In February, the Canadian Federation of Musicians, represented by Vice President from Canada Alan Willaert and Executive Director Liana White, joined in honoring CFM Lobbyist Isabel Metcalfe, who is stepping down from her chair position on the board of Famous Five, Ottawa chapter. Metcalfe has advocated for women’s rights and recognition with passion and spirit for the past 20 years. The CFM is pleased to have her here for CFM and its members, advocating for our musicians and our community. At a reception honoring Metcalfe’s contributions, her message to women was: “Keep pushing, keep driving, keep striving, keep growing!”
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.