PolicyMy Platform

There was a time when the AFM was home to over 300,000 members. Today we are a little under 60,000. The future of our union depends on organizing freelance musicians, emerging music sectors, and workers in music-related industries where union density remains low.

Too many professional musicians work without contracts, protections, healthcare access, pension contributions, or meaningful representation. Modern organizing strategies that reflect how musicians actually work today are our only real chance to grow and empower more working musicians. 

I will advocate for:

• Strong national organizing support for locals
• Coordinated campaigns targeting theater and emerging music sectors
• Resources for our new Freelance Musicians Association’s Initiatives
• Greater engagement with younger musicians and independent artists

If we are not growing, we are losing ground.

Every musician deserves to work in an environment that is professional, respectful, and free from harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and abuse.

Too many musicians have experienced workplaces where harmful behavior is minimized, ignored, or left unaddressed out of fear, power imbalance, or institutional inertia. A strong union must not only protect wages and contracts; it must also help protect the dignity and safety of its members.

Creating safer workplaces requires clear policies, meaningful accountability, proper training, and systems that members trust.

I will advocate for:

• Strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination standards
• Clear reporting and investigative procedures
• Training and education for union leaders
• Protections against retaliation for members who come forward
• Support resources for musicians affected by harassment or discrimination in the workplace
• Workplace cultures grounded in professionalism and mutual respect

This work must be approached thoughtfully, fairly, and with due process for everyone involved. But avoiding these issues does not protect solidarity. Addressing them responsibly does.

Our union can lead by example in creating workplaces where all musicians can perform and work with dignity, safety, and respect.

Our union cannot effectively serve 21st century musicians using outdated systems and fragmented technology.

We need modern digital infrastructure that supports communication, organizing, data management, and member services.

I support:

• A Technology Task Force to audit AFM technology
• Modernized member databases and communication systems
• Better digital tools for locals
• Improved online member engagement
• Streamlined administrative systems
• Technology that supports organizing and mobilization

Modernizing our technology means giving our union the tools it needs to compete and grow.

Strong locals are the foundation of a strong international union. We need to make sure Small Locals have the ability to meet Federation requirements.

Small Local officers are often overwhelmed managing negotiations, grievances, compliance, finances, communications, and member engagement, not to mention the labor intensive task of organizing. Many local officers work for no compensation. All work for less than they’re worth.

I will work for:

• Better training and onboarding for local officers
• International support for any changing requirements
• More technology and infrastructure support for small locals
• Sharing successful strategies across the Federation
• Faster and more transparent support systems
• Better support engagement with other local officers

Local leaders should not feel isolated when confronting major challenges.

Members deserve leadership that communicates clearly, acts transparently, and remains accountable.

Trust in labor organizations is built through honesty, responsiveness, and meaningful member engagement. As leaders we must listen carefully, communicate openly, and make decisions that strengthen solidarity across the Federation.

I believe in:

• Clear and consistent communication
• Transparent decision-making
• Respectful collaboration
• Financial responsibility
• Leadership that is accessible to members and locals alike

A strong union requires a strong culture of trust.