New Payroll Paperwork

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(Updated 16 August 2021)

(Updated 30 April 2021)

Most of you have already heard UTP needs everyone to do new paperwork the next time they work. There are two reasons for that:

  1. During the down time, they went through their files and purged everyone who had not worked in a year prior to March.
  2. While they were going through their files, they discovered most of the I-9s they had on file were improperly filled out, and the federal government has gotten stricter about enforcing those rules.

While some of you may already be current on paperwork, it was decided EVERYONE should fill out the packet again to avoid missing anyone. If you have not worked on a UTP-paid job recently, there is no hurry and you can fill it out either when it’s convenient for you or when you are scheduled to work the next time (which will hopefully be sooner than later!). If you have worked a UTP-paid job since September 1st, the only way to ensure you receive your pay is to fill it out ASAP.

Some things have changed from how you’re used to doing it, and they are important changes! First, the person who sees your supporting citizenship documents in person must fill out Section 2 of the I-9. That is the second page, where your documents are listed with their numbers and expiration dates (if any). This part cannot be filled out by the employee themselves, only the employer representative. You must show them a physical copy of your supporting citizenship documents. Photocopies or photographs are no longer acceptable; you must show the actual items.

Traditionally, we have suggested a driver’s license/state ID and either a birth certificate or a social security card. In lieu of those, a valid US passport has been suggested. We are not allowed to require any specific documents. The complete list of acceptable documents for each list (you must either provide one from List A or one each from Lists B and C) can be found at the Department of Homeland Security. Again, please bring the actual documents with you so we can see them, or we will be unable to complete your paperwork.

UTP has helpfully put together highlights of the instructions for the I-9. I’ve added my own actual highlights for those things most often missed. A copy is included with each paperwork packet at the office.

  1. You must write something in EVERY box in Section 1. If something does not apply to you, you must write “N/A” in that box. Yes, even apartment number. No boxes can be left empty. None.
  2. Your dates must be written in the correct format or your I-9 will be rejected. MM/DD/YYYY. In other words, if your birthday is January 7, 1980, you must write it as 01/07/1980. Same thing for the date you fill out the form. 10/31/2020 or 11/03/2020 or whatever. Has to have two digits each for month and day, and four digits for year. Every time.
  3. You must check a box as to your residency status. 99.999999% of you are citizens, which is the easy option. If any of you are not, please check the appropriate box and write any required document number(s) in the appropriate box.
  4. This one is tricky, since the photocopies aren’t as clean as I’d like. You must check a box indicating if you used a preparer/translator or not. It’s in a dark space so it’s hard to see at first glance, but it’s there and it’s important. If you do use a preparer/translator, they must fill out the information in that section.

That’s it! You’re done with your portion of the I-9! The page you see below requires nothing of you except that you provide your supporting documents from the list. We take care of the rest.

The rest of the packet is what you’re used to, for the most part. The Federal W-4 has a couple of extra pages with formulas and charts so you can figure out what you need to do when you have multiple employers. Those worksheets are for your records and are not required by the IRS through the payroll company.

Michigan W-4 is the same as it ever was, as is the Grand Rapids W-4. Please note, even if you live in a city other than Grand Rapids that charges a city income tax, UTP will not withhold that city’s tax. The only exception is if the work is performed in another city which has an income tax, such as Walker, Battle Creek, or Muskegon. To the best of my knowledge, we have never performed work for UTP in a city other than Grand Rapids which has its own city income tax.

Also in the packet is the authorization to deduct Local 26’s referral fee (currently 6%) from your check, which is a document you are required to sign under the Referral Procedure in order to work. The last form is a direct deposit application, should you want UTP to pay you that way rather than with a paper check. Please note, if you choose to use direct deposit, you must provide an email address where they can send your check stub. They do not physically mail direct deposit receipts.

This one is tricky for a lot of people for some reason. The IA26 office is open on Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Fridays from 12:00 PM (noon) to 4:00 PM. If you want to walk in without having to make an appointment, you must come during those times.

However, we’re willing to work with you because we understand those hours might not work for everyone. If you call the office (616-742-5526) during those hours or send an email to mail(at)iatse26.org, or use the “other” subject line on our Contact Us form with days/times you would like to come, we will do our best to make that happen. If possible, give us multiple choices so there’s a better chance someone will be available to meet you. It could be evenings or weekends if necessary. We want you to get paid, so we’ll try to get you in as soon as we can.

If you’d like to save time and fill out everything before you come in, great! The entire packet is available for download on the IA26 website under Member Documents – Steward Documents. Note: If that link does not work for you, please apply for an account on the IA26 website. Simply print, fill out, and bring with you when you come and it should take less than 5 minutes to make sure everything is properly filled out and get copies of your I-9 documents. Otherwise we have packets already printed at the office you are more than welcome to fill out when you get there. Whatever works for you.

****FACE COVERING REQUIRED**** Also, we limit the number of people other than staff in the office at any one time to two. Surfaces are sanitized after each use.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email the office! We’re here to help, Tuesdays 10-2, Fridays 12-4, or by appointment.

You know how this ends, it’s what I do… Be safe. Be well. Mask up. GET VACCINATED. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

Local 26 Executive Board

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The September General Membership meeting is a busy one for Local 26. It’s when we set officers’ salaries for the upcoming term, nominate candidates for all offices in the Executive Board, and a Judge and Tellers are appointed for the election. Since quite a few new members have joined us since the last regular election, I thought I’d explain the various offices and their duties so all of us can make an informed decision when we choose to nominate someone or second a nomination, and then of course when we vote.

The Executive Board of Local 26 is led by the President, and consists of a Business Agent, Secretary-Treasurer, three Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary/Sergeant-at-Arms, and a Member-at-Large. Also elected are three trustees. These are all three-year terms, with nominations held in September of each year.

