Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
LOG ON, TUNE IN, REACH OUT SAG-AFTRA'S NATIONAL CONVENTION GOES VIRTUAL T his fall, SAG-AFTRA's national convention is boldly going where it has never gone before: into cyberspace, with an all-virtual event, and this year's theme, "Virtual, Vital, Visionary," reflects the new reality. The national convention is one of the union's biggest events, and planning begins many months before delegates vote on their first resolution. Earlier this year, with the scourge of a worldwide pandemic, it wasn't clear what the situation would be when the convention rolled around in October. But one thing was abundantly clear: Just as it was with the union's other major production, the SAG Awards ® , the show must go on. The SAG-AFTRA Constitution mandates that the convention take place every two years as a forum to set the union's agenda and elect top officers, and that's true even if delegates can't meet in person. Without knowing what the future would bring and with members' safety the top consideration, the National Board decided that when the convention was held Oct. 16–18, it would be done virtually. Clearly, that would mean some significant changes, but it isn't entirely new territory: For Because it's the fifth national convention since the 2012 merger, the V's in "Virtual, Vital, Visionary" represent the Roman numeral for five. 52 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2021 | sagaftra.org