Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
conditions meetings that inform contract negotiations. Powell's address discussed the evolving impact of technology on the industry and encouraged delegates to use their leadership roles to educate, mentor and mobilize fellow members. "At this moment in history, we, and all of labor, are at the front lines," said Powell. "We're storytellers, and our voices and our platforms [are] crucial to how this country will evolve. Our humanity is at the heart of our core functions, and it is important that we listen to each other. We don't always have to agree, but we should try to listen to each other to understand where we are coming from. It is imperative that our union fight for all categories of artists under our banner, and that we are resilient in the face of change. While the coming years won't be easy, I'm optimistic about our future [because] when we work together, we win." Said Hurd, "As I take on the awesome responsibility of being SAG-AFTRA's secretary-treasurer, I'm not interested in the drama of the past; I'm focused on finding solutions. I am proud to say that SAG-AFTRA has not only weathered that storm, but we have done better than most. Times of change can be difficult, but they often open the doors to new opportunities. I'm optimistic about our future, the recovery of the industry and the continued growth of our union." Crabtree-Ireland closed out the convention with a special presentation on artificial intelligence, further explaining SAG-AFTRA's goals and multifaceted approach toward members' protections, including working with employers on collective bargaining agreements and collaborative efforts with policymakers. Throughout the convention, members convened in hours-long sessions, reviewing and deliberating on nearly two dozen resolutions, with Astin, Powell and Hurd presiding over each session and vote. The convention officially adjourned on Oct. 27. If the 2025 convention proved anything, it is that positive change on any scale and in any corner of the industry begins when dedicated workers come together to find common ground and push for more gains and innovations within the industries we work with, know and love. ● The SAG-AFTRA Foundation's 40 Years of Impact