If only one person is nominated for an office (and accepts) that person is automatically installed in that office the following January. If two candidates are nominated for an office, they are both placed on the ballot. If three or more candidates are nominated for an office, the Local holds a primary election; if one person gets 51% or more of the vote in the primary, that person is decreed the winner and will be installed in that office the following January. If none of the candidates receive 51% or better of the vote, then the top two candidates will be placed on the ballot.

Those conditions do not apply for anyone nominated as Trustee, since there are three positions to fill. All those nominated for Trustee will appear on the ballot, and the three who receive the most votes will be installed in January.

Assuming not every candidate runs opposed or no one wins decisively in a primary election, the regular election is held in December. New this year out of consideration for health concerns and for the future when members may be touring or otherwise not in the jurisdiction on Election Day, each member will receive an official ballot along with their Notice of Election, with complete instructions on how to fill it out and return it. Ballots are mailed to the last known address of each member, so it is very important to let the office know if you move.

The current officers of Local 26 are:

  • President: Stasia Savage
  • Business Agent: Josh Roskamp
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Matt Taylor
  • 1st Vice President: Jessica Westra
  • 2nd Vice President: Glenn Gould
  • 3rd Vice President: Walter Shink
  • Recording Secretary: Beth Snyder
  • Member-at-Large: Stan Sacha
  • Trustees: Carlos Aguilar, Jessi Nix-Gould, Ed Wager

In brief, the job descriptions of the various officers are below. Complete officers’ duties are detailed in the Local’s Constitution and By-Laws.

President: Serves as First Delegate to the International Convention and Michigan Alliance, Eighth District, and AFL-CIO. Presides over all Board and Membership meetings and appoints all committees and their chairpersons. Can only vote on motions in the event of a tie.

Business Agent: Serves as Second Delegate to the same organizations as the President. Oversees all members and referents as well as day-to-day operations of the Local and its office. Represents the Local in all dealings with employers, provides employers with labor through the Local’s Referral program, and maintains a list of all work assigned. The Call Steward function is part of the BA’s job but is typically delegated to others who work closely with the BA to ensure fairness and that proper procedures are followed.

Secretary-Treasurer: Serves as Third Delegate. Keeps an accurate record of all financial transactions, assets, and liabilities of the Local, as well as maintains all accounts. Collects dues, fines, and assessments, and oversees any investments. Acts as Corresponding Secretary, and acts as the liaison to the payroll corporation.

Vice Presidents: Report to the President on affairs of the Local and assist in the Training Committee. 1st VP serves as Fourth Delegate. 2nd VP serves as Fifth Delegate. 3rd VP serves as Sixth Delegate.

Recording Secretary/Sergeant-at-Arms: Serves as Seventh Delegate. Keeps the minutes of all membership and Executive Board meetings, transcribes them, and provides a written report at the next meeting for review. Ensures none but members or invited guests enters the meeting hall during meetings and takes attendance at each meeting.

Member-at-Large: Serves as Eighth Delegate. Acts as the liaison between the membership and the Executive Board and serves as an ex-officio member of all committees.

Trustees: Ensure any officer or employee of the Local who handles funds and/or property is bonded as required by law. Responsible for auditing the books of the Local every six months and ensuring all books and records of the Local are preserved for at least five years.

Not all members are eligible to run for office. A member must be actively engaged in the industry within the Local’s jurisdiction, have worked for at least 120 days in the past 36 months, and have been a member in continuous good standing of this Local for a period of two years. Time served as an Officer of the Local counts toward the 120 days.

Once the Election is completed, ballots tallied, and results announced, the officer-elect is expected to spend time with the outgoing officer learning the position. Then at the first regular Membership meeting in January the new officers take the required pledge, the outgoing officers turn over all papers and properties belonging to the Local, and newly-installed officers proceed to their new positions.

Regarding Delegates: As I mentioned in the post about the GEB, each Local is guaranteed one Delegate by virtue of being chartered. From there, Delegates are added depending on size of membership. Local 26 currently is allowed two Delegates. The reason for assigning each officer a Delegate order is in case one or more of the primary Delegates cannot attend any given convention or meeting. With a progression already in place hotels and flights can be booked (if necessary), which in the past had to be delayed until an election was held to determine who the Delegate would be.

If any members have questions regarding the nomination and voting process, please feel free to contact the office either by email any time or by phone during current hours (Mondays and Fridays 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM unless noted on the Contact page) and we’ll do our best to clarify anything for you. One thing it is important to note about nominations is a member must either be present at the September meeting or have submitted a Letter of Intent to Serve no less than five days prior to the close of nominations.

Hopefully all that didn’t confuse you, but if it did please reach out. Deciding who will run the Local and represent us as delegates for the next three years is an important decision.

You know what comes next, right? Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME OR MASK UP. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

IATSE General Executive Board

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In the last post, I briefly touched on the General Executive Board (GEB), but in this one I’d like to go a little more in-depth about them. The GEB is led by the International President and consists of the General Secretary-Treasurer and 13 Vice Presidents, along with three trustees. There are also a number of Assistant Department Directors and International Representatives as well as a CLC (Canadian Labour Congress) delegate.

As I mentioned before, of the 13 Vice Presidents two are designated as coming from Canadian locals, one from the West Coast Studio Production locals, and one from the Special Department locals. The remainder are undesignated and can come from anywhere within the IA. I want to point out here that literally any member has the potential to end up serving on the GEB if they wish. This isn’t like your parents telling you as a child you could be President someday, this is real.

Every single member of the GEB, past and present, started as a member of a Local, and all of them remain so. Obviously you have to want it, and you have to work to make it happen, but I can tell you of the GEB members and other folks I’ve met over the years, they are all at heart stagehands of some sort. When Thomas Short was the International President, Local 26 hosted the 8th District convention and he attended. I was one of the people collecting money for the IA’s PAC fund, and on the form is a line to state your profession. He wrote, “stagehand”. That’s it. I was very new at the time, I’m not even sure I was a member yet, and that impressed me. Then a few years later when I was elected to be the Local’s second delegate to the IA convention, I was waiting to vote for the GEB with then-Vice President Matthew Loeb in front of me in line. I was taking photos out the window and he asked me if I had any with me in them. I didn’t, so he grabbed my camera and made me pose facing two different directions because he didn’t want me to not have any.

