Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1186820
74 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2019 | sagaftra.org Clockwise from above, Secretary- Treasurer Camryn Manheim during her address to delegates; Vice President, Actors/Performers William Charlton speaks to a resolution; delegates try their luck at Casino Unconventionale tables; and, gala guests National Board member Jenny O'Hara, Doris Dear, Liz R. Graham and Rick Zahn. presented with the George Heller Memorial Award, a gold SAG-AFTRA membership card (see story, page 76). Saturday opened with National Executive Director David White's report. The informative 90-minute presentation looks to the future of the entertainment and media industry, as well as highlighting the union's most successful initiatives over the last two years. White touched on SAG-AFTRA's victory over ad agency BBH, the union's historic agreement with streaming giant Netflix, the rising threat of deepfakes and the continued work in leading legislative actions against workplace sexual harassment. After that, leaders assembled in front of the stage for a special ceremony. Key members of the Asociación Nacional de Actores, the labor union that represents performers in Mexico, signed a cooperation agreement with SAG-AFTRA on contract and rule enforcement, organizing and technological initiatives. ANDA members in attendance included General Secretary Jesús Ochoa, Secretary of Interior and Exterior Marco Treviño, and Secretary of Labor Alejandro Calva. Throughout the weekend, delegates discussed the resolutions submitted by members and voted on whether to approve them as recommendations to the union. Some of those that passed concerned adopting a membership rule prohibiting sexual harassment; permitting members to opt out of receiving a physical SAG-AFTRA member ID card; continuing efforts to organize and support Spanish- language media artists; and the launching of a campaign to raise public awareness of the vital role of journalists. (See list of resolutions, page 78.) Finally, on Sunday, SAG-AFTRA's top elected leadership gave remarks. Secretary- Treasurer Camryn Manheim, who was elected in August, had her first opportunity to address members at a convention. She introduced herself and shared her goals for her new role. "I am just now beginning my tenure in this leadership position but I have been in the trenches on sets, with my fellow actors, my fellow members, my cherished friends for three decades, and I know the struggle is real," she said. "As secretary-treasurer, it is my absolute goal to offer a strategic and thoughtful approach centered on member service." SYDELLE GLOWED S AG-AFTRA member Sydelle Noel hosted the convention's Casino Unconventionale gala. A former athlete, Noel is best known for her role as Cherry "Junkchain" Bang on Netflix's GLOW. She also appeared in Black Panther and had a recurring role in Arrow. Noel said she appreciates SAG-AFTRA's focus on diversity and applauded the winners of the union's American Scene Awards, which were presented during the gala. "I think the union is all-inclusive because the world is so different right now," she said. "That's why this award is here and … for the entertainment world to represent diversity is a huge deal, so I'm glad that we can celebrate that." AMY TIERNEY MAURY PHILLIPS MAURY PHILLIPS