A Note on the Investment of Time

By Rik Deskin
Seattle Local President

Good communities know that volunteering is important. Foster kid clothing banks, holiday food drives, public libraries — all of these nonprofit organizations rely on individuals dedicating a few hours, now and again, to the cause. SAG-AFTRA is no different; the opportunities, however, are.

Recently you received an email from SAG-AFTRA (by the way, a nonprofit organization) requesting your volunteer service.

I encourage you to consider investing a few hours a month to a committee that interests you. Time is basically invested in a conference call or two, plus dedication to the cause at hand. It’s not much of an effort, but it can make a big difference.

In the last decade, I voluntarily served on committees from Low Budget (film) to Commercial Performers, and Military Personnel and Families Support (which offered me the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., for a sponsored film festival). I appreciate the value of being able to contribute to, and reap benefits from, the national efforts. Further, as a representative on negotiating committees for the Animation Agreement and for the Interactive Media Agreement, I saw firsthand that individual investment can impact the livelihoods of thousands.

I know that the contribution you could make is huge. Review the list and volunteer. (Don’t overlook the networking opportunities that committee work can offer you. Industry professionals remember invested people.) 

Let SAG-AFTRA know that you are interested in volunteering for national committees. The deadline is noon PDT on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015.

Further, reach out to the Seattle Local office. Let us know of your talents and ways you might serve. If you have special performance skills or might want to lead a free workshop, let us know. Our members can benefit from your talent. Any member, from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, or Washington, can share their skills! Email Allison at allison.calvert@sagaftra.org.

This item was originally featured in the September 2015 local newsletter.