I’ve got a few other stories, but those are the ones that stand out to me. They’re just people. Deserving of respect because of their positions, absolutely. But people just the same. Someday one of them could be you! I find that neat.

Anyway. The current leadership of the IATSE can be found here, with photos of each member so you can put a face to a name and their bio. Our current President is Matthew Loeb, General Secretary-Treasurer is James Woods. The Vice Presidents in order are: Michael Barnes, Thomas Davis, Damian Petti, Michael Miller, Jr., Daniel Di Tolla, John Ford, John Lewis, Craig Carlson, Phil LoCicero, C. Faye Harper, Colleen Glynn, James Claffey, Jr., and Joanne Sanders.

The three Trustees are: Patricia White, Carlos Cota, and Andrew Oyaas. CLC Delegate is Siobhan Vipond. International President Emeritus is Thomas Short, and Vice President Emeritus is Edward Powell. D. Joseph Hartnett is the Assistant Department Director of Stagecraft, Vanessa Holtgrew is the Assistant Department Director of Motion Picture & Television Production, Dan Mahoney is Assistant Department Director of Motion Picture & Television Production, and Robyn Cavanagh is Assistant Department Director of Education & Training.

Several of the Vice Presidents and/or Trustees oversee Departments of the IA, although that responsibility is not necessarily assigned to the particular position they are in, but to them as a person. Michael Miller, Jr. is the Director for the Motion Picture & TV Production department. Daniel Di Tolla is the Director of the Stagecraft department. John Lewis is the Department Director for Canadian Affairs. Joanne Sanders heads the Trade Show & Display Work department. Patricia White directs the Education & Training department. The three Trustees are also responsible for performing semi-annual audits of the International’s books and records of financial activities.

All GEB members are elected every four years at the IA Convention, among other business conducted. Every local in the IA can send one delegate to the convention by virtue of having a charter, and they gain additional delegates based on number of members. In Local 26, these delegates are assigned by Constitution to different offices, which is something to bear in mind when nomination time comes. Just like membership meetings, the convention is run by Roberts Rules of Order, and takes place over several days. At the convention I attended, a motion was made from the floor to accept the sitting GEB for another term in toto (as a whole, nothing to do with the dog in Wizard of Oz) that was passed so we didn’t vote for President, Secretary-Treasurer, or VPs, but there were more than three candidates for Trustee so we had to vote to decide who they were. If you’ve chosen your Local officers well, they will represent your interests when voting for the GEB.

The General Executive Board is the last stop in the appeals process should a member exhaust all other steps in the appeal process for disciplinary action by the Local. They also have the legislative authority to amend the International Constitution by unanimous vote; such changes are then sent to the Locals so they can ensure their Local Constitutions are in compliance.

Next time I’ll  get into Local 26’s Executive Board and responsibilities, so members can make informed decisions when they choose to nominate or second a nomination for any given position at the September General Membership meeting. But until then…

Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME OR MASK UP. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

IATSE Structure, Departments, and Represented Crafts

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Members and non-members alike have sometimes been confused by how the IATSE works. Obviously we all know we do live and recorded events (when there isn’t a pandemic), but there is a whole lot more involved in working through the IA than that. There are different departments overseen by different Vice Presidents of the IA, there is a definite hierarchy that goes from the newest probationary worker all the way to the International President, and the IA represents dozens of crafts within the entertainment industry. I’m going to try to explain how all that works for those who may have been wondering.

 

Structure

At the lowest level are the 375+ individual union locals in the United States and Canada. They were organized to represent entertainment workers in either a geographic location, a specific craft, or both. Locals are assigned numbers usually based on when they were formed, but that isn’t the only factor. Sometimes Locals merge, sometimes they disband if their work disappears permanently, etc. Local 26 has a large geographical jurisdiction through merging over time with other Locals in the area. Locals typically have a membership meeting monthly.

A directory of all the Locals in the IA can be found here.

One level up from Locals are Districts. There are 13 geographical districts between the United States and Canada. Each District has a Secretary who is responsible for maintaining financial records as well as the District’s activities, and serves as the coordinator for the individual Locals that make up the District. Districts conventions must be held every two years, although many choose to meet annually.

Next level is the International. It is made up of the President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and 13 Vice Presidents. This is known as the General Executive Board, or GEB. Of the Vice Presidents, two must come from Canadian Locals, one from the West Coast Studio production Locals, one from the Special Department Locals, and the rest can come from anywhere in the IA. There are also three International Trustees, whose responsibility is to review the financial activities of the International. The GEB oversees all national contracts of the IA.

The International officers and trustees are elected every four years at the International Convention by the delegates from all the Locals in the IA who attend. As with regular elections, the number of delegates each Local may send to the Convention is determined by how many members they have. There are also several Committees made from Delegates to handle the business brought before the Convention. During the Quadrennial Convention, each Craft in the IA will caucus (meet separately) to discuss common issues of importance to them but that don’t necessarily apply to the IA as a whole.

If you’d like more detail about structure, the International has put together an excellent explanation here.

Departments

There are eight Departments within the IA:

  • First is Stagecraft, which concerns live events in various forms throughout the United States and Canada.
  • The Motion Picture & TV Production department concentrates on all technical aspects of recorded productions.
  • The Tradeshow department as I’m sure you can guess deals primarily with tradeshows and conventions.
  • The Canadian department of course looks after the Locals in Canada and helps them organize, and concentrates on national issues such as benefits. Since Canada has the same array of crafts as the US, the Canadian department works closely with the others.
  • The Education & Training department oversees, supports, and searches out all educational opportunities for workers in the IA. They are closely involved with several other organizations to keep up with changing technology, and operate an outreach program for high school students to foster interest in the IA.
  • Social media, website, email, and coordinating with other Departments is handled by the Communications department. They form both a formal and informal means of communicating between Locals and also between Locals and the International. Additionally, they provide materials to help Locals communicate better with their membership, especially with modern means of communication.
  • The Broadcast department oversees Locals that represent television, live broadcast, and live sports broadcast. Their responsibility is to help organize everything from local TV stations to national sports networks.
  • Finally, the Political and Legislative department ensures IATSE workers have a voice in the political process. They work with the IATSE PAC and encourage Locals in grassroots efforts so our needs are not ignored by elected officials. They also keep members aware of upcoming issues that directly affect the industry, so they can exercise their voices and votes.

