Convention Confessions!

From left, Tamara Trexler, Bill L. Yarbrough, Beth Anne Musiker, Mike Montgomery and Carla Christina Contreras at the convention. Photo: Matt Petit

Three Members Attending Convention for the First Time Share Their Thoughts & Impressions

Carla Christina Contreras
2015 Convention Delegate 

Oh my goodness! If you think earning a SAG-AFTRA card was a big deal, imagine serving in some capacity on the national level. We are talking big, big business, my union siblings! I now understand more deeply the importance of the commitment we make to stand together, not just for ourselves individually, but as a community of 160,000-plus professionals across the country and 1,400-plus locally in a business we give so much to in the hopes of getting a piece of the entertainment pie in our own front yard. Convention gave me the insight to look at my own (entertainment) business plan. I do not take for granted the card I carry and the opportunities it affords my family: health benefits, a pension and protection because of our contracts.

I attended this convention on behalf of you, my SAG-AFTRA Nashville family! I came home with so many ideas on how to continue to build upon our community, which can prosper even more if we make smart business choices. I urge you to take your own entertainment business opportunities more seriously by getting involved locally. Attend a meeting, contact a board member, drop by the office, utilize the conservatory, share your thoughts and ideas — we can't help you if you don’t help yourself.  

Nashville is booming; there is no question about that fact. It is our time to prosper and build onto what is currently happening right here in our own front yard. Thank you for trusting me to represent you, SAG-AFTRA Nashville — I’m here to serve!

Tamara Trexler
2015 Convention Delegate 

Change happens every autumn as chemical changes occur, turning the leaves to glorious reds, yellows and browns. Author Bonaro W. Overstreet said, “October is a symphony of permanence and change.” 

Led by Local President Mike Montgomery and Local Executive Director Richard Van Syckle, we took fresh ideas as a new delegation to the SAG-AFTRA 2015 National Convention. As your new leaders, we were welcomed with open arms and when a national officer asked all new delegates to stand, a third of the room stood. The officer declared that we are the future of SAG-AFTRA. At that particular statement, there was a loud applause, and I felt so proud to be there representing the states of Tennessee and Kentucky and Muscle Shoals, Alabama. We made our strong, united voice heard as your delegation in voting on constitutional amendments and resolutions that will enhance your professional lives. There was such unity and camaraderie in the room that many resolutions were passed unanimously.

With the progress we have made in the low budget arena, there is no excuse for productions not going SAG-AFTRA. It creates more work for our members and enhances the production value for various projects. The incentive to cast diverse talent has been increased and a workshop I attended was devoted to this subject. 

Our national leaders and executive staff members are very approachable. Our delegation was able to share thoughts and ideas with several of them. My best conversations happened in the ladies’ room! SAG-AFTRA's national leaders are quite respectful of our local and they are eager to build new friendships as we work toward the same goals, such as urging more commercials to shoot under union contracts.

We as a union have great power — our members’ contract earnings nationwide are approximately $4.1 billion a year. As SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Local delegate Shyla La’Sha said, “What work we have been charged with! We move forward energized, engaged and motivated to educate, engage and empower our members.”

Please join me as we move forward in joint empowerment! Let’s be a local that leads the way. Empower what matters!

Bill L. Yarbrough
2015 Convention Delegate 

I want to thank everyone for the privilege of representing our Nashville Local at the SAG-AFTRA convention this year. What an honor and an exciting event!

To our union staff and the L.A. staff, thank you so every much for all your long hours and excellent work. Big tip of the hat and congratulations to Jim Ferguson for being elected to the Executive Committee! Our local is well represented on the national level. 

Our union is working and working together. Please get involved. Support the union effort on Twitter, email, Facebook and YouTube, and include your friends, followers and fan clubs. It just takes a quick real-time act to help your fellow members bargain for you! That’s just a small thing that we all can do.  

Educate, engage, empower 2015! Have a great holiday season, be joyous, life is sweet, share your life with those around you …

Happy trails,

Bill bro