New England Local President's Message

It is an honor and a privilege to serve on the SAG-AFTRA President’s Blue Ribbon Safety Commission. One thing I learned from serving on this safety committee is that when you feel that you are not equipped with experience and knowledge for a committee, then you may be more likely to sit back and listen carefully. Through listening first, I find that I can relate to people’s experiences and questions, and then add my own questions, suggestions and comments. 

This has been particularly true during the pandemic. It is a complicated process dealing with safety around an unknown disease that keeps changing. Lives are at stake as well as careers. Emotions can run high. Let’s face it, we’re worried about our world. I have learned that there are no simple answers; the smallest idea can loom large when you look at the big picture. 

In the past, I have served on committees where I have an expertise and feel that my ideas must be heard because “I know what I’m talking about.” I will no longer do that. Serving on a committee where I don’t feel like the expert has taught me to listen and learn and then contribute if it is helpful to the goal of the committee. It’s not about my individual voice, it’s about our common goal. Our common goal on this committee is safer sets. We are all working together to reach this goal. Everyone, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the Teamsters, AMPTP, our vendors — EVERYONE — wants to come back to work on the safest sets possible.
 
In unity,
Andrea Lyman
New England Local President