Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1486000
THE ARTISAN WINTER 2023 • 9 Regarding the DEI section of the 2021-2024 Basic Agreement: "We recognize that, while equality aims to treat everyone equally, it does not consider the various impediments faced by some of our members resulting in unequal outcomes." –The IATSE DEI Committee In July 2021, our General Executive Board unanimously adopted the following equity statement which acknowledges our differ- ences to ensure that everyone has an equitable chance at success: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada (IATSE) acknowledges that while we all face barriers to our success, there are those among us who face barriers that are more substantial and entrenched than others. We call upon all to identify, minimize, or erase obstacles that are within our control to make a more equitable pathway to unionism, leadership, and equality. Diverse organizations cannot be established unless current systems of access are enhanced. We must build structures to cre- ate equitable access for all, and to truly celebrate diversity. This growth will ensure a stronger union, and together, we will rise! "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." —Frederick Douglass "As the first woman and person of color to be elected as Business Representative of IATSE Local 706 since we chartered in 1937 (85 years ago), I thank my Japanese mother (Masako Okamoto, aka Bette Westerfield) and the 19 generations of ancestors, descendants from samurai, buried together at a Shinto temple in Tokyo, Japan, for that warrior spirit and unwavering commitment to justice. THE TIME IS NOW. "It is time for Local 706 to walk the walk of being INCLUSIVE. We need to be forever evolving in this world and for what we stand for. We have our first steps into 2023 and now we MUST be in the forefront of the DEI Movement. We will navigate these waters together… Change is never easy, rarely welcomed, and it is always challenging. We should no longer tolerate our Local's reputation of being exclusive. That kind of mindset can no longer happen in this day and age." "WELCOME to the NEW IATSE Local 706 MUAHS Guild!" It is truly an honor and privilege to be the Business Representative of the most wonderfully talented and open-minded artists in our industry. In Solidarity and Unity ALWAYS, Karen J. Westerfield To the 706 Community, By the time you read this edition of The Artisan, the midterm elections will be over, the SoCal heat wave will have turned into SoCal winter (what East Coasters call fall) and a new year will be coming around the corner. And with that, the 10th anniversary of the MUAHS Guild Awards! Our 10th Annual MUAHS Guild Awards will be packed with excitement, laughter, and exuberance! (With a smidge of disappointment.) Many will be dressed "to the nines," while others will be attending dressed as their usual dashing selves-always quite dapper, jaunty, ravishing, sleek, classy, sexy, and downright spiffy. Let me ask you… Who does not love a chance to get dressed up and go to a soirée filled with the finest make-up artists and hair stylists in the entertainment industry, famous television and movie stars, celebrities, music, fine foods, cocktails, and awards galore! This is a much-needed event after the past year or two or three… WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! Come and congratulate make-up artist Steve La Porte and hair stylist Josée Normand, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. (The MUAHS Guild Lifetime Achievement Award honors are given to one make-up artist and one hair stylist annually at our awards ceremony, who has/had an extraordinary spectrum of acclaimed work, exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry, and outstanding service to their union or their craft.) LOCAL PERSPECTIVE by Karen J. Westerfield Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 On November 3, 2022, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of "Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists (IATSE Local 706) Day." Our Local was chartered in 1937 and on November 3, 2012, the 75th anniversary of Local 706, we were honored by the city of Los Angeles, the Assembly of the California Legislature, the United States Congress, and the United States Senate.