Again, if you would like more detail, the IA has put together another page of explanations here.

Represented Crafts

This gets very involved, but I’ll try to keep it as simple as possible and give you the ones you’re most likely to run into. At the back of every Quarterly Bulletin is a listing of all the crafts represented by the IA and their different letter designations. Local 26 is a Mixed local (M), which means we technically represent workers from all crafts, although we don’t necessarily have workers from every craft at any given time. Most Locals that represent specific crafts are found in large cities, although not all of them.

  • M: Mixed locals, such as Local 26 and 274 (Central and Northern Michigan, usually just referred to as Lansing).
  • S: Stage Employee locals, such as Local 38 in Detroit.
  • TWU: Theatrical Wardrobe Union, such as Local 786 in Detroit.
  • MPP,VT&CT: Motion Picture Projectionists, Video and Computer Technicians, such as Local 199 in Detroit.
  • T&T: Treasurers and Ticket Sellers, such as Local 757 in Detroit.
  • T: Theatre Employees – Special Departments, such as Local B179 in Detroit.
  • TBSE: Television Broadcasting Studio Employees
  • AE: Arena Employees
  • MAHS: Makeup Artists & Hair Stylists
  • C: Camerapersons

There are a whole slew of designations specific to motion pictures, and dozens of others as well. For a complete list of all the crafts represented by the IATSE, click here.

Hopefully you’re not more confused than when you started!

Now the refrain: Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME OR MASK UP. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

Stress, Mental Health, Harassment, & Bullying Hazard Awareness Resources

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Recently, the IATSE offered a workshop titled “Stress, Mental Health, Harassment & Bullying Hazard Awareness”, which Jess Westra, the Local’s President and Chair of the Education and Safety Committee took. She said the workshop was a lot of statistics, and “made me feel like everywhere is better than America. We need to be better and stop being proud of our insane hours.” Now that we’re all experiencing involuntary down time, it seems like a good time to change our mindset and try to do better by ourselves.

One way to do that is to check out the incredible variety of resources available through the IA and other organizations specifically designed to help displaced workers get through any mental issues they may currently be experiencing and also ways to deal with problems that may occur when we (eventually) go back to work. The workshop provided a gigantic list of links to resources, which I will try to post a short explanation for each one (most will be quotes from their websites) so you have an idea if each one will help you or not.

Local 26 has created a Mental Health Support Group. If you are interested in participating, please send an email to local26mh@gmail.com. This is not intended to replace professional therapy or diagnosis, but to give workers a safe place to vent, share concerns, and help each other develop effective coping strategies. Confidence is strictly enforced.

IATSE Cares: “IATSE C.A.R.E.S. (Coronavirus Active Response and Engagement Service) is a new initiative designed to provide support to our most at-risk, elderly, and/or disabled members during the COVID-19 crisis. This website will also be used to provide information about future Mutual Aid efforts from the IATSE.”

Part of IATSE Cares that bears separate mention is the Buddy Up program. “IATSE C.A.R.E.S. created a buddy system where members can check in with one another while practicing social distancing. You can choose to have these conversations as frequently as you see fit, from every other day to once a month. Additionally, you may also opt for a one-time check-in.”

Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative: “Many people have become increasingly concerned about the rising number of suicides and the prevalence of alcohol/substance misuse within the entertainment industry. By its very nature our industry can impact your physical and emotional health due to long hours, pressure to push your body, and high workplace stress. In response, Behind the Scenes and other individuals and organizations have come together to create this initiative.”

HelpPro: Has created a searchable list of mental health professionals who either work (or have worked) in the entertainment industry themselves, or who have experience in counselling those who work in the industry.

iRel8 and Behind the Scenes: Partnership that produced “a mobile application that gives users an open and anonymous platform to receive mental health help, provide relevant advice to others, and relate to a larger community – all in a safe and non-identifiable way so a user’s reputation is not compromised in any way with friends, family members, or work colleagues.”

The Actors Fund: “Founded in 1882, The Actors Fund is a national human services organization here to meet the needs of our entertainment community with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Services include emergency financial assistance, affordable housing, health care and insurance counseling, senior care, secondary career development and more.”

Behind the Scenes Foundation: “Behind the Scenes was founded to provide assistance to entertainment technology professionals in need, no matter what color their skin, the language they speak, the religion they follow, or gender or sexuality they identify as. Our motto is, “Don’t leave your colleagues in the dark.” We want to shine a light into the dark corners of violence, hatred and injustice. We want to shine a light on this moment and the opportunity it represents; to become a better world that respects and protects the rights of every individual. A world that provides equal access to justice, economic opportunity, health care, and all-embracing social freedom.”

MusiCares: “MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly influence the health and welfare of the music community.”

Music Health Alliance: “Music Health Alliance serves all persons in the entertainment business nationwide in all genres of music who need assistance with medical bills or health guidance that includes finding doctors or prescription medicine, finding financial grants while recovering from a serious health issue, affordable health insurance, or answers to Medicare questions.”

American Psychological Association: Offers an extensive list of “COVID-19 resources for psychologists, health-care workers and the public.”

American Psychiatric Association : Provides resources for Patients and Families to “Learn about common mental disorders, including symptoms, risk factors and treatment options. Find answers to your questions written by leading psychiatrists, stories from people living with mental illness and links to additional resources.”

