New and Experienced SAG-AFTRA Members Join Staff and Local Board For New Member Orientation

The first SAG-AFTRA Portland Local new member orientation of 2018 took place on Friday evening, March 23, at the Oregon Labor Center in southeast Portland.  

The evening was attended by new and experienced SAG-AFTRA members. Members whose join dates ranged from 1975 to 2016, including members of the Local Board, joined Membership Administrator Chelsea Harris for a presentation on the responsibilities and benefits of SAG-AFTRA membership.  

After Harris’ presentation, the assembled members had a lively and wide-ranging discussion that touched on a series of workshops the Local Board is presenting as part of its education and outreach efforts, and the increased presence the local is building within the Portland area. Local President Robert Blanche encouraged the assembled members to conduct discussions with fellow members they suspected of working “off the card,” noting that, “you cannot create union work by working non-union.”  

All who attended reported that they were glad to have the opportunity to get up-to-the-minute information about SAG-AFTRA membership and to gather in one place with their union brothers and sisters to talk about issues affecting the local.  

And there were cookies!

Many more opportunities for members to engage with their Local Board — and each other — are planned for the coming year. Don’t wait; double-check your contact information at sagaftra.org/my-information to be sure you receive the latest information on upcoming events. 

Photo: Membership Administrator Chelsea Harris trains Portland Local members.