It has been a busy year for SAG-AFTRA — but we’re not done yet! One of the union’s most important regularly held events is still to come: the biennial SAG-AFTRA convention on Oct. 21–23.
This year, the convention is being held virtually, just as it was two years ago, which means more member delegates can participate since travel and venue sizes are not limiting factors. At the convention, held every two years, delegates elect the executive vice president as well as the seven vice presidents that represent geographical areas and member categories. In addition, the delegates consider resolutions and amendments to the union’s constitution.
And even though the gathering is happening virtually, the program still includes presentation of awards in two important areas. The George Heller Memorial Award, which takes the form of a golden membership card, honors members and staff who have shown great devotion to the union and its members.
Meanwhile, the American Scene Awards highlight producers of music, news and entertainment whose productions intelligently and progressively employ the talents of people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, women, seniors, and other misrepresented or underrepresented groups.
Member leaders have chosen "Future Forward – Union Power" as the theme of the convention, reflecting how collective action is what propels SAG-AFTRA forward. The convention branding, above, evokes the fast-forward symbol found on remote controls, music players and digital devices — illustrating our quickly changing and evolving future. Three chevrons, which reflect the three major career categories the union represents — actor/performer, broadcaster and recording artist — sweep left to right, in the direction words are read, indicating forward motion and the accumulation of knowledge. Each is composed of a mosaic of dots, serving as a visual metaphor of solidarity, and how many elements come together to create a greater whole — and showing that even though the organization is made up of many individuals from many different backgrounds, we all come together with a common purpose and goals.
In an ever-changing industry in an unpredictable world, the power of collective action has never been more important. This fall, as members from every work category and every region of the country gather in virtual space, you can be sure there will be opinions, new ideas, new perspectives and impassioned debates — and in the end SAG-AFTRA will be stronger for it.
Stay tuned to sagaftra.org and watch your emails for further information about the sixth SAG-AFTRA national convention.
This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA summer 2023 magazine.