Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/964761
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2018 | SAG-AFTRA 47 Miami New England LEADERS GATHER AT CAUCUS T he New England Local held its first-ever leadership caucus on Oct. 16 in Boston for all candidates who ran in the 2017 New England Local election. Candidates interested in learning about local service opportunities were encouraged to attend. "We had an extraordinary number of people run for office for the 2017–2019 cycle, including many first-time candidates," said New England Local President Michele Proude. "And though there were more candidates than there were seats to fill, there is always an opportunity for interested, passionate members to engage in local initiatives. We wanted to hear from those members." The more than 15 attendees reviewed SAG-AFTRA's core values, the role of staff and volunteers, local committee duties and on-set safety issues. They exchanged ideas and developed action steps. "Our local is fortunate to have a wealth of members who are willing to serve, and this was the first step toward helping them all achieve that goal," said Proude. New England Local President Michele Proude with members and board members at the New England Leadership Caucus. Dallas-Fort Worth NEW LEADERS FOR A NEW YEAR T he ProACT Conservatory is supporting the next generation of performers with new leadership: Nikki Dixon as local NextGen Performers Chair and Tristan Tierce as young performers ambassador. In the coming year, a core committee will form to coordinate monthly mixers, volunteer days, networking activities and opportunities for exposure to other areas of the industry. Spring events are in the works. Stay tuned. From left, Local Board member Sharon Garrison, young performers ambassador Tristan Tierce and local NextGen Performers Chair Nikki Dixon. JOHN R. STRANGE/ SELIG POLYSCOPE COMPANY SOCIAL MEDIA IN MOTION T he Miami Local 50+ Committee, chaired by Local Board member Ellen Wacher, presented an engaging panel on Dec. 16 titled Building Your Digital Brand as an Actor. The panel discussion focused on the most effective practices and latest tricks and tools to build a brand as a performer to increase networking capabilities and expand job opportunities via social media. The panel was made up of social media influencers from Los Angeles and Miami. It included talent manager Sam Leigh and content creator Nancy Hendrickson from L.A., and actors and content creators Laura Termini and Ana Carolina Grajales, both from Miami. The participants of this well-attended event were energized by the presentation, which was followed by a lively Q&A session. The panel event was co-sponsored by the National Seniors Committee and the Miami Local Conservatory. From left, Nancy Hendrickson, Ellen Wacher, Ana Carolina Grajales, Laura Termini and Sam Leigh. MOVING THE CONVERSATION FORWARD W asting no time in addressing the anti- harassment movement sweeping the entertainment industry, Women In Film Colorado, in collaboration with the Denver Film Society and the Colorado Film and Video Association, hosted a panel on Jan. 16 examining the issue. Nearly 40 people from all walks of the entertainment industry were in attendance. On the panel were an attorney from the Colorado Civil Rights Division and two attorneys from private firms that deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. They discussed the legal definitions of sexual harassment and the appropriate processes for filing claims and seeing them through. Rounding out the panel were longtime DGA member Denise Strong and 35-year veteran actor Sheila Ivy Traister, the SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local president, who were able to provide both practical and anecdotal information about the culture of the past, the changes afoot today and the focus of their respective unions moving forward into the future. Colorado