A Letter From Your Atlanta Local President

I am thrilled and proud to be your next SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local President. Thank you for giving me the privilege to continue serving the on-camera actors, stunt performers, dancers, intimacy coordinators, singers, voiceover artists, and other media professionals that call Atlanta home. And thank you to all local members that stepped up to serve in our most recent election.
 
I would like to first thank our previous Atlanta Local Board and our current local staff for navigating our membership through an unprecedented period in our union’s history. I witnessed, firsthand, your concern for our local members as our face-to-face interactions transitioned to online platforms and the pandemic left few resources with which to serve local members. Thank you for protecting and preserving the best interests of our Atlanta Local members under what can only be described as extreme circumstances.
 
So where do we go now?
 
I could not be more optimistic about the future of our Atlanta Local as it continues to be an important leader in the entertainment industry. My belief in the intrinsic value of our members and the work they provide will continue to be the foundation of my commitment to the Atlanta Local membership.
 
My mission as local president is as follows:

• Engage in productive communication to create active participation, commitment and solidarity within our Atlanta Local membership.
• Equip Atlanta Local members with relevant and comprehensive resources to help them better navigate and fully engage in their careers.
• Provide practical solutions that most accurately represent and benefit Atlanta Local members to protect and further enhance work opportunities in this “right-to-work” state.
• Support, promote and enforce all national SAG-AFTRA initiatives to keep performers safe both on and off set.
• Through awareness and education, promote and maintain a union that is inclusive of all members and thrives on the talents of our diverse membership.

In the coming weeks, you will receive information regarding our SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Committees. Please thoughtfully consider submitting to serve on one or more of our local committees. Collaborating with other local members can provide a valuable feeling of accomplishment and a sense of creating the change you want to see. By working together to develop our committees, we can all help meet the needs of our local membership.
 
Strong unions require members who are informed, educated and active, a direct result of ongoing, effective communication. I can confidently confirm that every new Local Board member is ready to listen, learn and lead in order to enhance the strength and influence of SAG-AFTRA in the Atlanta Local market.
 
So let's get back to work, Atlanta. It's our time.
 
Did You Know?
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, after labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.
 
And now it is our proud, hardworking SAG-AFTRA members who represent the entertainment professionals continuing this legacy of labor rights advocacy.
 
So enjoy a happy Labor Day, Atlanta!

Eric Goins
SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local President