CHANGE

As I sit and write this week’s blog, I, along with many, have just watched the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Today, January 20, 2009, is a big day in history, and as much as I wish I could have joined my sister, nephew, and a few fellow friends on The Mall in Washington, D.C. to view the event in person, I feel proud to have been able to witness the moment, in any capacity, and share the unique experience with the world.

None of us knows what is to come in the hours, days, weeks, months, or even years ahead, but if we can actively work to keep the overall unity, hopefulness, and welcoming attitude towards change, shown today, present in the times ahead, I truly believe that the possibility of a better tomorrow is attainable. Simply looking back over the past century and beyond, it is clear to see how far we have come and that an even better tomorrow still is possible.

That said, we still have a long way to go to fully attain the “change” that President Obama is anticipating. Can we make that “change?” “Yes, we can!” Just as we can in any aspect of our life, we just have to make that simple, yet sometimes difficult, decision to change. Something that can start as early as today, regardless of your religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, status, class, political party, or anything in between.

Just as the world is changing, so is the acting front.

We members of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) may be about to vote to strike, and this is happening during a very tough time for our economy. In hopes of avoiding this, resolving current issues, and reaching a compromise, our union’s President, Alan Rosenberg, and National Executive Director, Doug Allen, sent a formal letter to and called a special meeting with the National Board of Directors. The letter proposes that, “before the membership ratification vote, we meet immediately with the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) to determine to what extent, if any, they are willing to improve their last offer, to maximize its chances for ratification.”

So, it is now up to the National Board to move forward with what has been put before them or not. Regardless, I will continue to follow all that develops and am hopeful that we can and will work together in order to resolve any of our differences, whether or not a strike is necessary.

Needless to say, a lot is happening on many levels in the world, and to think that 2009 has just begun! However, despite all we are facing, I have a feeling that it is going to be a good year, overall, and am confident that everything will unfold, as it should, in this time of change.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi