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.
June 30, 2015
Sam Folio - former AFM International Secretary-TreasurerThe 2014 audit is complete, and I’ve included some highlights from the Annual Report here. Members can access the complete AFM Annual Report by going to AFM.org/uploads/protected/2014AR.pdf.
Financially I am pleased to report that, for the fourth year in a row, the Federation has finished in the black with income outpacing expenses. However, budget expectations were not met because the financial growth, as set by the 2013 AFM Convention, fell short.
There was a 12.3% increase in per capita payments received in 2014, compared to that of 2013, due to the increase in per capita rates granted at the 2013 AFM Convention, which became effective January 2014. Also, Federation work dues experienced a 5.83% increase also due to Convention action.
As far as membership goes, the Federation has shown moderate losses from 2013 to 2014. Comparison of 2013 and 2014 membership count:
Notable is the completion of the pay back of relocation funds that were borrowed. We had hoped that we would move from our 1501 Broadway address to a site that we would purchase, moving the AFM from a renter to an equity position. I am sorry to say that, though we gave it an effort, we were not able to buy a place and still have operating capital.
I take this personally and feel that I let AFM President Hair down in that respect. I will not be satisfied until I am able to bring us into our own building and turn our rent into equity for the AFM members. The AFM has recently renewed the lease at 1501 Broadway for three years, but during that time, we will continue the quest to find a way to purchase our own location.