Glad to oblige, Alice. I am a member of AFM Local 56. We have symphony orchestra, as well as club gig members. It costs me nothing to be a member. Let me explain. My dues are $105.00 per year. The International has a Performing Arts Trust. This is a trust that is funded by the Industry. It is used to bridge the philosophical problems involved in performing in venues that are for the public at large, for which no entry fee is charged. The problem that arises is that Musicians Union members are philosophically opposed to giving away the fruits of their labor. To bring this back around to where it started, when I perform at these venues, the Trust pays me scale which about equals my yearly dues on just one gig. I get several of these a year. In addition to this, we are a hiring hall. So whenever someone comes to town and needs a specific type of act, they are given the names of the members who perform these types of gigs. This usually accounts for another half dozen gigs a year. I file my contracts for these gigs with the Local and if the contractor tries to stiff me, the Local Union uses its Attorney to collect. One of these a year and I am far ahead. And as any performing artist knows, this is not unusual. And I can negotiate whatever rate I want, and they will collect it for me. I also file my club/pub/bar contracts. They collect on these as well. In fact, this is where the Union is used more often. Once in a while a club owner doesn't want to sign the Union contract. I won't perform if this is the case. It is a pretty good indicator to me that it is an unreliable owner. I have never been blacklisted, and get more offers than I agree to do. That old bullshit about being blacklisted is not true in the least for me. In addition to these advantages, there is a set of benefits that would be worth the cost of joining if none of the foregoing were in the mix. The Union has a pension plan that is returning 2 and 1/2 to 1 for any contributions I make from my gigs. Additionally, there is a group all risk insurance policy that has wonderful rates. It covers any piece of my equipment that I choose to cover right down to scores and picks. As long as I have detailed it on the policy it is covered. $10,000 worth of coverage costs me a little over a $100.00 a year. This is what convinced my other band members to join. Recently we were ripped off for our mainspeakers, a bass amp and assorted gear. Had we had the insurance for about a $100 we could have saved ourselves about $3,000. This coverage will cover anything from bad weather to theft to flood to dropping your equipment just plain forgetting your equipment outside. It covers instruments, scores, associated gear, cables, ......everything. It is a bargain in terms of cost as well. I checked out getting this type of coverage on my own and the cost was astronomical. And full of exceptions. As long as you comply with their rules, and it is not difficult, you will have no problems. I know of a number of musicians who have collected. Just imagine one of your instruments getting broken or stolen and you get the picture. I have not even begun to talk about other benefits such as seminars. I attended one recently at no cost that dealt with recording methods and then marketing methods for your CD's that was invaluable. It was free to members and there was a charge for non-members.

Local 1000 is a local that was created to deal with the special needs of travelling musicians. I am considering switching to it.

So there is a slightly different take on the AFM for you. I hope it helps you in your decision.

All the best,

Mick