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NATIONAL CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS ON AFTRA.COM
70th Anniversary AFTRA National Convention on AFTRA.com
We’ve updated the National Convention pages on AFTRA.com to include more pictures and copies of all the resolutions and amendments passed by the delegates in Philadelphia. Click here to learn more>>

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BROADCAST NEWS
AFTRA Broadcasters Support Public Performance Right for Recording Artists
Radio announcers, DJs, hosts, and broadcast journalists lined up in support of recording artists who are seeking compensation when their songs are played on the radio as the Broadcasters’ Caucus of AFTRA unanimously adopted a statement of support for a public performance right in sound recordings. Click here to read the story>>

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SOUND RECORDINGS NOTES
Tell the Record Labels to Negotiate a Fair Contract for AFTRA Recording Artists and Singers
The major record labels want to strip or reduce benefits to recording artists and keep singers from being paid for digital distributions. Tell them that their proposals are totally unacceptable. Sign the petition today to tell the record labels to negotiate a fair contract for all recording artists and singers>>

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AFTRA MEMBERS ARE BUILDING ALLIANCES
AFTRA, IATSE Seek Closer Strategic Alliance
Presidents of AFTRA and the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, in a joint statement, announced the creation of committees to explore opportunities for cooperative efforts and a closer strategic alliance between the two unions. Click here to read the story>>

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H&R UPDATES
H&R Premiums Due September 15
Have you received your AFTRA Health Plan Premium invoice? Remember, premiums for the October 1, 2007, quarter are due no later than September 15. If you have not received your premium invoice by now, call the AFTRA Health Fund immediately at 800.562.4690 or click here to visit the AFTRA H&R website>>

‘Good News’ from AFTRA Retirement Fund as Improvements to Pension Plan Announced
The retirement plan for members of AFTRA is improving with increases in the accrual rate, covered earnings, and annual maximum benefit effective December. Click here to read the story>>

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
AFTRA National Board Approves New Agreement with Nickelodeon
The Board of Directors of AFTRA—at its two-day plenary meeting prior to the biennial National Convention—approved a new system-wide agreement with the production arm of the Nickelodeon cable TV network. The new agreement brings substantial rate increases for Nickelodeon performers—in some cases more than doubling fees—and expands programs covered under the contract to include all dramatic and comedy variety shows. Click here to read the story>>

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LOCAL BRIEFS
Dallas / Fort Worth
Third Thursdays Mixer—August 16
Featuring "The Organizer" (our very own specialty drink)—every third Thursday of the month. Click here for more information >>

Get the Spirit! Get the Job! with Lisa Dalton—August 20
Did you miss our first Dalton workshop last year? Or have you been hoping for a refresher class? This is your opportunity to experience Master Teacher Lisa Dalton’s effective method of improving audition skills. Click here for more information and to see the ProACT Fall/Winter 2007 schedule>>

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Los Angeles
Fifth Annual Tri-Union Ivy Bethune Diversity Awards—August 20
The Equal Employment Opportunity Committees of AFTRA, Equity, and SAG will host the 2007 Tri-Union Ivy Bethune Diversity Awards, Monday, August 20, at the East West Players Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The event is free and open to all union members and their guests. AFTRA broadcaster and KTLA Morning News anchor Michaela Pereira will host the evening's program. Click here for more information and to reserve your seat>>

Voiceover Demo Seminar—August 21
Dave Williams, commercial and voiceover consultant and demo producer, will help explain the "do's" and "don'ts" of creating your best voiceover reel. RSVP’s required. Click here for more information and to RSVP>>

RSVP for Scene Study Sanity—August 27
Career vision, audition preparation, a constant state of readiness, letting go, and audition mistakes even veteran "working" actors make are all topics that will be covered in Scott Mosenson’s “Scene Study Sanity” seminar on Monday, August 27. Reserve your seat by e-mail to larsvp@aftra.com. (Seminar is open to all member in good standing, and RSVPs will be accepted until event capacity is reached.)

Scene Study Class Begins September 4
AFTRA Los Angeles is pleased to welcome back Robin Brown to again lead a four-week scene study class. Instructor will select students as class size is limited. Members interested in attending should submit a picture and resume to AFTRA marked “Scene Study Class” no later than Tuesday, August 28.

Click here to see all the upcoming AFTRA Los Angeles Local classes and programs>>

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Tri-State
AFTRA Tri-State Joins 2007 America @ Work in Cincinnati
It amazed, informed, and entertained visitors of all ages. America @ Work 2007, the AFL-CIO union-industries show, featured the best-ever exhibit of union-made goods and services, showcasing the skills of millions of American union workers. This unique show, which began in Cincinnati in 1937, travels to a different city every year. What makes this show unique is that the public is invited, admission is free, and over $200,000.00 of quality, American union-made products are given away during this three-day event as we celebrate the American union worker and educate the public about the importance of keeping quality jobs in the us. AFTRA was part of the behind the scenes support and was honored to be part of the special ribbon cutting ceremony with the mayor of Cincinnati. Click here to see read the story and see pictures>>

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Twin Cities
Summer Announcements for AFTRA Twin Cities Members:

• Calling all Twin Cities Actors! Come to the end-of-summer Actors Mixer!—August 19
• AFTRA Saturday Coffee Talks start on Saturday, September 15!
• AFTRA Member Mentors Needed!

Click here for information about all these announcements>>

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PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY
Protect yourself from the growing problem of identity theft. Avoid using your Social Security number on any public document. Use your AFTRA Performer ID Number (that's the number on your AFTRA Membership Card, not the number on your AFTRA Health & Retirement Card) whenever you fill out audition sign-in sheets, member reports, or send correspondence to the union. Do not put your Social Security number on resumes or headshots. If you can't find your AFTRA Membership Card, call your AFTRA Local.

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UPDATE YOUR RECORDS
Please remember to keep your contact information-including email-current with your AFTRA Local and AFTRA H&R. You can update your information by requesting a multi-use change of address form from your Local office. You can also update your information online at www.aftra.com, click on the "Members Only" button, fill out your information, and check a box to automatically forward your address change to AFTRA H&R!

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AFTRA MEMBERS SAVE WITH UNION PLUS BENEFITS
AT&T Wireless Discount
Now save 10% with the Union Plus AT&T Wireless Discount—the only unionized wireless company. Additional limited time offer: Save $50 off phones and accessories! Click here for more information>>

Health Club Discount
Affordable, convenient access to a range of healthy living benefits, including low rates and flexible memberships at over 2,000 fitness clubs nationwide. Get the lowest rates on new memberships at your choice of over 2,000 fitness clubs, including select Bally Total Fitness, World Gym, and Lady of America locations. Union Plus has partnered with GlobalFit to provide these healthy living programs for you. To locate a participating club in your area, call GlobalFit at 800.294.1500 or click here>>

Travel Discount
Planning a late summer vacation? Need to make holiday travel plans? Book airline tickets, car rentals, cruises, hotel accommodations, even vacation condo rentals at the Union Plus Travel Center. Click here to book your travel today>>

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