The organizing work I've done over the past two years has shown me the importance of working in collaboration with other entertainment unions so that we can continue to improve conditions for all of the membership and prepare for the challenge of contract talks in 2011.

The journey that brought me here began a year ago with Hollywood Walk to the Docks where for 3 days I marched with fellow union members from Southern California in the fight for the expansion and preservation of union jobs with livable wages.

I've walked and fought on behalf of the WGA, Teamsters, carwash employees, hotel workers and most recently in support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

I am a Screen Actor's Guild delegate to the AFL/CIO where I proudly serve alongside LA AFTRA President Ron Morgan, IATSE International representative Peter Marley and others. I've represented the interests of my fellow artists on several committees including MOVE (Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts) and Background. Since nearly two thirds of AFTRA members are dual card-holders I believe these experiences will prove invaluable to what I'm able to contribute as a member of the AFTRA board.

This past month I returned from New York where I proudly served as a member of the 2009 Joint Commercial Contract Negotiating Committee. Our committee was instrumental in bringing about solidarity between SAG and AFTRA in these negotiations. We were able to disagree, discuss and show respect for different points of view. By addressing the unique needs of each branch of the membership we made ourselves stronger as a whole. We put past differences aside, we worked together, and we secured a commercial contract that both National Boards recommended unanimously.

I'm passionate about outreach to all membership no matter the medium in which they perform. I believe that organizing is vital to our future. The WGA proved this. The commercial contract proved this. And now, as AFTRA moves forward to prepare for our future, it is proving this too. Factionalism won't get us there.

If I've learned anything over the past year it's simply this:

Empowering members and prospective members with information, opportunity and a belief that their voice matters is key to our union's future.

It's a future where minorities, the disabled, broadcasters, Spanish language artists, stunt performers, background and others know they'll be protected, have insurance and actually be able to earn a living while being a member of a union.

It's a future that demands we continue to organize. This is my passion. This is my experience.

If we're going to face the challenges of tomorrow head on we need new voices that are passionate, flexible, challenge the status quo, and are willing to fight for all of our rights. I believe I am such a voice. And I'm asking for your vote.