Local President's Message

Hello SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local Members!

I was honored to be a member of the Michigan delegation at the history-making inaugural SAG-AFTRA convention in Los Angeles in September.

Legacy AFTRA conventions always inspired, educated and motivated, and the first SAG-AFTRA convention certainly carried on the tradition. I attended two fascinating workshops that tackled critical issues: organizing, and influencing public policy. I learned so much from our fellow union members from around the country, especially members from so-called “right–to-work” states. Now that Michigan is the nation’s 24th “right–to-work” state, I believe it’s paramount that our union, like other unions, stay ahead of the curve in remaining relevant, proactive and responsive to our members. 

To that end, the SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local is launching something we are calling the Michigan Coffee Connection. Thanks to the hard work of our newly formed Communications Committee, with Board member Debra Port as its chair, we will be hosting a number of informal “coffee chats” at different locations throughout Metro Detroit.

The first step toward strength and solidarity is communication. While social media, email and texting are fast and efficient ways to keep in touch, I think the best communication is done “old school” style, eyeball to eyeball. I really hope to talk with many of you over the coming months. Watch for a Coffee Connection near you and join us!

Jayne Bower
SAG-AFTRA Michigan Local President

This item was originally featured in the January 2014 local newsletter.