MentalHelp.net: “We’ve here collected resources concerned with helping people to manage disabilities. Given our psychological bent, where we’ve generated resources ourselves, they will focus on mental health in disability, although we’ve been much broader in selecting outside resources. We hope you’ll find this resource useful.”

Therapy for Black Girls: “The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.”

LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color (QTOC): “QTOC is a San Francisco/Bay Area grassroots, volunteer-led group providing support, networking, leadership development, and community building opportunities for LGBTQs of Color in Psychology, Social Work, and Counseling.” While they are in the SF/Bay Area, they do offer virtual services.

Mental Health America: “As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.” They have resources for different segments of the population to concentrate on their specific individual needs.

Drugwatch has published a guide on anxiety that covers: causes, common types, symptoms and tips for management/prevention titled “How to Deal with Anxiety”. It covers many reasons a person could feel anxiety, of course due to COVID-19, but also in general.

In Determining If You Need Drug Rehab Rehab Spot takes a look at the difference between tolerance, dependence, and addiction to drugs both legal and illegal, and offers several ways to get in touch with a rehab counselor should you feel you need one.

Social Work License Map has pulled together a collection of 60 digital resources for mental health help that “spans diagnostic tools, research portals, government organizations, nonprofits, blogs, and phone hotlines devoted to addressing issues ranging from general mental illnesses and disorders such as autism, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse, to the specific needs of diverse populations, including LGBTQ youth, minorities, women, and veterans.”

The Addiction Center recently published an article explaining how depression affects addiction, and also explains the difference between the different types of depression. Additionally, their website features many other sections about mental health and addiction.

There are also several phone numbers (and some you can text) for help dealing with whatever is bothering you. Sometimes it’s easier to reach out to someone anonymously over the phone or by text than to talk to someone you know or with whom you are face to face. However you feel comfortable talking to someone, please do so.

  • The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
  • National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233.
  • Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
  • Family Violence Helpline: 1-800-996-6228
  • Crisis Text Line: Text REASON to 741741
  • National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency: 1-800-622-2255
  • GLBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678 (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning—LGBTQ—young people under 25.)
  • Mental Health America Hotline: Text MHA to 741741
  • The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453
  • Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE
  • Crisis Text Line From US & Canada: text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

We are all in this together, but we are all at different places mentally, financially, and physically. Please don’t feel you are alone, and please don’t feel you just need to “tough it out”. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… THERE IS NO SHAME IN NEEDING HELP. Reach out. There is help available, a lot of it for free. Don’t try to go it alone; there’s no need. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Even if you don’t currently experience issues with depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, talking to someone can make you feel less disconnected from the world while we are out of work. A friend has called me a couple of times just to chat and see how I’m doing, and it’s made a huge difference in how I feel. And a lot of these resources will be helpful when we do get back to work, whenever that may be.

Now, what do we say?

Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME OR MASK UP. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

Father’s Day Colouring Fun!

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Family is Important

Traditionally, a family consisted of a mother, father, and children. Many families still do! But the definition of “family” has expanded to include all sorts of combinations, traditional or not. You may have noticed the IA has started addressing the membership (one type of family) as “Brothers, Sisters, Kin”. That’s because our leadership is aware of and in support of the changing societal landscape of families. Love is love is love. And since it’s not only Father’s Day but Pride Month, embracing all types of family structure is even more important.

With that in mind, and as a means of promoting a little fun and creativity, Local 26 is pleased to present to you Father’s Day colouring pages! There are biological fathers, fathers who have adopted, fostered, made a difference in someone’s life, and/or served as a role model. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours, religions, genders, gender preferences, and nationalities. They may not even know you feel about them the way you do. What a perfect time to let them know, and without having to head out to a store or add yet another tie to their collection!

 

Fun and a Way to Relieve Stress

Thanks to Jess Westra (First Vice-President and Chair of the Education and Safety Committee as well as wearing a whole host of other hats at various times), here you’ll find printable PDF colouring pages, ranging from toddler easy to grownup difficult, all with the same basic message: Thank you for who you are, what you do, and everything you mean to me. Make one for whoever in your life has filled the role of “Dad” for you, and have fun doing it. Something handmade means more than buying something because you have to. It means you care enough to spend a bit of time creating something just for them.

Couldn’t we all use a bit of happy about now? Check out the black and white images below, print your favourites (or all of them, why not?), and grab your crayons, coloured pencils, markers… whatever you prefer. Create something for a special person and share the happy. You won’t regret it, and you’ll end up making someone’s day!

We’d love to see your creations! Upload to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and use #IA26FathersDay to spread the love even further.

What are you waiting for? Get Colouring!

Also, and you knew I was going to say it… Be safe. Be well. Stay home or cover your mouth and nose when you go out. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

Add Some Colour to Your Mother’s Day

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Family is Important

Traditionally, a family consisted of a mother, father, and children. Many families still do! But the definition of “family” has expanded to include all sorts of combinations, traditional or not. You may have noticed the IA has started addressing the membership (one type of family) as “Brothers, Sisters, Kin”. That’s because our leadership is aware of and in support of the changing societal landscape of families. Love is love is love.

With that in mind, and as a means of promoting a little fun and creativity, Local 26 is pleased to present to you Mother’s Day colouring pages! There are mothers who gave birth, adopted, fostered, made a difference in someone’s life, and/or served as a role model. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours, religions, genders, and nationalities. They may not even know you feel about them the way you do. What a perfect time to let them know, and without having to head out to a store or buy overpriced flowers!

 

Fun and a Way to Relieve Stress

Thanks to Jess Westra (First Vice-President and Chair of the Education and Safety Committee as well as wearing a whole host of other hats at various times), here you’ll find printable PDF colouring pages, ranging from toddler easy to grownup difficult, all with the same basic message: Thank you for who you are, what you do, and everything you mean to me. Make one for whoever in your life has filled the role of “Mom” for you, and have fun doing it. Something handmade means more than buying something because you have to. It means you care enough to spend a bit of time creating something just for them.

