It's time to bring Local 802 into the 21st century with updated systems, accessible documentation/platforms, and efficient internal processes. Here are some areas where I will modernize Local 802:

• Updated musicians portal allowing for dues auto pay, easy recording payments claims, fully editable personal information, and more

• Access to high-level information such as industry average pay rates, benefits, etc.

• Updated website with easily accessible and navigable information

• Paperless communications

• Quick and accurate updates of personal and work history information

• Data-informed decision making for both internal operations and negotiated wages/benefits

• Ensure Local 802 is fully staffed at all times and all employees are trained in their area of work

• Provide member access to fiscal and legal trainings to empower musicians

In order for Local 802 to thrive, we must engage musicians from diverse music genres ethnicities, genders, disabilities, and age groups.

Firstly, creating a diverse community of musicians will invite a broader range of ideas that can empower our musicians. Moreover, by including musicians of diverse backgrounds, we will gain insight into areas that we otherwise may not have understood.

Secondly, the music scene in New York City is vast, yet the majority of union gigs are centered around only Lincoln Center and Broadway. We must connect with the full range of musical artists in the city, including electronic music, indie music, DJs, period performance, contemporary music, clubs and more. This will further increase our members and will greatly increase our strength and negotiating power at venues across the city, including Broadway and Lincoln Center. If there are abundant and diverse union gigs in town, then members will have the power, leverage, and flexibility to negotiate and even decline "top-tier" gigs if employers do not offer fair deals!

Here are a few initiatives that I will launch to engage and engage more diverse musicians:

• Launch and sustain lasting relationships with NYC music schools and conservatories

• Create accessible resources for union and non-union musicians to support negotiations and organizing

• Institute staff delegates and consultants to advise on how Local 802 can better connect to and support musicians from different genres

• Staff training and resources to ensure professional, equitable member service for any musician who comes to 802 for help

• Most importantly, change the culture within the 802 community to one of open collaboration and trust, keep reading for more information!

It is no secret that Local 802 has its ugly side...I have heard personally from countless friends and colleagues who have been wronged in one way or another by our union. This has created a culture of fear and skepticism. This cannot continue.

I will lead a campaign to change the culture of Local 802 to one of open collaboration and trust. Local 802 will be a space where everyone's voice will be heard and all will be respected. Regardless of a musicians background, professional experience, or personal relationship, everyone will be listened to equally so that we may all work together to create a better union.

By implementing the changes listed under Transparency and Accountability, I will begin to change the culture at 802 to one of collaboration and trust.

Transparency and accountability are essential to creating a better union. We must hold our leaders responsible for their actions and we must be informed about what decisions are being made and why. Below are some changes I will make to increase transparency and accountability:

• Quarterly reports from Executive Board Sub-Committees including what is discussed, upcoming issues, and important highlights for members

• Increased online presence (website and social media) to keep musicians up to date

• Institution of neutral area delegates (ex. Broadway, Classical, Jazz) who can provide feedback and consultations regarding needs in their area of focus

• Implementation of three additional open membership meetings where short updates and open discussion can be held (no official business will be held at these meetings) and regular "office hours" where union and non-union musicians will be invited to speak with staff

We all deserve to live without fear of falling ill and knowing we can retire securely at 65, but the AFM's Health and Pension Plan is on its final leg and will soon run dry if nothing is changed. The answer to this issue is simple, yet difficult - we need more young musicians working under union contracts.

Young musicians generally will have lower healthcare costs and will not retire for a longer time than their more senior counterparts. By focusing on organizing new ensembles who already employ young musicians under union contracts we can increase Health and Pension contributions to supplement current contributions which will balance the expenses.

The United States (and many countries around the world) are experiencing a surge in unionization. Not only is a union stronger when all of its members work together, but all unions are stronger when we work with each others. I will foster new and stronger relationships with allied unions to bolster Local 802's strength.

The United Auto Worker's Union (UAW) has made a call for unions to request contract expiration dates to fall on May 1, 2028 - International Worker's Day. By aligning contract expiration dates, we empower workers across the country to call for a General Strike. I will advocate for this expiration date whenever possible so that musicians are empowered to join workers across the country in the fight for equitable wages and benefits. Click Here to read about it.

The Local 802 Club Room is a staple for working musicians who need an affordable space to rehearse. I will expand the availability of the Club Room to 9AM to 10PM, seven days a week so that there are more spaces available for musicians in need. Additionally, I will open the Club Room to rentals from non-union musicians at a higher rate to help increase income for Local 802.

During the time that the Local 802 building is under construction, I will advocate for subsidized rentals at midtown rehearsal venues so that dues-paying members will still have access to affordable rehearsal spaces for the duration of the renovation.