Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546404
L E T T E R IF YOU'VE BEEN TO A TAG MEMBERSHIP MEETING WITHIN THE LAST DECADE, YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD THE CALL TO "GET INVOLVED" FROM OUR ELECTED LEADERSHIP AND MEMBERS OF STAFF— BUT THAT CAN BE AN INTIMIDATING REQUEST IF YOU'RE NOT EXACTLY SURE WHERE TO BEGIN. I hear this sentiment from members, often with a sense of embarrassment or guilt. They want to become more active in our Union but don't know how to take that first step. When I began to get involved in TAG, I was very early on in my career with little experience to draw upon, and I certainly didn't know the first thing about labor unions or how to successfully organize for change. But when I first heard the call to "get involved," I decided that I could at least support the fight against unpaid testing, since I had firsthand experience with the practice and wanted to know how other members felt about it. That small decision eventually snowballed into a communal effort via the Testing Committee, and while the issue still persists today, our achievements allowed workers the space to challenge unpaid spec work, where before we had all silently accepted it as the norm. I didn't set out with a plan in mind; I just knew that I needed to pitch in somehow, and then I committed to that choice. So, if you want to be more active but still find yourself hesitating, I would encourage you to rethink your definition of what it means to be an "involved" Union member. Say hello to your co-workers and check in on them when you can. Report workplace issues to our Field Representatives so that they can enforce the contract and identify weaknesses that need to be fortified. If you're working on a non-union animation production, contact our Organizers so they can help you and your co-workers flip your workplace. Read TAG emails, respond to text messages you receive from TAG, share your experiences with other members, and talk openly about the issues. When every member decides to make a habit out of these "small" acts, we will find our Union radically changed for the better. In Solidarity, Danny Lin | President The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 THINK SMALL ON THE COVER Story Artist Tiffany Ford (left) and Character Designer/Story Artist Genevieve Tsia were photographed by Tim Sullens for our cover featuring main characters Jo and Raissa from DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island.