Couldn’t we all use a bit of happy about now? Check out the black and white images below, print your favourites (or all of them, why not?), and grab your crayons, coloured pencils, markers… whatever you prefer. Create something for a special person and share the happy. You won’t regret it, and you’ll end up making someone’s day!

We’d love to see your creations! Upload to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and use #IA26MothersDay to spread the love even further.

What are you waiting for? Get Colouring!

Also, and you knew I was going to say it… Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

Need Some Help Managing Your Stress and/or Depression?

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One of the most important things to monitor during times of uncertainty and stress is your mental health. I know I’ve talked about this repeatedly, but it really is so very important. Your mental health can directly affect your physical health, and from there it’s a quick slide down a greased chute to some pretty serious problems.

Many people who never before suffered from depression or anxiety are exhibiting symptoms since COVID-19 became widespread. There is no precedent, there is no certainty, there are no good answers, no one knows what will come next or how long it will last, and it’s anybody’s guess when someone might develop a vaccine so we can maybe return to normal life. Those who already suffered from depression or anxiety or both are often even worse off since the current situation exacerbates their existing condition. Add to that most of us can’t see our doctors and are worried about keeping health insurance so we can when we’re allowed, and it’s a recipe for what seems to be certain disaster.

That can be true, but it does NOT have to be. The insurance worry has been alleviated for those covered under the IATSE Heath and Welfare plans, at least for the second and third quarters, and possibly for the fourth as well once we get closer. Unemployment, while it doesn’t cover everyone, eases a bit of the financial pressure for a while. And say what you will about the federal stimulus checks, they certainly came in handy for a great number of people.

For me personally, my therapist has been holding video sessions through a secure app, so we can continue as normal. But until unemployment got sorted out, I was afraid to go deeper in debt and I missed an entire month of weekly sessions, which made my already existing depression and anxiety exponentially worse. So I get it. I know where you’re coming from, and I understand how debilitating it can be. There were days I didn’t move off my couch even to eat. There are still frequently days when I sleep for upwards of 15 hours at a stretch. Mental illness, whether temporary or not, is no joke.

It’s not hopeless!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is NOT a train! There are multiple things you can do even without a therapist to get yourself out of a depressive cycle that are surprisingly easy. Not everything works for everyone, so I’m going to get into a few different things in hopes all of you will find something that appeals to you.

The food you eat directly affects how you feel

There are several foods highly recommended for dealing with stress. I know a lot of us have been snacking and eating comfort food and generally not being at all healthy, and it’s taking a toll on our mental health. Foods that combat stress that actually work are things like herbal teas, whole grains, avocados, fish, nuts, citrus fruits, berries, foods high in fiber and probiotics, and even dark chocolate! Eating healthy in general can help us feel better, but these things in particular top the list for those with stress and anxiety. If you want comfort food, go for a bowl of oatmeal topped with berries instead of a pan of macaroni and cheese. If you want something sweet, make it dark chocolate. Both your body and mind will thank you for it.

Many of the same foods recommended to alleviate anxiety are also recommended to ease depression. It makes sense as the two often go hand in hand, but there are some additional foods that are specifically shown to help with depression.

Foods high in Selenium: whole grains, organ meats, and some seafood. Foods high in Vitamin D: fortified dairy products, oily fish, eggs, and beef liver. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids: chia and flax seeds, cold water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), and walnuts. Foods high in antioxidants: berries, soy, most fresh fruits and vegetables, and pretty much any edible plant product. Foods high in B vitamins: eggs, poultry, oysters, milk, whole grains, nuts, dark leafy vegetables, and beans. Foods high in protein: chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tuna, and turkey. Foods high in Zinc: nuts, pumpkin seeds, beef, poultry, pork, oysters, and whole grains. And of course foods with probiotics like yogurt.

There are also some foods you should definitely avoid if you’re prone to depression. Alcohol, junk food, fast food, processed foods and oils, caffeine (which seems counter-intuitive, but that’s because most people overdo it instead of consuming it in moderation). These things can make your depression worse without you even realizing it.

Practicing mindfulness can help in many different ways

Every time I hear “mindfulness” I automatically translate it to “meditation”. While meditation is one thing you can do, it is by no means the only thing. There are probably a lot of you, like me, who find it impossible to meditate, and that’s OK! Try some other things instead. Did you know there is a whole section on LinkedIn Learning full of classes both short and long on different ways to practice mindfulness? Since all IATSE workers (members or not) are eligible for a free subscription to LinkedIn Learning, why not check it out? An easy, online application is available through the IATSE Training Trust Fund.

An organization called simply Mindful offers a list of five simple mindfulness practices for your everyday life, all of which can continue to be helpful even after this particular crisis is over. PsychCentral has some simple 1-minute mindfulness exercises as well, many of which I’ve been using for quite a while without knowing they were actually a thing. Any or all of the things you’ll find at any of these sources (and this is just a sample, there are plenty more online) can help you get through tough times, and with such a wide variety of options there is something for everyone.

Colouring!

Recently there has been an incredible upsurge in adult colouring books and printable sheets as people realize the simple joy of creating something pretty can ease incredible amounts of stress. Whether you choose complicated designs or prefer a children’s colouring book, there is something about taking a black and white outline and making it uniquely yours that is soothing. Plus, you then have something pretty you could hang up if you want! There are of course hundreds of colouring books you can buy, but several websites are offering free printable sheets as well if you just want to get your feet wet without spending a lot of money.

For example, Crayola has several different types of printable pages, all free, ranging from simple to difficult. A website called fittingly enough Just Color has 1500+ different designs you can print for free and colour as you wish. And one a friend just showed me the other day is World Wildlife Fund, which doesn’t have a lot of sheets, but the ones they do have are beautiful. Again, this is just a representative sample… there are hundreds of sites offering free printable colouring sheets.

