Cranes, Change and Strength in Numbers

by Richard Van Syckle
Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA Nashville

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden."
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German dramatist, novelist, poet and scientist (1749–1832)

I saw a cartoon the other day depicting the Nashville skyline, barely visible behind a series of ominous-looking cranes. For members who live in the Nashville area, you know it’s not that much of an exaggeration. But regardless of where you live, you know that in virtually every aspect of our collective lives, we are witnessing a period of tremendous change. 

And just like every other turbulent period in our history, there are those who welcome change and those who don’t. There’s also a third group. They want “change à la carte.” They want to keep the parts of the past they liked — familiar faces, simpler times, lower cost of living — but still retain the benefits of the present: cell phones, big screen TVs and awesome new restaurants. And who wouldn’t want to be in this group? You never have to make a choice or a commitment. You just benefit from the work of people who did. 

As members of one of the world’s most prestigious unions, no one knows the importance of choice and commitment more than you. You know change à la carte may look good on paper, but in the real world where true success requires sacrifice and dedication, it’s a lousy plan. 

Embracing the future doesn’t mean forgetting the past. I’m very fortunate to come into a vibrant, healthy union at this exciting time in our history. We’re a strong local because of the work of former Executive Director Randy Himes, who served this union for 37 years. We’re a strong local because of the leadership of outgoing Board President Pat Alger, a Hall of Fame songwriter and artist who will still serve on our Board of Directors under the leadership of incoming President Mike Montgomery. We’re a strong local because our staff, which includes Dee Bowers, Judy Marie Ellis and Josh Reese, works every day to make sure you get paid a fair wage and that your health care and pensions are secure. And finally, we’re a strong local because of you, our members. 

If I haven’t met you yet, I hope to. If you live in an area outside of Nashville and you think there’s an opportunity for us to do some outreach, please contact me. I don’t believe in change à la carte and I hope you don’t either. What I do believe, because I know it to be true, is that there is strength in numbers — the core principle of organized labor. And if we stick together, grow together and fight together, we’ll have the leverage we need to benefit from the changes we’re most surely going to encounter.