Volunteerism: The act of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational or other worthwhile activities, especially in one’s community, which, in this case is our Los Angeles Local.
The strength and power of our SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local comes from active and engaged members who choose to volunteer. We exert more strength with union participation, which enhances the leverage we have in the negotiating room.
How Might You Volunteer?
If you have thoughts and ideas about the types of events, seminars and workshops you’d like to see offered by your Los Angeles Local, committee service is the best way to go. In this manner you can share your thoughts about how we can improve our outreach efforts to be more effective. You can suggest what challenges our local might consider. In short, volunteering is your chance to get involved and help shape the direction of our local.
Committee Volunteering
Our local committees help to create programs, workshops and seminars, all of which advise members how to develop their talent and business acumen. Committees also plan annual events, work with industry professionals to address seminars and workshops, and schedule outreach events designed to inform and educate members about the role of our union.
The various types of committees and their objectives are as follows:
- Categorical Committees, which advocate for specific categories of work like stunts, background, voiceover and stand-in.
- Demographic Committees work on how to serve various groups. Examples include Women’s, Seasoned Performers and Young Performers.
- Programming Committees focus their work on events, workshops and panels to keep our members educated and empowered. Conservatory, MOVE L.A., Honors & Tributes, and Radio Plays are examples.
- Operational Committees work closely with staff to focus on some of the internal work of SAG-AFTRA like Government Review, Communications and Member Area committees.
Pre-COVID-19, members were able to volunteer for an in-person event, such as the Health Fair, SAG Awards Viewing Party, Conservatory Summer Intensive or Winter Celebration as well as other labor-centric events through the L.A. Fed, like the annual Stamp Out Hunger program and job actions.
We hope to return to in-person events in the future, where members will once again be able to volunteer for these types of important events.
Personal Benefits of Volunteerism
- Volunteering connects you to your local and can help you make friends and learn new skills.
- Volunteering might help advance your career.
- Volunteering can be a lot of fun and add fulfillment to your life.
Call to Action
From principal performers to stunt performers, from the dance community to the background actor, from elected officers to rank-and-file members, every member can bring something to the table, and every member benefits from volunteerism.
There are many opportunities to get involved, such as serving on one of the many member-driven committees, running for union office, attending open local board meetings, participating in W&W meetings and so much more. Be sure to read emails from your local to find about volunteer opportunities or find upcoming events on your local page.
View the slideahow below to learn why members volunteer in their own words.
“When I was a kid, my parents were always volunteering for something: government, charity, union, or just random stuff and people. No one ever asked the question, ‘Why are we doing this?’ It was obvious, because it needed to be done and we were able to do it. There is something gratifying about doing what’s supposed to be done.” — Sean Astin
“I have been involved with volunteering since I was a child. Whether it is for my church, union, school, veterans or a food bank, your small actions make huge differences in the lives of the people that you are helping. Seeing the smile of someone that my volunteer actions helped … there is nothing in the world like it.” — Jane Austin
“The concept of service for our members is the focus of being involved. We choose to invest our time and knowledge to this end, as we give back what others in the past had dedicated their service to and for: the members! We work to stay focused, nimble and ready to adapt to the rapid changes that have changed the viewing and entertainment landscape of our industry.” — Clyde Kusatsu
“I choose to be active in making this union as effective and efficient as it can be for the members because I’m so thankful for what it’s done for me personally. I know that I wouldn’t be making good wages, health insurance and a pension without the solidarity and efforts of all union members.” — Matt Kavanaugh
“I volunteer because someone did it for me. Not directly, of course, but I am the beneficiary of those who have volunteered before. Health care, pension, contract rates, terms and conditions, and so much more. Everything I have is because someone showed up and volunteered their time to negotiate that. I volunteer to pay it forward. Having been part of seven negotiating committees on various contracts, it is eye-opening knowing the amount of time that goes into negotiations — all by members who choose to volunteer their time. I volunteer in hopes I can leave a better union behind by my service. Like someone did for me.” — Peggy Lane O’Rourke
“I have spent countless hours, first volunteering at my son’s public schools, then as an elected member of my neighborhood council, and, for over a decade, at SAG and SAG-AFTRA. Besides the satisfaction I derive in knowing that I have been of service to others is the fundamental belief that one cannot affect meaningful change if one remains on the sidelines.” — Ron Ostrow
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