We Need Tushies

"As I write from commercials contract negotiations in New York, I look at the calendar and realize SAG-AFTRA is almost a year old. The membership, after many previous attempts, at long last decided it was time to stop unions from competing with each other, and overwhelmingly voted to merge. SAG–AFTRA was born," said By David Hartley-Margolin, SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Small Locals.

"Like most newborns, SAG-AFTRA shared many of the same traits: First, discover your hands, then you roll over, then crawl, then walk, and so on, transitioning from one stage of development to the next. 

"In the first 12 months of an 18-month transition period, one of the things we have concentrated on is establishing the rudimentary constructs of how the new union will be governed. Leadership is creating policies that protect the union via the institution of Democratic principles that protect the members. Paramount in this pursuit is elections.

"By far, the most important election in our young history is the one that will be held this year. In the summer of 2013, our membership will elect a member to every office within the union. Every single elected position will be run. This will never happen again. Subsequent elections will be held every other year, with only a certain number of seats on the ballot.

"Of course each member will only vote to fill a certain number of seats determined by where they live. Even so, that’s a lot of seats that will need nice warm butts sitting in them, working hard to help SAG-AFTRA grow and mature.

"Therefore, I urge all and sundry who are interested in volunteering to serve the membership, to step up and run for office. We will be electing convention delegates, local officers and board members, and a national director, who will represent our local at National Board meetings.

"So, be on the lookout for mailings and e-blasts announcing how you can throw your hat into the ring this year. This election will determine who represents our interests on all levels of governance at SAG-AFTRA for the next two years. It is your union. Get involved!"