Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535197
14 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2025 | sagaftra.org A Letter from the Executive Vice President L I N D A P O W E L L Dear Member, E veryone I know is struggling to stay grounded these days. I found myself coming out of some chaotic times recently and looking forward to "getting back to normal" only to realize on reflection that the last time anything felt "normal" was pre-pandemic — five years in the rearview mirror. From global instability to economic pressure, to rapid changes in how we live, work and connect, this is a time of deep disorientation for our lives and our livelihoods. Our industries are not immune from this moment and the challenges we are facing are real. We fought hard during the 2023 strike to win stronger protections, fair pay and a future we could count on — only to return to an industry that was in flux. As we wait for a new business model to evolve there is even less certainty in our uncertain business. Consolidation, cost-cutting and rapidly evolving technology have reshaped the landscape for broadcasters and performers alike. Layer onto that the devastating fires, the rise of artificial intelligence, and a shifting national climate for unions, diversity and press freedom, it's clear our collective strength is more important than ever. In the face of all this change, one of our clearest tools is organizing. As platforms come and go and the number of ways media is consumed continues to multiply, we have to adapt. The union has had success recently bringing broadcast stations in right-to-work states under our umbrella, expanding our influencer agreement, signing new game companies to tiered agreements and organizing intimacy coordinators. Crucially, members themselves have turned non-union jobs into union ones by refusing off-card work and helping producers connect with SAG-AFTRA. Staying nimble, strategic and creative will be key to ensuring our members remain central in whatever future takes shape. Facing the threat of artificial intelligence head-on and open-eyed is just as essential to protecting our future. This has been a critical season for legislative advocacy. I traveled to Washington, D.C., with Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher and National Board member Lisa Ann Walter to speak directly with lawmakers about the existential issues facing our members. President Drescher stood front and center at the reintroduction of the NO FAKES Act — a bipartisan, employer- and tech-backed bill that remains one of our top priorities. If passed, it could deliver unprecedented protections not just for performers, but for everyone. Please stay alert for calls to action — our collective voices will be needed to help it across the finish line. It is the strength of our collective that will steady us and power our participation in the shaping of a new normal. I take comfort in the work we're doing while recognizing how much more lies ahead. With the volume of change happening in our world, our challenge is choosing where to place our energy and resources and when — all while ensuring the core functions of the union never falter. We are actively engaging with those challenges and committed to meeting the moment with purpose and care. On a final note, I know many members are feeling the strain — whether from the lingering impact of the strike, the production slowdown, economic uncertainty, or recent disasters. We've worked with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the Motion Picture & Television Fund to expand access to aid, counseling and care. If you need support, please ask. And if you're able to help, please do. This is what solidarity looks like. Forward together, Linda Powell "In the face of all this change, one of our clearest tools is organizing."