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.
September 1, 2020
Jay Blumenthal - AFM International Secretary-TreasurerIf you and your family are mostly hunkered down due to the coronavirus, you may want to consider taking advantage of an amazing opportunity from Union Plus. A program Union Plus is currently offering can be life-changing for those who have a desire to complete their college education (bachelor’s degree) online at little or no cost.
Union members (in good standing) and their family members can choose to participate in the Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program. Students who enroll for the 2020-21 academic year can complete their entire degree online with no out of pocket cost for tuition, fees, or e-books.
If you have completed your bachelor’s degree, there may be someone in your family who has not. The free college benefit is open to full dues-paying members in good standing and their families or retiree members. Families are children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), spouses, domestic partners, financial dependents, siblings, and parents, including in-laws. “In partnership with Central State University, a respected and accredited institution, this flexible, 100% online program gives you the ability to study on your own schedule,” according to Union Plus. “In addition, your courses are transferable to other schools.”
Currently, the program is offering three areas of study: teacher education, business administration, and criminal justice. Hopefully, more areas of study will be offered at a later date. According to the program, students must have an associate degree or 60 or more credits in the area of study to enroll. Students not meeting this threshold can enroll in the free associate degree program. Students needing prerequisite classes can enroll in programs through the free college programs with Eastern Gateway Community College.
The program is now enrolling for fall classes. Get started by calling 888-897-9671 or enrolling online at www.unionplus.org.