE IMPROVED WAGES, HOURS, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OTHER ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES FOR THE MEMBERS THROUGH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, THROUGH ADVANCEMENT OF OUR STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY AND IN THE LABOR MOVEMENT AND THROUGH OTHER LAWFUL METHODS; TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND TRAINING FOR OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND MEMBERS, TO SAFEGUARD AND PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLE OF FREE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS, AND THE SECURITY AND WELFARE OF ALL THE PEOPLE BY POLITICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITY; TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN OUR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTION AND PRESERVE AND PERPETUATE THE CHERISHED TRADITIONS OF DEMOCRACY. TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE UNION AS AN INSTITUTION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS LEGAL AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION.