SAG-AFTRA

Fall 2017

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SAGAFTRA.org | Summer/Fall 2017 | SAG-AFTRA 5 A Letter from the Executive Vice President R E B E C C A D A M O N "Mike odge was a magnicent friend, a remarkable leader and, without a doubt, a powerful unionist." Dear Member, O n Saturday evening, Sept. 9, I received a phone call with the devastating news of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Mike Hodge. Nothing in life can adequately prepare one for the sudden loss of a presence as towering as Mike's. He played a tremendous role in my life and in the lives of all the members of the union he loved to serve. e was a magnicent friend, a remarkable leader and, without a doubt, a powerful unionist. As New York Local president, Mike was instrumental in jumpstarting the effort that ultimately united Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in 2012. With his friendly demeanor, infectious laugh and unshakable love of the union, Mike truly led by example. Locally, he helped build the industry economy on which New York members' careers now thrive. Nationally, SAG-AFTRA benetted from his knowledge of the business, his vision and his ability to inspire others. Alongside the pain of losing Mike, I urge us all to remember his extraordinary achievements on behalf of SAG-AFTRA and Screen Actors Guild before it. For me, this is particularly heart- breaking, as we have lost not just a president, but a father gure and a big brother. Mike's passing will leave a huge void that will be felt in countless ways, big and small, as we move forward. Please join me in wishing our dear Mike a fond farewell and a good journey. I would also like to acknowledge our union brothers and sisters who have been affected by the natural disasters along the Gulf Coast and the Southeast. Watching the news, I was deeply moved. Amid the loss of life and devastation, another story emerged, as it so often does. It was the story of neighbor helping neighbor, and strangers offering helping hands. Photos and videos showed seless rst responders rushing in to help those in need. They also told the story of average citizens wading through waist-deep water to rescue a child or a pet, or helping to evacuate the elderly. These ordinary heroes come from all walks of life; they are construction workers and computer programmers and, I have no doubt, some SAG-AFTRA members as well. Our journalist members put themselves in harm's way to keep the world informed. It's a remarkable thing to see in a country that is often bitterly divided along cultural and political lines. It shouldn't take a disaster to jar us out of our complacency and realign our perspective. As members of a union, we all rely on each other every day. Debate is healthy and necessary, but it doesn't need to be acrimonious. We are all on the same side. We all want to ensure we are paid fairly for our work and that we can feel safe doing our jobs. One of the few things we can control in this world is how we react to stressful situations, whether it's a tragedy or the challenges of everyday life. I hope you will all take the time to look out for each other, whether it is in the eld, in the newsroom, in the studio or on the set. Acts of kindness have a cumulative effect. If you would like to help out those who have suffered loss due to the storms, consider a donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation or any other reputable aid organization. Find out more at sagaftra.foundation. Onward together, Rebecca Damon

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