Atlanta Federation of Musicians

Tell your elected members of Congress to support the Reconciliation Package. Their vote in support of the inclusion of pension relief will help millions of workers be productive in their retirement years. Time is of the essence as pension relief is the closest it has ever been in years to becoming a reality. When our whole union stands together, we have the power to change things. - Ray Hair, AFM International President

COMING SOON: Call for 2021 Educator Award Nominations! Look to the February Podium next week for more details on how you can nominate Local members who show excellence in music education. In the meantime, look back at last year's award winner (and newly-elected LEB member) Meghan Yost. She chose to set up a scholarship to sponsor students going through the Atlanta Music Project's Summer Series. More details about how you can contribute to that scholarship and keep it going beyond 2021 will also be available in this month's newsletter. #AtlantaFederationOfMusicians #EducatorAward

Thanks to all who joined us for Happy Hour at the Hall tonight! First Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30. Come get to know us!Thanks to all who joined us for Happy Hour at the Hall tonight! First Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30. Come get to know us!

CLICK AND SHARE: Help us keep pressure on Congress to move quickly!

We still need your help to support all Georgia musicians! Funds donated here are earmarked specifically for Georgia musicians within the already established MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund. Click through to donate or learn more, and like/share this post as a way to help our community.

Things we like to see! #UnionStrong #IATSE

C’mon Georgia! Make a plan now, and VOTE! Share these dates with friends, family, colleagues, and any potential voters you know in our great state. #GeorgiaSenate #AtlantaFederationOfMusicians #VOTE

If you haven’t already voted early or absentee in Georgia, get to the polls and VOTE! Wear a mask, social distance, be safe, and let your voice be heard! #VoteUnion #UnionStrong

DEKALB COUNTY RELIEF GRANTS: DeKalb County has allocated $125,000 dollars to launch a Non-Profit based Grant Program through Spruill Center for the Arts to assist residents who work in the arts and entertainment industry that have an immediate need for overdue rent, mortgage assistance, utility assistance, food, or other unforeseen financial/ emergency needs. Click for more details on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Never know what will happen at our monthly Happy Hour at the Hall: A Virtual Recess. We came out of this one with quite a colorful 2020 playlist, so keep an eye on our social and your email inbox for links to that. Join us next month Monday, November 2 for the next Happy Hour. #AtlantaFederationOfMusicians #HappyHourattheHall

AFM International President, Ray Hair, writes about the fear we are all currently feeling within the current state of the world and how we can cope through collective action. Check it out here: https://internationalmusician.org/coping-with-fear-through/

Hard-working American livelihoods are being played with through politics. Call to have your voice heard that this is no longer acceptable. Pass relief legislation NOW!

#RespectUs #UnionStrong

Elections have consequences. Working people need safe jobs, economic security and freedom from systemic racism. We need to vote for candidates who share our values, and vote out those who don't. Make your voice heard this fall. Early voting in Georgia begins Monday, October 12th.

All musicians should remember this: When a producer engages a musician to perform recorded work to be posted on the Internet, there is an AFM EMSD agreement that covers that work. Read more here: https://internationalmusician.org/internet-streaming-in-th/

An aerosol study commissioned by a coalition of more than 125 performing arts organizations has generated a second set of preliminary results that provides further optimism for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts activities: https://internationalmusician.org/second-round-of-performi/

Our rehearsal hall may remain dim, but that doesn’t mean the work stops for our Local! Please plan to join us Monday at 7 pm for the September Digital Membership Meeting for crucial updates about the remainder of 2020 and beyond. All the details are in the latest edition of Podium, currently in your email inbox. #AtlantaFederationOfMusicians #MembershipMeeting #UnionStrong

Unacceptable! Our vulnerable Georgia Senators (up for re-election this November) are still currently on recess, failing to work in good faith to put forth legislation to protect millions of Americans during this crisis.