The American Postal Workers Union Auxiliary was a national group that formed in 1917. It started as the wives and daughters of unionized American postal workers. The purpose of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), associated with the AFL-CIO, is to protect the jobs and benefits of postal workers. However, it is illegal for postal workers to strike and partake in most political activities, which led to the creation of the auxiliary.

The women that were in this auxiliary participated in political activities to work for the protection of the jobs and benefits of the postal workers. Mostly, these activities included letter writing campaigns for U.S. Senators and House Representatives, other elected officials, and the media. They opposed legislation changes that led to job losses (e.g. ZIP codes, automation, and privatization), as well as the Hatch Act, which prohibits government employees from participating in most political activities. The auxiliary supported legislation changes that led to pay raises and added work benefits. The auxiliaries also educated the public on what the postal service did for such low costs and why sending mail was the most cost-effective form of communication. They also raised money though events for outside charitable causes.

The La Crosse Area Local 360 auxiliary formed in 1933 and disbanded in 1997, however the heaviest involvement occurred between 1952 and 1986. As more women joined the workforce, fewer were able to participate in the auxiliary. Also, more women postal workers were hired and their spouses had little interest in participating in an auxiliary.

Local 360 went to numerous State and National Conventions from 1950-1996. One La Crosse woman, Elsie Kotnour, was the Wisconsin State Auxiliary President for many years, making the La Crosse local auxiliary a very involved group. She corresponded with many other state and national auxiliary and APWU members, as well as led many writing campaigns to elected officials.