SAG-AFTRA

Spring 2020

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11 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2020 | sagaftra.org R E B E C C A D A M O N " Now is the time for us to re-evaluate what's important to us individually and collectively. We must decide who we want to be and what we stand for. " Dear Member, I 've been thinking a lot about a fire station lately. Let me back up. Growing up in Nebraska, my grandparents lived near a neighborhood fire station constructed during the 1930s, one of many projects nationwide built under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), part of FDR's New Deal. This fire station was a place where the community visited to appreciate the firefighters for their important role in the community. The structure was a fixture in our community; my mom would often stop by when she was young, and she knew all the firefighters. As a kid, I was fascinated by the stone workmanship, and it inspired a visit to the library to find out more about the WPA. I learned that if you've visited the Griffith Observatory, driven under bridges of the Merritt Parkway or taken a break from skiing to visit the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood, you know the WPA's work. Even in the midst of great tragedy, our nation created marvelous art, architecture and literature. These are enduring examples of what happens when a nation pulls together and people lift each other up. I realize now that beyond the physical manifestations, so too was my grandparents' character forged by their reaction to a time of crisis. It has me reflect on my own character and the character of all those around me. As the COVID-19 pandemic becomes a defining moment for us, just as the Great Depression was for a previous generation, we have important choices to make. While scientists research a vaccine, our members' work is helping us get through the present. Our broadcaster members have continued to do their jobs under difficult conditions to ensure the public stays informed about this constantly evolving situation. And whether it's movies, music or video games, our work is providing desperately needed mental respite. Our nation has an opportunity, like those before us, to seize this moment. And our union is doing just that. We continue to work every day to bring about the legislation needed to provide real aid to members, while continuing the core functions of the union like negotiations, enforcement and making sure that members get paid. All the while we are planning for a day when we will be able to work in a safer environment. All these efforts require not just extensive expertise, but also the willingness to do the kind of deep, uncomfortable work that is necessary. None of this is easy, but together we are up to the task. The current societal disruption provides us all a chance to elevate our actions and discourse. By and large, people have been kinder to each other. My neighbors here in New York and my friends around the country are finding ways to help those in need, even when in need themselves. The pandemic has highlighted the vital contributions of nurses, doctors, grocery clerks, scientists, teachers, transit workers, mail carriers and so many others who we count on to keep our world functioning. It has also reminded us of the value of our relationships and the people in our lives. We should not expect things to go back to the way they were. Now is the time for us to re-evaluate what's important to us individually and collectively. We must decide who we want to be and what we stand for. Whatever a post-COVID-19 America looks like, we must value science and reason, respect the workers who move our society, and foster a great love and enjoyment of the arts. As artists, journalists and creators, it is up to us to help define the role we will play in this new era. This is a pivotal moment in our nation's history. We have a chance to build a legacy based on ideals, just as the WPA architects, craftsmen and construction workers did with brick and mortar. I'm ready to start that work. Will you join me? Onward together, Rebecca Damon

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