Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/821178
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2017 | SAG-AFTRA 43 continue to support the artists and the arts that our culture and world depend on to reflect back our common humanity and diverse experiences." The effort has truly been unionwide, industrywide and nationwide. In Los Angeles on Jan. 10, the union invited California State University students from across the state for a discussion of the industry with several notable members, including Carteris (see story, page 50). Also at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on Jan. 18, the union invited students from Grinnell University to hear personal stories about the career paths of SAG-AFTRA employees. In New York, at-risk youth were given tours of local radio stations and got a chance to speak with talent and staff. The MORE Committee's educational outreach program visited pre-members at universities, colleges, conservatories, acting classes and other venues. The President's Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement and local administrative staff made a visit to Denver, Colorado, for the American College Theater Festival, where they did two workshops, including an introduction to SAG-AFTRA. Also in Denver, National Board member Ellen Crawford met with students to discuss careers in arts and media and the benefits of unionism. In Hawaii, the local partnered with the University of Hawaii's Academy for Creative Media to bring members and students together for table reads. Those were just some of the scores of events and individual mentorship opportunities that have made A Call to Arts such a success. The exact impact of this program, started by former President Obama and executed by members and their peers, will probably never be known, but it's safe to say a lot of lives have been changed for the better, and a lot of future union members are starting their careers better informed and with greater focus. And while A Call to Arts may have achieved its goal, it's really just the beginning. "SAG-AFTRA members are some of the most generous people in the world. They understand what the gift of their time and energy can mean to the next generation of artists and storytellers. What started as a challenge has become a rewarding experience for our members and the public," said Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon. From left: SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, National Executive Director David White and Tiffany Siart, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, with 36 up-and-coming female leaders from the joint THR and BBBSLA mentorship program; Terrance McSween, a youth from the Children's Village, tests out the sound booth at New York's Hot97 during a tour of the studio on Dec. 8; California State University students attend a discussion with industry pros Jan. 10 at SAG-AFTRA Plaza; SAG-AFTRA interns, including those from the Ghetto Film School, learn more about how the union works during weekly meetings. A TEAM EFFORT: The A Call to Arts initiative was an industrywide effort involving dozens of partners. In addition to SAG-AFTRA, the top contributors to the million-hour goal were: SAG-AFTRA Foundation / SAGindie / The Actors Fund / Alliance for Women in Media / Art of Elysium / AMPAS / Compass College of Cinematic Arts / Creative Future / IFP Chicago / Los Angeles Education Partnership / Museum of the Moving Image / N.Y. Women in Film & Television / Operation Outreach USA / Television Academy / Tribeca Flashpoint College Mentoring Hours Achieved! Find out more at sagaftra.org/acalltoarts