Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
For Members 22 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org PRESIDENT'S TASK FORCE ON THE MOVE AMERICA'S SERVICE MEMBERS ARE COUNTING ON YOU S ince 1941, American military personnel have relied on the USO throughout their tours of duty. From the moment they enlist until they transition home, the USO is by their side every step of the way. For the seventh year, SAG-AFTRA is making sure the USO can continue to support our brave men and women in uniform as they serve our country. Show your support for the USO by making an online holiday donation in honor of our service members and their families at uso.org/sagaftra. A gift of $15 can help supply a comfort food package full of familiar treats and snacks for service members to enjoy. A $25 donation can provide military personnel with the technology needed to call home and connect with loved ones or a welcome home greeting from the USO after a grueling flight back from overseas. Your $75 donation can help keep troops connected, by keeping technology rooms stocked and prepared for video chats or for service members to use during their downtime. SAG-AFTRA members have a long history of supporting service members and the USO. With your help, we can continue to show our troops how much their sacrifices are appreciated. Visit uso.org/sagaftra to donate today and help a service member celebrate the holidays. T he President's Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement continues to connect with locals nationwide and fire up member involvement. The Aloha State was the site of a visit by President Gabrielle Carteris on Sept. 26, when she stopped by for the Hawaii Local's annual membership meeting. More than 90 members turned out to hear Carteris discuss California's new anti-age discrimination law, the new merged health plan and the importance of lobbying for an extension of Hawaii's film tax credit. She encouraged members to stay connected and informed through social media and the union's website. The following day, Carteris visited the set of Hawaii 5-0 and met with cast members to hear their feedback. On Oct. 26, Carteris led a discovery session with local presidents, discussing ideas for how to engage and empower members across the country. More visits to locals are in the works. All of this has been part of a long-running effort to foster deeper involvement by all SAG-AFTRA members. In addition to Carteris, the members of the task force include Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon; Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown; Vice President, Recording Artists Dan Navarro; National Board member and Second Vice President, Los Angeles Ellen Crawford; National Board member Abby Dylan; and New York Local Board member and dancer Jamal Story. Members show their cards alongside SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris during the Hawaii Local Membership Meeting on Sept. 26. T he Better Government Association, a media organization with a storied history in Chicago, became the latest addition to SAG-AFTRA when its employees voted unanimously to join the union Sept. 1. The independent watchdog group whose invesigative news pieces are syndicated to other news outlets, has more than 20 full and part-time staff. The BGA has a mission to bring better government to Illinois through its investigative reporting and advocacy. The media organization produces digital content that is a mix of print, video and audio. BGA staff said in a statement, "With this move, we see a bright future for the BGA rooted in independent and responsible journalism and policy work." President Gabrielle Carteris welcomed them into the SAG-AFTRA family. "BGA employees deserve a say in their wages and working conditions, and by joining SAG-AFTRA, they have empowered themselves to have their voices heard," said Carteris. INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS JOIN SAG-AFTRA