Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1498689
18 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2023 | sagaftra.org Dear Member: E very two years, members from across all geographic regions and work categories meet to elect new leaders and assess where the union should focus its efforts. This year, the National Board has voted to once again hold a virtual convention, which will take place Oct. 21–23. While there's no substitute for seeing each other in person, the virtual convention not only is more eco-friendly, it also allows more delegates to attend and participate without the need to travel. At the time the decision had to be finalized, there also were concerns remaining about the ongoing volatility of the pandemic. Here's how the convention works: In the months before convention, locals elect a contingent of delegates to represent them. Following the elections, delegates may submit resolutions about issues that are important to them — it could involve anything from contract concerns to inclusion to specifics about dues or the website. The first order of business for delegates at the convention is to elect the executive vice president — the union's No. 2 officer — and the seven national vice presidents who represent our various member categories, as well as geographic areas (small and mid-sized locals, Los Angeles and New York). Once that's done, delegates and officers weigh the pros and cons of constitutional amendments and the resolutions delegates submitted in compliance with the convention rules. There's an opportunity for those present to speak for or against the merits of the issue before a vote is taken. Resolutions that pass are sent to Call to Convention Member Dues Relief Extended T he SAG-AFTRA Executive Committee voted on April 27 to approve a final extension of COVID-19 dues relief. This allows members to pay their May 2023 dues in two installments. While the federal government is ending the public health emergency, dues deferment remains an important part of the overall response supporting SAG-AFTRA members in this time of need, allowing members to be cleared for work while making payments toward dues owed. May dues statements were sent to members in April indicating payment is required on or before May 30. If you are facing COVID-19-related hardship and are unable to pay what's due on your account, you may request and will be granted a due date extension/installment plan. See right for details. Please note that if your May dues payment is not received by June 9, 2023, and you have not made a timely request for a due date extension or your payments are not in compliance with the COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program, your eligibility to run for office will be affected. Failure to pay dues in accordance with the COVID-19 Dues Relief Extension program shall also affect your ability to vote, nominate and participate in referenda. Beginning with the November 2023 dues period, SAG-AFTRA will resume regular billing and payment processes. COVID-19 DUES RELIEF EXTENSION PROGRAM Members experiencing COVID-19-related financial hardship can request and will be granted a due date extension and an installment plan on or before June 9, 2023. You may pay your current May 2023 dues in two installments. Half of the dues bill will be required by June 9, 2023, and the remaining half by Sept. 12, 2023. Please note that installment payments must be received no later than June 9 and Sept. 22, respectively, to maintain good standing for the May 2023 dues period unless prior period payments are owed. No late fees will be assessed for the May 2023 dues period and there will be no adverse impact on members' work eligibility during this time. Your request for a due date extension/ installment plan must be received no later than June 9, 2023, by logging into your member account at sagaftra.org/billing-portal or calling SAG-AFTRA at (855) SAG–AFTRA/(855) 724-2387. the National Board for further consideration and action. Additionally at the convention, attendees will have the opportunity to virtually mix and mingle and visit the expo hall, where sponsors showcase services of interest to members. We also use our biennial gathering to recognize those who have worked hard for members' interests with the George Heller Memorial Awards as well as the American Scene Awards, which recognize producers who practice diverse casting and tell the stories of underrepresented groups. Whether you're new to the union or have been a member for years, I hope you will consider putting yourself forward as a delegate candidate — our union is at its strongest when the voices that shape our priorities bring a diversity of viewpoints and experiences. On the following pages are all the details on eligibility and everything else you need to know. See you at convention! In unity, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator