Playing the Right Changes? Set Your New Year’s Resolution for Participation

January 1, 2025

Allistair Elliott  -  AFM Vice President from Canada

An entry from the diary of Anne Halkett on January 2, 1671, a writer and member of the Scottish gentry, entitled “Resolutions,” referenced this pledge: “I will not offend anymore.” This would indicate that the practice of making New Year’s resolutions dates back at least a few hundred years.

We have all experienced beginning a new year with the greatest intentions, and then by the middle of January, we have reverted to old habits. Rather than taking on personal resolutions, I suggest we look at our habits as AFM members and locals so that, as we enter another year, we are setting ourselves up for success.

The history of the AFM was built by those who put the we before the me. Our AFM mission and values speak to the principles of working together so that we can live and work in dignity, be compensated fairly, have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect us, have opportunity to develop our talents and skills, use our collective voice and power in a democratic and progressive union, and oppose the forces of exploitation through our union solidarity (Article 2, Section 1, AFM Bylaws).

Democratic participation in our union would suggest showing up and getting involved so that each voice can be heard and valued and we can create movement and change. So, my call to action at the start of a new year is for you to get more involved at your local.

Membership orientation meetings are scheduled so new members can learn how their lives as professional musicians will improve. Membership has many benefits, and joining is just the first step. Through new member orientations and general meetings, you gain knowledge. They are vehicles for learning more about union benefits and how, as well as why, members should file contracts on every job to be protected and vested in our pension plans, both in the US and Canada.

At general meetings, you can learn about extended discount programs, grant programs, local municipal lobbying efforts, and what the Federation is doing on a national scale. These meetings are an entry point to further involvement. Many years ago, as a new member, a general meeting served as my connection point to network with established members. There, I began to learn more about our history, how locals relate to the Federation, and how the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada operates.

For local officers, general meetings are a vehicle to communicate with members and for all to engage with one another and build solidarity. Finances, officer elections, and the general business of the local are reported to members through general meetings.

As a member, make your New Year’s resolution to become more involved in your local. It’s how we grow together, help one another, learn from one another, and support one another. Becoming involved in your local, beyond paying dues and reading a newsletter, is how you educate yourself to both the why and the how of membership.

Taking care of your paperwork the right way will improve your life as a professional musician. Filling out the right contract on a recording (even the one you do as a demo) can act as an insurance policy on potential future income. That’s just one of the reasons for becoming more connected with your local. By becoming more involved, you will learn the true value of membership. You can add to that value by asking questions, participating in advocacy efforts, and working together to make our lives as musicians better.

So, as you begin this new year and pay your membership dues, commit to attending your local’s general meetings. Your input is valued and your participation is welcomed. Learn something new, meet like-minded musicians, and help others feel valued.

If you are a local officer, connect with your AFM international representative and discover new resources at https://members.afm.org/member/library/. Make 2025 the year we all take better care of the business part of being a musician.

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