Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/94610
On Location NEW BOOKPALS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR T he skills of an actor are particularly well suited for reading to a child, and many members help make a difference in elementary schools by doing just that. SAG-AFTRA members bring the magic of stories to life through BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools). BookPALS is a national program administered by the SAG Foundation that helps children learn to love books by bringing the talents of performer volunteers into elementary school classrooms. Members learned about the program and how it can make a difference at three BookPAL Phillipe Hartman in action at a school in Brooklyn. New Reader Orientations held in New York City in October. Members introduced themselves and talked about their reasons for wanting to participate, from having previous experience as teachers within the New York City public school system, to simply wanting to donate their time and skills to a good cause. he orientation included a walkthrough of how the program works, as well the opportunity to practice with the read aloud "tool kit" that was presented. If you are interested in volunteering with the BookPALS program, please visit BookPALS.net for more information. New York MORE'S SAG-AFTRA@WORK/ BUSINESS OF THE BIZ HOSTS FIRST SEMINAR ON NEW UNION SAG-AFTRA@Work/Business of the Biz seminar series. he first seminar, SAG-AFTRA: Your New Union and How it Works For You, was held on Oct. 9 in the Eddie Cantor Boardroom at 260 Madison Avenue. Co-chaired by Joyce Korbin and Sara Krieger, T SAG-AFTRA@Work/Business of the Biz is a subcommittee of MORE (Member Outreach, Relations and Education) and hosts educational seminars for members throughout the year. he first seminar, moderated by Korbin, brought in a panel of staff and member leadership to discuss the workings of the merged union, explain benefits available to the membership and answer member questions. he panel consisted of New York Local Co-Presidents Holter Graham and Mike Hodge, New York Local Executive Director Jae Je Simmons, Manager of heatrical Contracts Leif Larson, Director of Television Contracts David Salvador and Director of National Field Services Jim Damis. Additional seminars will be presented. Keep a lookout for information about future events. 62 SAG-AFTRA | Winter 2013 | SAGAFTRA.org he New York Local switched into full gear this October, kicking off the first season of the newly combined RAIN OR SHINE, LOCAL TURNS OUT RECORD CROWD AT LABOR DAY PARADE Members show off their SAG-AFTRA pride. S pirits were high at this year's New York City-Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade, held on Sept. 8 on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. More than 100 SAG-AFTRA members braved sudden downpours to march in solidarity with the working men and women of labor in New York City. SAG-AFTRA National Board member Lainie Cooke sang the national anthem to kick off the parade. Members donned SAG-AFTRA T-shirts, and specialized signs were available for all member categories. While SAG-AFTRA celebrated its first parade as a merged union, Actors' Equity Association celebrated its centennial. Proud members of both unions pinned the T-shirts together to show their support of both organizations.