Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/810786
M A Y 2 0 1 7 I 3 Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the DGA Annual Membership Meetings. Annual Membership Meetings FAQ DGA members sign in, hear reports about their guild and catch up with their peers during the 2016 Annual Meetings in New York and Los Angeles. What is the Annual Meeting? Pursuant to the DGA's Constitution and Bylaws, there shall be an Annual Meeting of the membership of the Guild to be held in two divisions, one in the county of Los Angeles, state of California, and one in the county of New York, state of New York. The focus of the meeting is informational. Reports are currently scheduled to be given by DGA President Paris Barclay, Category Council Chairs, the Administrator of the Pension and Health Plans, and additional Committee Chairs. In addition to the National Executive Director, other members of the Guild's management team and staff will be available to provide information or follow up on specifi c questions members may have. A reception will follow. What do I need to bring to the meeting? Bring the Attendance Card that was mailed to you and check in at the appropriate table at 6:30 p.m. It is also advisable to bring your DGA membership card and valid driver's license, in case any problems arise. Please be reminded, if you attend but do not check in at the Annual Meeting, your attendance will not be recorded and you may be subject to a fi ne for non-attendance. What if I misplace my attendance card or forget to bring it to the meeting? Just stop at the "Members Without Attendance Cards" table in Los Angeles, or the "Verifi cation" table in New York upon arrival at the meeting. DGA staff will gladly issue you a new attendance card. You will be asked to present your DGA Membership card or a valid driver's license before your new attendance card can be issued. What if I am unable to attend the Annual Meeting? How do I assign my proxy to another member? You must inform the Guild of your non-attendance prior to the Annual Meeting. If you cannot attend, you may assign your vote to any active member in good standing by using the Proxy Card sent to you. Because retirees are ineligible to vote at the Annual Meeting, please do not assign your proxy to a retired member. Clearly and completely fill out the Proxy Card, sign it and return it to the Guild in the envelope enclosed in your Annual Meeting mailing. Do not give your Proxy Card to the member you have appointed as your proxy. Proxies for the May 16 Los Angeles Annual Meeting must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2017. Proxies for the May 24 New York Annual Meeting must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2017. NO PROXIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THESE DATES AND TIMES. If you cannot attend and do not wish to appoint a proxy, your Council has mandated that you must inform the Guild, prior to the meeting and in a signed written form, of your reasons for not attending. What if I already assigned my proxy to another member, but now it looks as though I will be able to attend the meeting in person? By all means, please come to the meeting! When you check in, go directly to the "Problem" table in Los Angeles, or the "Verifi cation" table in New York. DGA Staff will void your assigned proxy and register your attendance. What do I do if I receive a fi ne letter even though I was present at the meeting, fi led a proxy, or fi led an excuse? If you mistakenly receive a fi ne letter, please contact the Guild at the phone number or email address that is listed on the fi ne letter and your fi ne will be waived. I am an Eastern member who will be in Los Angeles at the time of the West Coast meeting (or vice versa). Can I attend? Defi nitely. Please check in with the DGA Staff at the "Problem Table" in Los Angeles, or the "Verifi cation" table in New York. What if I am not attending the meeting and didn't assign my proxy? If you cannot attend, and you do not wish to appoint a proxy, your Council has mandated that you must inform the Guild of your planned non-attendance prior to the meeting, IN WRITING WITH YOUR SIGNATURE, stating your reasons for non-attendance. If you do not assign a proxy, submit a signed non-attendance excuse or attend the Annual Meeting, your Council will impose a token fi ne for your non-participation. To avoid the fi ne, please follow the aforementioned steps. Please be reminded, the Guild cannot accept non-attendance reporting or proxy assignments via phone or email. What if I planned to attend the meeting and couldn't make it due to a last-minute emergency (work-related or otherwise)? Simply mail or fax a signed, non-attendance excuse to the Guild within 30 days following the date of the Annual Meeting. Can I bring a non-member guest with me to the Annual Meeting? No, only DGA members may attend the Annual Membership Meeting. Non-members will not be admitted. What is the dress code? Many members attend the meeting directly from work; therefore "work appropriate" attire is most common. Who do I call at the Guild if I still have questions? Please call the Guild's National Offi ce at 310-289-2070 if you have further questions.