Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/422151
SAGAFTRA.org | Fall 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 43 Board. The National Board is responsible for implementing the strategic direction of the union and some of the specific responsibilities include: 1. Approval of the union's financial plan and budget; 2. Approval of collective bargaining agreements, amendments and waivers with referral to a membership referendum vote where necessary; 3. Adopting and overseeing the organizing strategy of the union; 4. General oversight of member benefit programs and projects; 5. Establishing committees and approving appointments as recommended by the president; 6. Establishing the union's public relations and public information policies; 7. Establishing the union's government relations and public policy agenda and coordinating activities with other organizations; 8. Approving the constitution and by- laws of all locals; and 9. All decisions regarding the employment of a national executive director. The National Board of Directors consists of 10 national officers and 70 national board members. NATIONAL OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE STAFF The top national elected leadership positions of the union are the 10 national officers: the president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, vice president from the largest local (Los Angeles), vice president from the second largest local (New York), vice president from the mid-sized locals, vice president from the small locals, actor/performer vice president, broadcast vice president and recording artist vice president. The national officers serve as members of the National Board and members of the Executive Committee. The president is the chief elected officer of the union and is charged with carrying out policies established by the National Board and convention. She or he presides at all meetings of the convention, National Board and Executive Committee. The president also serves as the chief spokesperson for the union and represents the union in affiliated and other organizations, among other duties, and responsibilities assigned by the National Board or set forth in the constitution and policies of the union. The executive vice president is the second-highest elected officer in the union and acts in place of the president at and between meetings of the convention, National Board and Executive Committee if the president is absent or otherwise unavailable to perform his or her presidential duties. The executive vice president, in consultation with and at the direction of the president, assists the president in the governance of the union. The secretary-treasurer is the primary elected officer responsible for the general financial administration of the union, including overseeing the union's funds, financial assets and fiscal records. He or she also serves as the chair of the Finance Committee. The vice presidents from geographic areas and member categories perform duties and responsibilities assigned to them by the president or National Board. The national executive director serves as chief contract negotiator, is responsible for the administration and operations of the organization. The national executive director oversees the union's staff and is responsible for the execution and implementation of National Board directives. MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD The National Board meets approximately four times per year in person and by video conference. The sessions are typically held on Saturdays and Sundays. Prior to each meeting, the National Board members receive a meeting agenda with a summary of pertinent information on matters to be discussed and voted upon. Meetings are called to order by the presiding officer and board members promptly take their seats. The members ELECTION ELIGIBILITY REMINDER N ext year, SAG-AFTRA will hold elections for many of its top leadership positions. In order to meet the November dues period good-standing eligibility requirement to be nominated for election as a national officer, National Board member, local board member or convention delegate, members should ensure that their 2014 November dues bill payment is received by SAG-AFTRA no later than Dec. 10, 2014. Payments received after Dec. 10, 2014, may affect your eligibility to vote, nominate and run in elections and participate in referenda. Timely payment entitles you to participate in union activities and receive member benefits, and also ensures that you will not be charged late payment fees. If you have not yet submitted a payment, we urge you to make payment of your dues right away through one of our convenient payment options, including our online payment system at SAGAFTRA.org. For questions regarding eligibility, please contact SAG-AFTRA at (323) 549-6614. DUES DEADLINES TO REMEMBER! m DEC. 1 Dues must be received by this date for SAG Awards ® voter eligibility and For Your Consideration offers. m DEC. 10 Dues for the November dues period must be received by this date to meet the good-standing eligibility requirement for elections.