The Chicago Activator - August 10, 2015

Official E-Newsletter of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local

August 10, 2015

IN THIS ISSUE A Call to Arts New Member Orientation Actors Fund's Shoe Fund.

Residency for Arts Harvest Corn for GCFD Union Day White Sox CANstruction

A Call to Arts Join Us in Mentoring the Next Generation of Storytellers Every great artist is inevitably asked, "What are your influences? Who inspired you?" For the next generation of storytellers, the answer may be you.

SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute have partnered with President Barack Obama and the White House to reach out to young people pursuing careers in the arts. In collaboration with industry colleagues and partner organizations, this national effort aims to generate more than a million hours of mentoring over the next three years.

Your experience and insight are invaluable to the creative voices who will be the architects of tomorrow's culture. Maybe you're already volunteering to teach a class, hosting an intern or reading to children in school. All of this counts!

Join us in A Call to Arts today by registering and recording your mentoring hours at sagaftra.org/acalltoarts.

If you have any questions or are interested in developing programs to help other Chicago members participate in A Call to Arts, please contact Linda Swenson at linda.swenson@sagaftra.org.

New Member Orientation Monday, Sep. 21, 5:30 p.m.

New members represent the future for SAG-AFTRA. The more knowledgeable they are, the stronger our union and all members are. The goal of the New Members Subcommittee of SAG-AFTRA Chicago's Community Outreach, Community Organizing committee is to educate, engage and empower professional actors from the moment they become union members.

The new member orientation event is only one part of that process. Topics covered include every step from initiation fees and the dues structure to the correct way to execute member reports and contracts. Other areas include agents and commissions, casting directors, resolving claims, health coverage, set demeanor, committees, staff and a variety of member benefits.

New member orientations are not just for new members. Whether you joined yesterday or 20 years ago, all members in good standing are welcome. Plan now to attend the next new membership orientation and stay informed.

Monday, Sep. 21 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6 - 8 p.m. meeting Please call Kathy Nelsen at the SAG-AFTRA Chicago office, (312) 573-8081 ext. 2541, or email Kathy at kathy.nelsen@sagaftra.org to reserve your spot.

Park at 10 East Ontario Enter on the north side of Ontario between Wabash and State, and then take a ticket. When you sign in, you may purchase a four-hour ticket for $13 cash, $14 Visa, MasterCard or American Express payment. You will need both tickets to exit the parking structure.

The Actors Fund's Shoe Fund In 1945, actor Conrad Cantzen bequeathed his estate to The Actors Fund to help actors purchase shoes so they did not appear "down at the heels" when auditioning. He knew a good pair of shoes makes a great first impression on casting directors. To this day, eligible SAG-AFTRA members can receive up to $40 towards a pair of shoes costing no more than $100.

To apply, you'll need an original store receipt and a copy of your current union card.

Eligibility criteria include: * Currently unemployed in performing arts and entertainment * Paid-up performing arts union member * Last application minimum of 24 months ago Click here (and learn about The Actors Fund's many free and confidential services for all SAGAFTRA members).

This program is being administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Chicago Cultural Center Residency for Arts Organizations Chicago-based arts and culture organizations looking for new and interesting programming space are encouraged to apply for a Chicago Cultural Center residency. Selected resident organizations will have the opportunity to present four to eight free public programs in spaces at the Chicago Cultural Center over the course of Nov. 15, 2015 - May 31, 2016.

Programs can reflect dance, theater, visual arts, music, fashion, culinary arts, film, literary arts, design or architecture disciplines, and should provide insight into the arts and creative industries.

For more information and the application, visit cityofchicago.org/dcase.

Applications due Monday, Aug. 31, before 5 p.m.

Volunteers Needed to Harvest Corn Are you looking for your next hunger-relief adventure? The Greater Chicago Food Depository needs 100 enthusiastic volunteers to join them in Marengo, Illinois, to help harvest fresh, locally grown sweet corn to feed those in need. Last year, the harvest yielded 56,138 pounds of sweet corn to distribute throughout the GCFD network of soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries.

Volunteers will meet at the farm in Marengo and are encouraged to bring gloves, a hat and sunscreen. Be prepared to spend about four hours outdoors in a corn field.

When: Saturday Aug. 15 and 22, volunteer for either day or both Where: 10409 Carls Road, Marengo, IL 60152 Sign-up online: chicagofoodbank.org This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA.

Union Day at the Chicago White Sox Aug. 30 is Union Day at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox are offering specially priced tickets to union members, their families and friends. Tickets range from $5 to $25.

White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, U.S. Cellular Field In addition to game tickets, you may also purchase discounted Patio Party tickets for $32. The Patio Party lasts two hours, beginning 90 minutes before game time. Included is an all-you-can-eat menu featuring BBQ ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, Cajun chicken, fried chicken, side salads, wine, soft drinks and beer. Patio Party tickets can only be purchased by mail or fax. Please contact Linda Swenson at linda.swenson@sagaftra.org for an order form.

More information and game tickets are available at whitesox.com/union. Orders must be received

by Aug. 17, 2015. Please note: Orders will not be redeemed at the U.S. Cellular Field ticket windows or the White Sox administrative offices.

This event is being produced and administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. CANstruction Helps the GCFD Visit the Merchandise Mart Aug. 13 - Sep. 7 to see the structures from this year's CANstruction competition. This event challenges 20 local architecture, engineering and design teams to create structures made entirely of canned food items, which are donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository once the event ends. The exhibit is open to the public, free for all ages.

In response to members' requests to stay informed, The Activator may include notice of rallies, pickets and other actions by unions and the labor movement that have not been sanctioned by the National or Chicago Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA. This information is provided as a convenience.

The information contained herein regarding workshops, vendors, special offers and the like is provided for informational purposes and is not intended to imply endorsement by SAG-AFTRA of them or the information, material, products or services provided. SAG-AFTRA makes no warranties or representations regarding the use of the material or the quality of the services or service providers.

SAG-AFTRA Chicago: (312) 573-8081 Email: chicago@sagaftra.org Website: SAGAFTRA.org