Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1399159
32 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Fall 2021 Mission Statement: The Local 695 Women's Committee The committee is dedicated to serving our members by providing networking and mentorship, promoting and celebrating our diversity, and encouraging growth. We plan to engage in social and community activism and outreach, provide resources, oversee educational opportunities for the women of IATSE Local 695, allies, and kin. The committee will endeavor to foster a deeper sense of community, set goals, and highlight the achievements of women in order to enhance all women's advancement, and increase the potential for success in our union and industry. After the meeting ended and official business was taken care of, I was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the time with our awesome members. I felt we did much more than dip our toes into the pool. We have our five top issues to dive into. We will focus our group's attention, and continue to keep up with the growth cycle we are now enjoying. Co-chair Sara Glaser and I are already planning our next meeting. The Local 695 Women's Committee meeting turned out to be much more than I'd ever hoped for. Change may be a slow-moving train, but the new face of the members onboard will shape our future into a more diverse and dynamic community. I thank all who participated. See you this fall! All Local 695 members are welcome! I just have to express how wonderful our June 13 meeting of the Local 695 Women's Committee made me feel. It was so inspiring to hear a cohort of our intelligent and committed members identifying and addressing issues that have needed changing for decades. Mary Jo Devenney As a female Video Maintenance Engineer in a male-dominated occupation, I really appreciated the opportunity to meet other women in technical roles in the film and television industry and discuss the unique challenges that our group faces on the job. Lara Jessen The breadth of experience in the Women's Committee is inspiring. Lots of the issues brought up come from lived experience, and are things that would likely benefit all members. There are definitely issues that were brought up that resonated. I know if more voices (members) speak up and help make these changes possible, all members will benefit from a more equitable workplace. Daniel Martinez Local 695 member It is absolutely critical for us to support each other. I really enjoyed learning about all the different paths our sisters have taken within our union. By coming together in a fun, relaxed atmosphere, we could really open up and discuss our ambitions and encourage each other to reach our goals. Anna Wilborn From left: Members Anna Wilborn, Jessy Bender, Rocky Quiroz, and Payton Paulson working on the pressing issues project.