Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/990701
18 CINEMONTAGE / Q2 2018 MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH We are a collection of highly skilled, experienced, talented tradespeople and artists who have an innate responsibility to ourselves and our fellow members. The way to exercise that responsibility is to stay informed and speak up. How can we expect our leaders to prioritize our needs properly and get the job done if we don't have skin in the game and contribute? In hindsight, while it's disappointing that the strong showing at the General Membership Meeting was an anomaly, it's also a sign that there is an energy out there waiting to be harnessed. Members want to be heard and to have their concerns addressed. The good news is that there are many ways to get involved: I Am the Union (Members- Only Facebook group): Come join the discussion! Ask questions about the various contracts, debate policy matters and connect with fellow members. The group currently includes some 3,000 out of the over 8,000 members of Local 700. Check it out and tell your friends and colleagues. There's been a flurry of activity as of late, and the more energy we have there, the more we can accomplish. Board of Directors Meetings (Monthly): Any active member in good standing can attend by simply reaching out to Executive Administrator Lisa Dosch (ldosch@editorsguild.com) and requesting to be put on the guest list (space permitting). Come meet your representatives, observe the discussion of important current issues affecting our members, and enjoy a meal (free food, people!). If you've been a Guild member for at least two consecutive years (with additional criteria), you can run for a Board seat representing your classification. One third of the Directors are up for re-election each year. Guild Committees: Have a great idea you feel needs to be heard? Hate something and want to fix it? The committees want to hear from you! There are a number of committees overseeing different aspects of the Guild, including Membership Outreach, Publications and Diversity. To view the whole list, with contact information, visit www.editorsguild.com/ about/committees. Quarterly Mixers and Other Networking Events: These are usually free events at restaurants/ bars/attractions around town. Additionally, the committees recently have been putting on fantastic events of their own. In particular, Diversity's various steering committees' activities have included Trivia Night (African-American), Salsa Night Fever (Latin), and a panel/mixer celebrating 10 years of RuPaul's Drag Race (LGBTQ). Networking is the name of the game, so come out and have a great time! Watch for "MPEG Events" e-mails and keep an eye on the calendar at www.editorsguild.com/calendar. In recent years, we have been witness to a political awakening, and it should serve as a wake up call for union involvement as well. Over the past three decades, unions all over the country have been diminishing in strength while the corporations with which organized labor contends have grown ever- larger and more powerful. Until now, our industry's long history of union activity has shielded us from some of the most damaging developments in this area. However, especially with the advent of streaming and the culture of Silicon Valley seeping into our business, it's now more important than ever to be vigilant and united. Two key factors that determine our strength as organized labor are union culture and membership engagement. A union is only as strong as its members are informed, impassioned and involved. If we are to address past setbacks and plan for the inevitable changes to come, we need all hands on deck. Remember, it's not "the union." It's "our union." We are all key players in our success. Every individual. You are the union. Imagine what contribution you could make. For more information or to get more involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Membership Outreach Committee at outreach@editorsguild.com. And see our ad on the inside back cover of this issue. f Dance teacher Sergio Leal showing Guild members some salsa steps at the Latin Steering Committee's Salsa Night Fever event held in April at the Guild's Dede Allen Seminar Room, which became "Dede's Disco" for the evening. Editors Guild events like this offer members an opportunity to get involved, network and enjoy themselves. Photo by Edward Landler CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16