I won’t link to any because I try to keep family-friendly, but there are also a large number of “sweary” colouring books for adults. I just bought one that is a snarky, cursing holiday theme. There are many others, some of them better than others.

Tips for reducing anxiety and stress

All of the above things are excellent ways to reduce your stress, depression, and anxiety. But I want to recap and add a few more, just to show there are almost endless options. The best part about that is you should be able to easily find something that works for you. Not everyone is the same, not everyone suffers the same, and not everyone can find relief the same.

Going back to PsychCentral, they have assembled a quick list entitled 9 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Right Here, Right Now. They may work for you, they may not. Personally, I find the very first one the most helpful: Take a deep breath. It forces you to stop for a second, which often interrupts the flow of panic. It’s also a lovely way to relax enough to fall asleep. If you’re an Android user, there is an app called Sleeping Pill I’ve found to be very helpful at night.

Psychology Today has put together a list of 21 tips they claim can “Change Your Anxiety Forever”. I don’t know about forever, but immediate relief certainly isn’t all bad. And if it does last forever, great! You’ll find some of the same things here that are in the PsychCentral article, but several more as well.

CBDCentral recently called my attention to an article they published which has some good information if you’d like to look into CBD Oil for Anxiety. I have no personal experience and don’t claim to have medical knowledge, but you can certainly make your own decision.

I’m going to add one of my own, that I’ve been doing for about six years now. At the end of every day, I find three positive things that happened that day. I call them “Today’s Positives”, and I post them on Facebook as a way of keeping myself accountable for doing it. When I first started it was like pulling teeth, and I more than once fell back on, “I have a home, I have clothes, and I have food.” But as time goes by, you retrain your brain to look for the good instead of the bad. There are some days I write entirely too many things. There are still days when I’m having a hard time that I keep it to the bare minimum. But it’s a thing recommended by therapists and other medical professionals, and it really does work.

In conclusion

With any luck at all, you’ve been able to find something in this post that can help you. Additionally, don’t forget about the resources and partnerships the IATSE has made available to you, such as the peer-to-peer chat app Be Scene – Be Heard and the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder. Also of use is the Self-Assessment Tool put together by Behind the Scenes as a way to help you figure out with what aspect of your mental health you most need help. I would be remiss if I did not also mention IATSE C.A.R.E.S., specifically created to “provide support to our most at-risk, elderly, and/or disabled members during the COVID-19 crisis”.

I’m also going to include some toll-free phone numbers here.

  • The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
  • National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233.
  • Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
  • Family Violence Helpline: 1-800-996-6228
  • Crisis Text Line: Text REASON to 741741
  • National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency: 1-800-622-2255
  • GLBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
  • The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678 (Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning—LGBTQ—young people under 25.)
  • Mental Health America Hotline: Text MHA to 741741
  • The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: (800) 422-4453
  • Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE

We are all in this together, but we are all at different places mentally, financially, and physically. Please don’t feel you are alone, and please don’t feel you just need to “tough it out”. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… THERE IS NO SHAME IN NEEDING HELP. Reach out. There is help available, a lot of it for free. Don’t try to go it alone; there’s no need. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I’d like to see all of you when we are finally back to work!

Now, what do we say?

Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

BTS Launches New Peer-to-Peer Chat App “Be Scene – Be Heard”

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This one is not written by me at all… I received an email and am simply copying and pasting the information here. Please make sure you take care of your mental health in addition to social distancing and avoiding unnecessary trips out of the house!

As always… Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME! And always remember to wash your hands.

As part of our goal to help you look after your mental health and well being we are pleased to announce Be Scene – Be Heard, a 24/7/365 anonymous, peer-to-peer chat app for those who work behind the scenes.

It’s often hard to talk with family and friends about how you’re feeling and what may be troubling you, but you might not feel quite ready to see a mental health professional. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who don’t know you, but who can relate because they’re in this industry too. They get the crazy hours, the pressures of getting the show on every night or the right shot on set, and the void felt when the gig is over.

That’s why we’ve partnered with iRel8 to launch Be Scene – Be Heard. A platform to interact with your peers, talk about what’s on your mind, find comfort and knowledge from one another, and, perhaps, offer insight to someone who is going through something you already have. Chats are instantly translatable into 54 languages. Wherever you are, Whenever you need it, for Whatever is on your mind.

Signing up for the Be Scene – Be Heard App is easy! All you need is a real email address to get started, regardless of whether or not it identifies you. To show appreciation for helping steer our efforts by participating in the survey, we’re pleased to offer you a special promotion. The first 300 people that sign up will receive free access through July 2020, after which the cost is just $0.99 a month – a less than $12 a year investment in your mental wellness. Sign up today at  https://irel8.org/behind-the-scenes-irel8-special-offer.

To start you will find a “room” for general conversation and one for industry resources. As participation grows, sub-groups will be formed for more focused discussion on topics such as depression, sobriety, women in the industry, LGBTQ+, etc. Participants will be able to create their own groups as they see fit (i.e. wardrobe, riggers, gaffers, etc.) and conduct one-on-one chats within the app, giving you the ability to create and tailor your own safe spaces.

While Be Scene – Be Heard is a great way to find and lend peer to peer support, it not a crisis hot line. If you or someone you care about is in danger of harming yourself or someone else you should call 911 or reach out to one of the 24/7/365 resources at btshelp.org/resources.

So many of you expressed a desire to assist with the mental health initiative, we need your help here to create a true online community for our industry to turn to, ask for, or provide assistance, insight, comfort, and support. Please join us today and Be Scene – Be Heard!

Sign up today at  https://irel8.org/behind-the-scenes-irel8-special-offer.

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health Steering Committee

Homeschooling Can be Fun… Honest!

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Obviously many of you did not choose homeschooling, and now here you are. Yes, a great number of schools are holding class via Zoom or other software, and of course schools sent work home with the kids that they’re supposed to do while they’re home. I can’t help you figure out New Math, and I certainly can’t tell you to ignore the requirements you’ve been given for your child.

