On The National Scene

As the newly appointed national board member for the Colorado Local, I had the distinct honor of attending my first national board meeting in Los Angeles on Feb. 8, and the Committee of Locals and the L.A. Diversity Caucus in the days leading up to the national board meeting.
 
The national board meeting took me back to my first AFTRA convention more than eight years ago, when I was so moved by how fortunate we are to live in these United States, where the democratic process is alive and functioning. That’s incredibly reassuring as a member of one of the most powerful unions in America.
 
I shared the day with elected leadership and staff from across the country. The room was filled with passionate individuals committed to the mission of SAG-AFTRA: “… to [organize] all work done under our jurisdictions; [negotiate] the best wages, working conditions, and health and pension benefits; [preserve] and [expand] members’ work opportunities; vigorously [enforce] our contracts; and [protect] members against unauthorized use of their work.”
 
I encourage you to read our entire mission statement. It’s a great reminder as to why your membership is a critical component to having a successful career.

The Committee of Locals is of specific importance to you, the Colorado Local member. It’s where the leadership of the small and medium-sized locals of SAG-AFTRA convene to discuss the concerns that are specific to our markets. Our needs are often different than those of the two largest markets and the committee exists to ensure that our voices are heard. 

And, finally, given that I serve on several national committees, all of which fall under protected specialty groups; the national EEO/Diversity Committee saw fit to host me, a leader from a smaller local, as a guest to the L.A. Diversity Caucus, which proved to be invaluable. I was able to meet face-to-face the leaders within the diversity community with whom I spend hours on the phone discussing union business. The issues raised and discussed were significant and applicable to the diversity of our membership across the country.

My time was well spent over the three days, and only further solidified for me the importance of our union. We’ve made great strides since the formation of the various performers’ unions more than half a century ago. And from what I witnessed, your SAG-AFTRA elected leadership and staff continue to work diligently on your behalf to ensure that you will always be working under the best conditions possible.