Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

Find Out More Find Your Local
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AFM



Home » Legislative Update » The Power of Organizing Through Diversity


The Power of Organizing Through Diversity

November 1, 2014

  -  

On October 5-7, the AFM Diversity Committee met in Las Vegas, Nevada, to set local and national organizing plans in motion for 2014 and 2015.  Under the supervision of AFM President Ray Hair, Director of Organizing & Education Paul Frank, and myself, the committee laid out plans to survey and identify potential organizing opportunities within their respective music markets, and most importantly, bring locals on board in support of the AFM Listen Up! Campaign. The committee, chaired by Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Vice President John Acosta and coordinated by myself, is comprised of nine members from strategic locations across the US and Canada.

The committee reviewed its mission, purpose, and past practices with the ultimate goal of bringing diversity activities squarely in sync with national organizing goals. In addition to promoting rank-and-file participation, the group’s efforts now focus on opportunities within all musical genres within their communities, including in jazz, country, hip-hop, rap, symphonic, rock, Latin, R&B, world, and music relating to indigenous cultures currently making its way through concert halls, theaters, television, film, radio stations, and local festivals in various locations throughout the US.

The group’s work will be measurable in that it lays out detailed plans for successful projects and campaigns, while providing viable new inroads into diverse music communities, identifying new leaders, and developing detailed reports and evaluations.

At the conclusion of Diversity Committee organizing meetings, AFM President Hair and I met with Las Vegas Local 369 President Frank Leone, Secretary-Treasurer Keith Nelson, and the Local 369 executive board to discuss organizing opportunities in the Las Vegas area. There was also a substantive discussion with the board about the new Signature TEMPO Program.

Diversity-photo_2-(WE)

AFM Diversity Committee at the Riviera Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, last month. At the meeting were: AFM President Ray Hair, Director of Organizing & Education Paul Frank, Legislative-Political & Diversity Director Alfonso Pollard, Diversity Committee Chair and Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) Vice President John Acosta, Local 5 (Detroit, MI) Secretary-Treasurer Susan Barna Ayoub, Otis Ducker of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), Ernie Durawa of Local 433 (Austin, TX), Miho Matsuno of Local 802 (New York City), Local 174-496 (New Orleans, LA) President Deacon John Moore, IEB Member and President of Local 105 (Spokane, WA) Tina Morrison, Local 40-543 (Baltimore, MD) Secretary-Treasurer Mary Plaine (not pictured), Madelyn Roberts of Local 586 (Phoenix, AZ), Lovie Smith Wright of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX), and Local 6 (San Francisco, CA) Secretary-Treasurer Beth Zare.






NEWS

AFM Musicians Affirm Support at “Many Crafts, One Fight” Rally

March 7, 2024

AFM musicians joined thousands in solidarity at the “Many Crafts, One Fight” negotiations kickoff rally March 3 hosted by International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and Hollywood Basic Crafts unions as they headed into their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Hot on the heels of the recent bargaining […]

Tax Filing Tips – 2024 (US)

March 1, 2024

It’s Tax Time: Make It Easy on Yourself To help streamline your 2023 returns, here are some of the new and enhanced programs issued by the IRS in 2024. Taxes can be complicated for musicians. Which form? What can I claim? E-file, where? To help you sort it all out, we outlined a few basic […]

AFM Fair Share for Musicians Solidarity Rally Sets Tone for Negotiations

January 23, 2024

A little rain couldn’t dampen the high spirits of close to 300 AFM members and supporters during a morning rally and press conference on January 22 in front of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) headquarters in Sherman Oaks, California, on the first day of negotiations for the Motion Picture/TV Film contract. […]