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 ABOUT THE AFM

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Solidarity and Resolve Essential to CBA Growth, NEA Preservation

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Bobby Baird: The Man with a Horn

It was my pleasure recently to spend some time talking with Bobby Baird about his musical career—a career that has spanned most of eight decades.

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SAG-AFTRA Demands SBS Recognize Union

SAG-AFTRA is demanding that the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) recognize the union as the legally certified bargaining representative for workers at two popular Los Angeles radio stations—La Raza (KLAX/KXOL 97.9 FM) and MEGA (96.3 FM)

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Beyond the Red Carpet Demonstrates Importance of Intellectual Property Protections

In April Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Rudy Chu (D-CA) and Doug Collins (R-GA) hosted “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movie & TV Magic Day” to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, talent, and innovation of the television and film industry that supports two million workers in all 50 state

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Savannah Exhibit Honors Musicians Union Leader

A new exhibit that opened in April in Savannah, Georgia, honors Westley Wallace “W.W.” Law, a prominent Civil Right leader, historian, community leader, and the founder of Savannah’s black musicians union (AFM Local 704).

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Letter to Congress Calls for NEA, NEH, CPB Funding

The AFM joined 11 other arts and entertainment groups in sending a letter to Congress opposing President Trump’s elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the privatization of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The letter urges Congress to at least maintain current funding for the institutions. It reads, in part:

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WGA May Seek Strike Authorization

Writers Guild of America (WGA) resumed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing broadcast and cable networks and movie studios, on April 10.

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Former Nike Worker Calls on Students to Cover Their Logos

In her nationwide United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) tour Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU) President Sophorn Yang, a former Nike garment worker, describes the life of an overseas sweatshop worker.

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Tax Bill to Spur Georgia’s Music Industry

A bill designed to spur Georgia’s music industry through tax incentives was passed by the Georgia General Assembly at the end of March and is waiting for Governor Nathan Deal to sign off on it. The Georgia Music Investment Act (House Bill 155) could potentially create thousands of new jobs in both recording and film scoring.

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Chicago Blues Museum Planned for 2019

Slated to open in 2019 near Millennium Park, the Chicago Blues Experience will tell the story Chicago’s blues story and celebrate the pioneering artists and the generations of musicians who have been influenced by the blues and continue to carry on its traditions.

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