What I can do, however, is show you ways to think outside the box so you can not only teach your kids valuable things, but also get things done around your house. Everybody wins!

Take cooking, for example. Cooking is math, and it’s also reading comprehension. There are fractions all over the place in cooking! Depending on the age of your kids, you could have them choose a recipe and make it (with supervision). Another fun one is to have your kids think of something they love to eat, and then write a recipe how to make it. If you’ve got more than one kid, have them exchange recipes and try to make food following them as written. Explain to them how fractions work, and convert cups to ounces, etc. Not only did you teach them something, you also get a meal out of it!

Laundry. Since I do a great deal of laundry for shows, I pretty frequently hear, “it’s just laundry, how hard can it be?” I admit, it’s not hard. You just have to follow the rules and you’ll be fine. Now is a lovely time to have your kids start doing their own laundry! Have them read the tags, separate items appropriately, and wash and dry them how they’re supposed to. If your kids are old enough, teach them to iron! These are valuable life skills, and an astonishing number of people don’t know how to do them.

Cleaning! Cleaning can be science. Explain what different cleaning chemicals do, which ones can be mixed, which ones should never be mixed, and how much to use for any given project. Make sure they’re aware of those that should only be used in a well-ventilated area and those that require protective clothing, and why. Look up how much bacteria can live on various surfaces and how long it can live if left alone. Also, while I’m sure you have, make sure they know the proper way to wash their hands and for how long.

Washing dishes. Many of you I’m sure have a dishwasher, and that’s fine. But you can teach them how to scrape and rinse. How to sort. How to be safe when handling sharp knives. How to load a dishwasher properly. They can also dry and put away dishes, which will help when you have them start cooking more.

Yard work? Why not? I’m having to stretch a little here, but… Any leaves left in your yard will have started to break down by now, and new leaves should be budding. Circle of life! If you’re going to garden, have them help choose what plants, where to put them, which ones work well next to one another (and which ones do not), and ways to protect them from pests. You don’t have to have a yard for a garden, just an outdoor space where you can put some pots. Watching something go from a seed to something on their dinner plate is a good way to teach your kids to appreciate the work that goes into feeding everyone, and it’s also more likely they’ll eat healthier if they grow it themselves. Additionally, being tasked with taking care of a garden teaches them responsibility.

If you’ve got a yard, or can get to an outdoor space, learn about the various plants, flowers, and trees. Plan a daily walk around your neighbourhood, and maybe change up which ways you go so you see different things. Find a safe place to watch any construction going on and see how that works.

Play games! It’s not all drudgery. Many kids’ games are already geared toward teaching them in a fun way so they don’t even notice they’re learning. Anything with dice and pieces to move teaches numbers and counting. There are numerous memory games to keep their brains active. Some games help with spelling, others with math, and all of them with teaching patience, waiting your turn, and following rules.

Read to them. I assume as good parents you already are, but reading to your children is a great way to spark their imaginations. It’s also what I’ve always called travelling in my mind, as books take you places you can’t go right now. If your kids are older, have them read books themselves and then discuss with them what they’ve read. It’ll get your kids talking to you, and you’ll get some insight into how their brains work, both from the books they choose and how they interpret them.

You know your kids best, and now is your opportunity to let them learn how they want to. If your child loves to draw, let them draw! If they play a musical instrument, have them practice daily. You can have them put on shows, or write their own stories, or create their own games. Whatever your child loves to do, encourage them. School at home does not have to follow the strict guidelines of school at school.

The world will not end if your child is bored. They may think so, and they may make you feel like it with their whining, but it’s really not so bad. Some of my most creative projects have come when I’m bored, because all I have to think about is something to do. When I was little I used to spend hours sorting the buttons in my grandma’s button can. I’d sort beads, coins, anything like that. If they’re bored, DON’T let them watch TV or pick up a video game. They’ll figure something out.*

*I do not know your children. If yours are the type to invent new ways to blow something up or otherwise wreak havoc on your house, maybe letting them get too bored is a bad idea. I can only make general suggestions.

Have them keep a journal. I’ve seen this recommended for all of us. It seems counter-intuitive at a time when we’re “not doing anything”, but it’s a good time to write about your life, your hopes and dreams, how you’re handling what’s going on. Keep track of what you do every day, the feelings you have, fears, triumphs, and anything else you want. Not only is writing good practice for developing language, spelling, and grammar skills, but it’s a good way to take things that seem overwhelming and put them in a form where they can be dealt with. Share your journals and talk about the things in them. Your kids may surprise you.

Related to a journal, this is a thing I’ve been doing for years, and it helps my mental well-being. At the end of every day, find three positive things that happened, and write them down. They don’t have to be huge, earthshattering things, just good things that happened that day. Have everyone in the family make their list just before bedtime, and then share with each other. Not only will you all have to think of good things instead of dwelling on bad, but you’ll see what your family members find positive as well. And then you can work on doing more of those things, if it’s possible.

This is a big one. Don’t try to make your kid do school at home for the same number of hours they do school at school. Set a timer when you start a lesson. When it goes off, take a break. Do some jumping jacks. Take a walk. Have a snack. Do any kind of exercise. Play Simon Says. Have them walk the dog. Anything to keep it interesting and to break up the monotony for them. They’ll come back more able to concentrate on the next lesson.

Remember, anything can teach you something. Challenge your kids, and challenge yourself. Read books a bit above their normal level. Do puzzles that are a little harder than usual. Come up with a photography challenge. Create your own word searches or scavenger hunts. While you’re on your daily walk, see how many things you can find that start with a certain letter. The possibilities are endless, and not all of them are found in a textbook.

Having said that… Please also make sure your kids do work as assigned by their teachers and schools. Creating your own curriculum is great, but they’ll still need to be in the same place as their peers when they do finally go back to school. Just make it fun. Your kids will appreciate it.

Now, what do we say?

Be safe. Be well. STAY HOME. And as always… WASH YOUR HANDS!

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