Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/904648
6 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2017 | SAGAFTRA.org G A B R I E L L E C A R T E R I S A Letter from the President "SAG-AFTRA is seizing the opportunity to help shift social and workplace norms to empower members and curtail sexual harassment and abuse." improvements like expanding our 24-hour safety hotline and adding staff resources to better support victims who report abuse. As I write this message to you, we are finalizing an industry educational panel hosted by noted attorney and women's rights advocate Gloria Allred. Panelists will include director Niki Caro (The Zookeeper's Wife), assistant director/ producer Liz Tan (The Lord of the Rings), actor Lisa Vidal (Being Mary Jane), and casting director Debra Zane (War for the Planet of the Apes). The group will look at how to identify and stop sexual harassment and support and give voice to those who have experienced it. And our work doesn't stop there. SAG-AFTRA is collaborating with dozens of leaders to assess and improve the industry's policies and processes before and after harassment and abuse take place. We know that all of us can do more. This is a moment in which we must be thoughtful and communicate as never before. We can facilitate new policies that help give voice to members and others working under our contracts. Focusing the conversations taking place within our industry and in our workplaces will help create a new structure and better practices in the future. Encouraging and supporting our members and others in speaking out and taking action will create this necessary Dear Member, I t's amazing to think that 2017 is coming to an end. So much has happened this past year and yet what stands out front and center are the courageous and candid voices of our membership. I want to start with a thank you to the women influencers who have stepped forward and to those in power that heard their cries and helped to take a stand. These abuses are not new. Sexual harassment has existed throughout history — not only in our industry, but in all others; not just in this country, but around the world. Right now, there is a critical conversation taking place around water coolers, at kitchen tables and in the media. It's a crucial dialogue, and we must take this opportunity to focus on this systemic issue if we are to shift the underlying culture and help eradicate sexual harassment in our industry and others. This is potentially a watershed moment, and SAG-AFTRA is seizing the opportunity to help shift social and workplace norms to empower members and curtail sexual harassment and abuse. Making sure that you feel protected and have the tools and services that make a difference is a crucial goal. That means investing in tangible process change. We can help shift the culture. I also want to congratulate Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, Secretary- Treasurer Jane Austin and the National Vice Presidents Clyde Kusatsu, Liz Zazzi, Ilyssa Fradin, Suzanne Burkhead, Samantha Mathis, Catherine Brown and Dan Navarro. With the full team in place, I know we can make a real difference in the lives of our members, and I look forward to working together to do just that. There is excellent work being done at our union right now — more than can be listed in a single letter. We have made significant progress in our organizing fight at SBS, ratified the new video game contract, held our biennial convention, presented the George Heller Memorial Awards and American Scene Awards, and developed sexual harassment and abuse education, information and enhanced support for victims. In these challenging times, there is possibility and promise before us. As 2017 draws to a close, I wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday and all the best now and in the new year. Strength in unity, Gabrielle Carteris