Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 39 Then-Acting President Gabrielle Carteris, National Executive Director David White and New York Local President Mike Hodge joined Christopher Walken, Helen Mirren, Christian Slater, Tony Bennett and other performers at a SAG-AFTRA dinner celebrating A Call to Arts and honoring David O. Russell and the Ghetto Film School on March 30 in New York. young person can have a profound impact on that person's life, and in our industry, whether it's through film, television, radio or the internet, that act of service can ultimately end up touching millions of lives," said Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon. "Mentoring offers a chance to really make a difference," said National Executive Director David White. "It is an investment in another human being and in the future of our industry." Members have come forward because they understand that many great careers have begun because someone offered help or guidance at just the right time. But it isn't just students who benefit. When Howard spoke at the White House, he recalled his years teaching at Amherst College in Massachusetts, and noted that mentoring is a two-way street. "If there's one thing I have learned over my decades-long career and my time in the classroom … it's that we are all students. There is always more to learn. That's why I am confident these experiences will be as rich and rewarding for the mentors as they are for the students," he said. Broadcast member Jay Trelease, a traffic reporter and public affairs host at Total Traffic and Weather Network who participated in mentoring events for college students at the New York Local, agrees. "I'm always amazed at how much I learn from the young people and how inspiring their passion is," he said. One way the union has been working to expand mentoring opportunities is by partnering with the Ghetto Film School to offer an internship exclusive to that institution. The school, which operates in New York and Los Angeles, seeks to develop the next generation of storytellers. Despite great progress so far and an abundance of enthusiasm, it's still up to you, the member, to help keep the momentum going. There's plenty more to do, and opportunities abound no matter your member category or what area of the country you live in. To log your mentor hours today, visit sagaftra.org/acalltoarts and, if you are looking for a meaningful opportunity to mentor, contact your local executive for ideas in your area. PATRICK LEWIS/STARPIX HEEDING THE CALL T he Call to Arts initiative has truly been an industry-wide effort, with the support of thousands of individuals and dozens of groups — and new ones are joining in all the time. In addition to SAG-AFTRA and AFI, below are some of the participating organizations. The Actors Fund Alliance for Women in Media American Federation of Musicians The Art of Elysium Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Cabrillo Music Theater Compass College of Cinematic Arts The Creative Cypher CreativeFuture Entertainment Industry Foundation Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media Ghetto Film School ICON MANN IFP Chicago Los Angeles Education Partnership LA Sparks Museum of the Moving Image MusiCares NewFilmmakers Los Angeles New York Women in Film & Television Operation Outreach-USA Project NOW for Youth SAG-AFTRA Foundation SAGindie Television Academy Foundation Temple University Tribeca Flashpoint College Women In Film Right, Secretary Treasurer Jane Austin, actor Justin Bartha, and National Executive Director David White attend a celebration of SAG-AFTRA's partnership with non- profit Art of Elysium, in conjunction with James Franco's Rabbit Bandini productions. The event, held at Art of Elysium's salon on Dec. 17, was to celebrate the expansion of the A Call to Arts initiative. ANGELA WEISS