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BILL BITES:
Action Man
Issue #19, by Bill Russell
Former comic book writer Mike Friedrich has a passion for activism.
As a long-time associate member of our NorCal chapter, Friedrich
has been a driving force behind many of our hot issue actions.
As a sure, steady and articulate guide, he brought us through
our successful repeal of the unfair California sales tax on graphic
art. As our Guild Advocacy Committee representative, he helped
the lobbying effort in Washington to try to gain collective bargaining rights
for freelancers. Friedrich believes the Graphic Artists Guild has power. “When
every freelancer is just a little active, things get done”, he says.
Friedrich believes activism starts with the individual, but he also understands
the potential and the sustained power of collective contributions.
It’s in the Guild’s mission statement to work to
raise industry standards and improve the ability of visual creators
to achieve satisfying and rewarding careers. Our most successful
activism in California was for the repeal of the unfair tax on
graphic art. It took seven years, $80,000, the energies of many
members, fax and letter writing campaigns, legislative actions,
lobbying efforts, court hearings, partnerships with allied organizations,
and joining an amicus curiae brief. Our actions worked. Friedrich
believes Guild members are unique, “Our membership offers
passion, intelligence and creativity”, he says. “We
can be effective and artful at the same time. The best example
of that was the All-Rights Refusniks singing Lloyd Dangle’s
inventive song and dance routines about Knight Ridder’s
work-for-hire contracts.”
Friedrich’s advice to our chapter and its Steering Committee
reads like a protest sign: “Listen to member issues.” “Ask
what your goal is.” “Create a campaign.” “Start
locally and start connecting.” “Keep your eye on
the ball.” “Have fun and save the world”. It
sounds to me like there’s work to be done.
There will always be advocacy issues to fight for. Check out
the National Guild’s Advocacy page to see what the Guild
is fighting for. (link: http://www.gag.org/activities/advocacy.php)
There may very well be issues and causes you can lend your support
to. You might be good at it, like Mike Friedrich. He liked organizing
people for action so much that he changed careers and became
a union organizer for the University
Professional and Technical Employees - CWA 9119 at UC Berkeley.
Comments, etc. to Bill@Billustration.com
Photo credit: Lee Marrs
BILL RUSSELL
A Guild member for 20 years, Bill has been a freelance illustrator
for over 25 years in Toronto, New York and the Bay Area. He
taught illustration at California College of the Arts (formerly
CCAC) for eight years and been a staff artist at the San Francisco
Chronicle for six years. His contributions to various Guild
efforts include volunteering on the North Bay Luncheon Committee, a successful
North Bay Sales Tax event, the Outreach Committee, and the Repeal of the California
Sales Tax on artwork. Bill is one of the original All-Rights Refusniks.
To view his work and other musings, visit www.Billustration.com
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