Members Connect Far & Wide in 2024

Local News

A diverse group of individuals posing together and smiling. The background is decorated with string lights, giving the area a warm and festive ambiance. People in the group are dressed in various styles, ranging from casual to semi-formal attire, enjoying themselves in what seems to be a lively, social environment.

The Arizona-Utah Local was filled with 20 opportunities this year for SAG-AFTRA members to connect as reflected in the photo carousel below. Your Local Board is committed to nurturing our union community by providing these networking events.

Coffee Connections in Phoenix, Tucson and Salt Lake City have proven to be very beneficial for our members. It provides them opportunities to hear about the latest union and industry information, share personal triumphs and challenges, and feel the power of a supportive community. These gatherings affirm that some of the best collaborations may just begin with a cup of coffee.

The Phoenix Cocktail Connection has been a great option for members who can’t attend morning coffees. These quarterly evening events are a great way for members to share stories, exchange tips and cheer on their peers in a relaxed environment. 

The Cyber Café Connection brought members together from all across Arizona and Utah in a virtual meeting space. As in our other connections, camaraderie, fun and information was shared. Held over Zoom, this event was a reminder that technology can bring people closer, even when physical distance separates them.

If you weren’t able to “connect” with us in 2024, make that a new year’s resolution for 2025. The above Connections will continue and help pave a way towards greater unity. Whether it’s the laughter over shared anecdotes or inspiring ideas exchanged, every gathering underscores one truth: The strength of our Arizona-Utah Local and SAG-AFTRA lies in its members. 

Be sure you don’t miss out! Keep informed through our local website, Facebook page and emails from SAG-AFTRA Communications for upcoming connections.

Top photo: Members gather at the December 2024 evening Cocktail Connection in Phoenix. Photo by Amanda Melby. 

A group of 16 people outdoors during the day posed in two rows, with some sitting in front and others standing behind. They are dressed warmly and appear to be enjoying a casual gathering.
A group of individuals are gathered around an outdoor wooden table under a canopy. Three men are standing on the left, with one man in a navy jacket gesturing as he speaks. On the right, four individuals are seated at the table. The table is covered with papers and a SAG-AFTRA sign.
Three people stand outdoors in a lively and sunny setting under a patio umbrella, smiling. The person on the left is a blonde woman wearing a SAG-AFTRA hoodie. In the center, a man wears a patterned shirt, glasses, and a brown hat. On the right, a woman with long dark hair is dressed in a rust-colored top.
A group of cheerful individuals gather in a sunny outdoor space. The group is diverse in age and style, seated or standing close together around a wooden table with coffee cups and drinks visible.
Four people seated in a cozy indoor cafe setting gather around two tables and engage in conversation. The nearest table is covered with SAG-AFTRA materials, including a sign with the organization’s logo, informational flyers, brochures and small promotional items. The background includes blue and orange walls adorned with framed artwork. The individuals are dressed casually, with one person holding a coffee cup.
A small group of people enjoy an outdoor gathering at a casual setting with picnic-style benches. The foreground features a woman in a green top smiling brightly and taking a selfie. Beside her is a man in a patterned black shirt, also smiling and looking toward the camera. In the background, a man in a navy shirt sits on a bench near a woman in a patterned top, both smiling and engaged in the scene.
Two individuals are sitting closely together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere under a tented canopy with smiling faces. The woman on the left is wearing a striped shirt and the man on the right has a white beard and glasses, wearing a SAG-AFTRA T-shirt and a baseball cap.
A group of nine individuals in casual attire are smiling and expressing solidarity, holding signs with hashtags "#SAGAFTRASTRONG" and "#ONEFIGHTFRIDAYS."
A woman in a light purple dress is standing near the center, gesturing as she speaks to the attendees. The participants are seated around wooden tables, many with drinks in front of them. Papers and materials are spread out on the tables. The atmosphere is casual and has a collaborative and focused vibe.
Seventeen members pose together holding bright yellow postcards. They are a diverse, group of men and women in an outdoor casual setting.
A group of members are gathered outdoors around a wooden table in a sunny atmosphere. Some people are seated, while others are standing behind the table. Several individuals are wearing SAG-AFTRA-branded shirts. On the table are drinks, snacks and a SAG-AFTRA sign. The participants are a mix of men and women representing a range of ages, and are dressed casually, with some in hats and sunglasses.
This image features three women outside seated closely together smiling. The woman on the left has dark hair, glasses, and is wearing a black top. The woman in the middle is wearing a colorful blouse. The woman on the right has long dark hair and is wearing a black tank top.
A group of 10 members are seated around a wooden table outdoors. The group is smiling and some individuals are wearing SAG-AFTRA shirts. The table is covered with beverages and a SAG-AFTRA sign.
A group of 13 individuals gather under a large white tent outdoors, seated and standing around two wooden tables, engaged in a casual discussion. Some participants are holding beverages, and papers are visible on the table. The group is diverse, with most dressed in casual summer attire.

Members chillin’ at the January 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection Photo by Amanda Melby.

Arizona AFL-CIO staff were guest speakers at the February 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Members Rich Miller and Jennifer Clark and Local delegate and committee member Lela Hough at the March 2024 Cactus Connection in Tucson. Photo by Laurel Caprio.

Members have fun at the March 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Utah Members chat at the April 2024 Coffee Connection in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dale McKeel.

Arizona-Utah Local President Amanda Melby and Vice President Jeff Unterkofler pose for a selfie at the May 2024 Cocktail Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Arizona-Utah Local President Amanda Melby and long-time member Ted Raymond catch up at the May 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Joe Corcoran.

Members at the June 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection show solidarity for #OneFightFridays. Photo by Amanda Melby.

At the July 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection, members hear the latest industry info. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Members show off the new Arizona-Utah organizing postcards at the August 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Arizona-Utah Local Executive Director Lisha Brock, front center, joined members in Tucson for the September 2024 Cactus Coffee Connection. Cactus host Local Vice President Southern Arizona Mike Caprio stands far left. Photo by Lela Hough.

Local Committee Members Lela Hough and Judy Carmen Gonzalez and Local Board member Sandy Kim have fun at the September 2024 evening Phoenix Cocktail Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

National Board member Margie Ghigo, front center, hosts the September 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Amanda Melby.

Members gather at the October 2024 Phoenix Coffee Connection. Photo by Margie Ghigo.

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