Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1280987
64 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2020 | sagaftra.org Nicole Izanec I got involved as a convention delegate because I wanted to make a difference. I didn't really even know what that meant at the time, but I was convinced I'd work to do whatever I could. I had an agenda: women's safety issues on set, tackling non-union background and increased pay for photo doubles. I arrived on opening night and was overwhelmed by the newness and stood dazzled by the new faces and shrimp cocktail. This was only a get-to-know-you event — phew. Tomorrow, we will get to work. There I was with my voting buzzer at The Beverly Hilton, first convention as a national delegate. I met members from the small locals, mid-sized locals and the New York and L.A. delegations. Next, it was time to vote. I had my notes and read up on the issues I would be voting on. Then, my voting machine didn't work. Oh, no! Then some of the others' machines did too, and it was unifying. I was no longer nervous. It worked out, and we did what we came for. It was a roller-coaster immersion into how decisions are made. I laughed, I cried, I learned a lot. Not all of the votes went my way, but I left satisfied. ● Philly Ed Moy T his past year, I was among the delegates who were fully funded by the union to attend the national convention. Funded delegates get all the perks of paid travel costs, hotel accommodations at The Beverly Hilton and meals covered during the convention. There was a fantastic special gala award night and film screening of Tom Hanks' A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It was a great opportunity to network, learn and gain insight into the union. All in all, it was a rewarding experience. I met many of our union leaders, including President Gabrielle Carteris and Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon. I also got to chat with Magnum P.I. series regular Amy Hill and other Asian Pacific American actors like Clyde Kusatsu and Rob Schneider, as well as meet other fantastic members from across the country. ● San Francisco- NorCal Ed Moy with fellow members Amy HIll and Janet Dwyer. Robert Fuentes U nconventional was not an understatement … As secretary for SAG-AFTRA Seattle, I was offered a great opportunity when I was selected as a delegate to the SAG-AFTRA National Convention. As a politically motivated individual (I was elected Washington state delegate for two presidential elections), I was looking forward to participating in the democratic process for our organization. I am a dual cardholder, I'm a glazier by trade, and I enjoy the debates, the noise and the camaraderie at these types of events. Except for a few glitches in the voting process, the organization of the staff and leadership were the glue to keeping it all together and getting through a very ambitious agenda. The breakout sessions were insightful, leaving me wishing for more time to attend more of them. I came back to Seattle exhausted and informed. I look forward to attending more of these in the future! ● Robert Fuentes, right, with fellow delegates at the SAG-AFTRA convention. Seattle Michelle Damis I n October, I attended my first SAG-AFTRA convention. I was greatly inspired by the thoughtfulness that went into many of the resolutions that we heard on the floor and voted upon. Resolutions from all over the country, from new members, from experienced veterans, all wanting to enhance the SAG-AFTRA member experience in some way. I was thrilled to learn our strategy in the area of commercials is already paying off with a 16% increase in revenue in the first quarter, and this makes me very hopeful for upcoming contract negotiations in other areas. Overall, the experience was educational, inspirational and confirmed my belief that when we stand together and have a goal, we will have impact. Now back in Portland, I'm eager to find those of you willing to stand with me and our local board to make our area stronger. ● Portland Portland Local President Michelle Damis with Local Vice President Harold Phillips