Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1280987
62 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2020 | sagaftra.org Nikki Dixon A fter joining the Dallas-Fort Worth Local Board in 2017, I was approached by other board members to run for a convention delegate position in the next election. I had no idea what that entailed, but I knew I wanted to be more involved in my career and the union. I was told that it would be fun and a great networking event, but had no idea how much work it would be. I was excited to get a firsthand look into how committees are formed and how resolutions are presented and passed. I wanted to attend the convention because I feel like union service is a lot like voting. You really shouldn't complain if you don't get involved and use your voice. ● Dallas- Fort Worth Mike Caprio I am an actor and voiceover artist. In 2019, I was elected to serve for the first time as a board member for the Arizona-Utah Local. I currently reside just south of Tucson, Arizona. Originally from Connecticut, most of my professional work was primarily in the New York metropolitan area. I was fortunate to have an abundance of opportunities on the East Coast. Shortly after my relocation to Arizona, I discovered the Arizona Film and Tax Credit bill had expired. That was over seven years ago, and nothing comparable has been introduced and adapted to our legislation since. I have always been an individual who likes to be involved in charity and volunteer work. What better way to support my own professional organization than to become an active volunteer with my SAG-AFTRA local? Bringing the film industry to Arizona is one of my goals. I've contacted my friend and state representative to assist the Arizona film industry with the advancement of a new bill. Arizona needs this now — especially with the onset of the COVID-19 disruption during 2020. I hope my fellow local members will get involved and do their part, as we have strength in numbers. ● Arizona- Utah Michigan Kimberly Stump K imberly Stump served as a first-time delegate to the 2019 SAG-AFTRA National Convention. For Kimberly, convention represented a way to get back into union service. She was a member of the Michigan Council then Local Board of legacy SAG and SAG-AFTRA from 2008–2013. After five years of service, Kimberly decided to step back from the board and focus on other areas of life. The satisfaction of serving her union brothers and sisters always remained with her. In 2019, she decided it was time to run for the Michigan Local Board and for convention delegate. Kimberly wanted to give back again, and union service was the perfect vehicle for her. Kimberly left a lasting impression on all those she met, and she worked hard to serve SAG-AFTRA and Michigan. Kimberly saw serving as a first-time delegate as being "an ambassador of goodwill from Michigan." She met many fellow members from around the country at convention and enjoyed connecting with fellow delegates. Sadly, we lost Kimberly in December 2019. The entire Michigan convention delegation treasures those four days spent with her. Hopefully, she will be an inspiration to members to answer the call to serve and to do it with a smile. ● — by Michigan Local President Eric Wydra Kimberly Stump with Michigan Local President Eric Wydra at the national convention.