Reflections from a Delegate

"Wow! Did you notice? As this business of 'human communications' morphs and evolves and reinvents itself, we can’t tap dance fast enough to feed the masses of viewers and listeners and bloggers and all those hungry for news and entertainment," said Jo-Jo Shutty-MacGregor, a Michigan Convention Delegate following the recent convention.

"That said, lucky for us the demand is there and our SAG-AFTRA colleagues are key to feeding that appetite. Perhaps that’s why I feel this coming together of two great unions was so inspiring for those of us among the nearly 400 delegates representing you and the rest of our 165,000 members at this historic convention.

"There were lively discussions and heated debates, plus workshops and panels tackling tough issues like so-called “right-to-work,” contracts, local office closures, as well as proactive strategies, such as the encouragement of film incentives, the protection of intellectual property and the expansion of social media opportunities. Plus, there was reassuring information on maintaining SAG-AFTRA’s health and retirement plans.

"The key to it all appears to be a smooth transition as SAG-AFTRA goes forward — united — in these challenging times for our industry and our country.

"Being 'up close and personal' with delegates from across the nation, I can only say how proud I was to be among those representing you, knowing SAG-AFTRA members are joining together, bolstering resources and combining forces as technology teases us with new and even greater opportunities and successes in the future."

This item was originally featured in the January 2014 local newsletter.