Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
The union serves a broad and diverse set of constituencies of all ages and backgrounds, and member committees such as Performers With Disabilities, LGBTQ, the Broadcast Steering Committee and other member groups focusing on diversity are working to tackle issues of equity and inclusion with the power of the union behind them. Equity encompasses a wide swath of concerns, from representation and inclusion to ensuring a safe working environment free from harassment, and the union has been pushing forward on all fronts simultaneously. Intimacy Coordinators Building on the 2018 launch of the Code of Conduct, the union has reinforced its commitment to eliminate the scourge of sexual harassment with several initiatives. In July 2019, the union announced a joint initiative with intimacy coordinators to standardize, codify and implement guidelines for on-set intimacy coordinators. The guidelines define the duties and standards for intimacy coordinators on productions and specify acceptable training, vetting and qualifications for this burgeoning profession. Last year, in coordination with industry partners and a community of experienced intimacy coordinators, the union unveiled a framework for how the role of intimacy coordinator is used on set. The Standards and Protocols for Use of Intimacy Coordinators provides a safety net for performers, establishes specialized support that empowers both cast and crew, and helps productions run more efficiently. To ensure the highest standards for the growing presence of intimacy coordinators, this past April, SAG-AFTRA rolled out comprehensive industrywide standards for training, registration and continuing education of intimacy coordinators. These guidelines set a gold standard by instituting a process for reviewing and vetting candidates for the role of intimacy coordinator. The two-part program consists of an accreditation system for training programs that sets out parameters for high-quality training and includes a mandated component for equity and inclusion as the profession continues to grow. The second part of the program is a registry and pre-registry list that serves as a resource for employers where candidates have provided proof of work experience, training and a background check. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA will sponsor an annual intimacy coordinator conference for registry and pre-registry participants to meet as a continuing education requirement. Sessions will include information on community practices, industry safety and union contracts. Detailed information about these standards can be found at sagaftra.org/intimacycoordinators. Confronting Harassment In April, the SAG-AFTRA Safe Place portal debuted. It operates as a reporting platform for sexual harassment through the SAG-AFTRA member mobile app and at sagaftrasafeplace.org.