Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1525111
8 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2024 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the Executive Vice President L I N D A P O W E L L Dear Member, O n June 22 and 23, it was my honor to chair the SAG-AFTRA special convention. Last October, proceedings were dramatically put on hold on the first day of our traditional convening. The AMPTP had finally decided to return to the table, and the union swiftly packed up convention and pivoted back into negotiation mode. While we had managed to conduct the important business of electing national officers, the equally important business of considering the resolutions proposed by the elected delegates was left undone. Hence our "special" convention. Democracy in action isn't always smooth (see the U.S. presidential election) — and a virtual convention has its challenges — but I was incredibly inspired by the focus and dedication of the delegates gathered, despite the passage of time. It is clear to me that, in addition to our contract advancements, last year's strike action gifted SAG-AFTRA with a newly engaged membership with energy and passion that were evident in the (Zoom) room. Over that June weekend, the body voted up a host of resolutions designed to move us forward, to define our priorities, to strengthen our contracts and to protect our members. As we regroup after a tumultuous year, it is more important than ever for us to support one another and continue to keep our connections strong. Engagement can be as simple as attending the events sponsored by your local. As simple as adding your voice when the call goes out to advocate for legislation that SAG-AFTRA is pursuing. Or writing and calling your representatives and letting them know what your priorities are as a union member. And tweeting your thanks when they respond. Engagement is most definitely participation in wages and working conditions meetings. Member voices with firsthand knowledge of working the contract in question are crucial to negotiations; they are the clay from which proposal packages are made. Engagement is standing with your committees as they pursue those proposals. And it is definitely standing up with the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee as we strike for crucial A.I. protections. Two-way communication is key to member engagement. Today's constant stream of information creates specific challenges that we are actively working to meet. The union is committed to keeping you informed about latest developments, initiatives and opportunities. In turn, we ask everyone to make the effort to keep themselves informed, to educate themselves about our priorities and to share the information you learn. Follow SAG-AFTRA on social media, check in on the website, read those emails, and don't hesitate to reach out to the Contact Center when you have questions or issues. Our industry is in transition. The same can be said about the country and about the world. It's very hard to see around the corner to what's next. "We are blessed to live in interesting times," as my mother would say. (Google tells me it's an ancient Chinese curse …) Stay engaged. Weathering these transitions requires community. We are stronger together, whether it is on the picket line, on set, in the boardroom or in the waiting room. In solidarity, Linda Powell "We are stronger together, whether it is on the picket line, on set, in the boardroom or in the waiting room."