Mel Mackaron SAG-AFTRA 1st Vice President of New Mexico 2016

 

(Click photo for official website)

By Mel MacKaron

National Board Member and New Mexico Local 1st Vice President

"Every two years, the union takes a census of its members. This is very important, particularly for the small and mid-sized locals, because the census helps to determine many things vital to the functioning of the locals. To name a few, this includes 1) how many committee seats are allotted to the Committee of Locals; 2) the number of delegates a local may have at the 2017 convention; and 3) the amount of money available to a local in its annual budget."

"Therefore, it is important that you have your dues paid and current. So far as local board members are concerned, if they are late in their dues payments, they may not serve until they are paid up. For members at large, late dues payments may affect your eligibility to vote, nominate and run in elections and participate in referenda."

"New Mexico is a growing local and has a steadily expanding film industry. But this means little (from a representative standpoint) if SAG-AFTRA does not have a precise count of our membership. The more members in good standing we have (i.e., paid up) by Oct. 31, 2016 (the date of the census), the stronger our voice will be."

"So what can you do to help? Here are three simple things:

1. Get your dues paid and current. You can easily do this online at sagaftra.org. Once you log in, go to Member Services, Pay Dues Online. Then, follow the simple instructions.

2. If you have moved to New Mexico from another local, transfer your membership here. You will lose no union benefits, but will strengthen our local and you will not miss out on important communications relevant to you.

3. If you know anyone who is behind, encourage them to get caught up on their dues."

"With a little effort on your part, you can help the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local get the representation it deserves."