This American Life Theme List

From the fabulous folks at TAL. Pitch away!
-mia

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Dear This American Life friends and contributors,

We've got a new round of themes-in-progress and we're coming to you for story pitches, thoughts and suggestions for our upcoming shows.
How this process works: When you send in a story idea to me, I'll respond with a generic email letting you know that I received your pitch and that I've read it. I promise. I read every pitch. (I won't send you the auto response until I've read your pitch so expect a day or two delay sometimes to get that email.) If we think the pitch is right for us, or if we need more information from you, I'll send you another email asking for more info on the story or letting you know we'd like to commission the story. But if you don't hear back from us within two weeks, beyond the initial auto-reply email, it means the story just isn't right for us or for the needs of that particular show. The idea of doing it this way is just to get through pitches and get back to everyone a little more quickly.

Like always, these themes are shows we're actively pursuing right now but we're always on the lookout for new stories or ideas. So if you've got a story that you think would work especially well for us but doesn't fit a specific theme listed below, please send it along anyway.

Thanks so much for your pitches. All of us here are very appreciative.

Best,

Julie
(julie@thislife.org)

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: For this show we’re seeking stories about communities, large and small, where people are engaged in some sort of struggle to change or protect their way of life. We have one story that explores this theme on a very personal level: It’s about a woman who develops an elaborate plan for how her autistic son will live without her after she dies. First she buys the house across the street from her so he can practice living on his own. Then she lobbies her town – neighbors, cops, people on Craigslist, basically anyone who will listen — to build a network of people who will look after him. We’d love to find a story that’s actually about a neighborhood watch group – even if it’s just one person single-handedly trying to look out for the block. Funny stories about nosy neighbors or other neighborhood conflicts would be great too.

CRY BABIES: (note: we’ve sent out this theme before but the show is coming up soon-ish and we’re still looking for a few more stories.) We’d like to do a show about people who have out-of-proportion responses to perceived wrongs. There’s always one cry baby – one member of the family or one person in the office. And what’s so galling is that being the cry baby almost always works. For a short-term strategy, it’s kind of brilliant. It’s just in the long term that it gets really annoying. We have one story for this show about disability activists in California who constantly sue businesses for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They're suing for totally legit violations, but some activists do it so often that they actually make a living off it. And some of the suits are over tiny infractions that could potentially be resolved without lawyers and money. But the thing is, being a crybaby in this situation is actually giving the ADA some real teeth that the law lacks. Political and sports stories are potential goldmines for crybaby stories, but smaller personal/family stories would be also be great. We're also hoping for some real tears on this show. Really whiny ones. So any ideas for situations or stories where either kids or adults are being crybabies would be nice. Maybe a time when you played the crybaby card or were unfairly labeled as one?

INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY: INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY: We have a story about a woman who has had cancer for 22 years. And the interesting thing, besides long surpassing the life expectancy of someone with cancer, is that her story is kind of the history of cancer treatment in this country. When she was first diagnosed, doctors recommended that people undergoing chemo wear this icepack hairnet so their hair wouldn't fall out (it didn't work). Since then, she's been through a barrage of different treatments including a bone marrow transplant, hormone treatments, and gene therapy. And each of her treatments is kind of a mini-history lesson in the promises, results, failures, and even outright lies that have occurred during the "War on Cancer." So we'd like to do a whole show about people whose personal stories tell the history of some larger idea or industry or movement. Maybe a personal court battle that tells the story of changing laws? Maybe a politician who's views have evolved or completely shifted over time? Maybe an immigrant who rides the shifting waves of immigration policy? The cancer story will be science related, but other non-health science stories could work. And it'd be great if we could have a story where someone really regrets positions they took or ideas they held.

MID-TERM ELECTIONS: For this show, we're looking for stories that get at some of the unique characteristics of this cycle. Some of these things are so heavily-trafficked it almost hurts to say them–but the anti-incumbent backlash, the fracturing and energizing caused by the Tea Party crowd, the role of the war and the economy, the sad lot of the Democrats who are obviously coming off of a high in 2008. We're looking for people, groups, and potentially races that somehow embody the complexity of what's happening. To that effect, we could use stories about anyone with a rich personal narrative that shines a light on the moment part of what this election cycle represents. We’re especially looking for local races – state reps, school boards – that might be interesting.

PETTY TYRANTS: We'd like stories about people who consolidate power in an unusual way, or get put in a position of power and then find themselves abusing it – either on purpose or because they can't help themselves. Or maybe a story of a well-meaning person who's in charge, but then makes a decision that spins out of control. For this show, we're interested in exploring: 1. How does a person start out like you and me, but then turn into a tyrant? What's the process? And 2. How do tyrants stay in power? We've got one story about a school janitor who somehow takes control of the entire school district's facilities, ingratiates himself with key higher-ups, becomes head of his union, and then proceeds to terrorize anyone who crosses him or even irritates him in any way. He keys their cars, throws paint on their houses, plants small bombs on their truck windshields. So what might be nice are more personal, or funny stories about someone who bullies other people – maybe not even a person but a company that controls everything, or a group; or even an unusual story about a real-life political tyrant somewhere – not a Stalin or a Kim Jong Il — but someone lesser known, like a small-town mayor or something, who quietly screwed his or her people. Maybe a story of someone who tried to stop a tyrant?

CLIMATE CHANGE: We have some great potential material for this show, but we still have room. Very generally, as you might expect, we need stories that don't feel like we've heard them before–which is hard when the topic is climate change. There's interesting work being done with ice melting, snow surveying, policy maneuvering… but in the current climate of ambient apathy, we're keenly aware that people have a hair trigger for tuning this subject out. In light of that, we're looking for people trying to solve problems in new ways or doing research in emerging areas. We're looking for stories that revolve around a single person/group with an interesting role in climate change. That might be a person who regulates something surprising, someone fighting an interesting court battle, or someone living with the effects of climate change in an interesting way. Going back to apathy, we are looking for a way to get at the malaise that seems to be hanging over country that goes something like "I know it's important, but I have other stuff to worry about, and even if I was going to do something I wouldn't know what to do. Thanks a bunch for reminding me the world sucks." We want to understand that.

KID JURY: In the late 80s H.R. Haldeman, Nixon’s chief of staff, showed up one day at the newly-opened Nixon Presidential Library and, weirdly, made his case to a bunch of junior high kids. Basically, he pleaded with them to see things from his perspective – that he was a scapegoat, that Watergate wasn’t really that bad, and that, besides, everything he did was because of love and loyalty to the President. The kids were confused not only because they didn’t really understand who in the hell H.R. Haldeman was but, also, they didn’t know what he wanted them to do about his plea – how was any of this their business? For this show, we’re looking for stories where kids are put in powerful positions and asked to make decisions, or take sides, or take action. Maybe stories where a group of kids have acted as judge and jury against an adult or a teacher or a parent. Or kids who all decide that one parent is the bad guy when the evidence clearly points to the other parent? Maybe a story about a kid who is uncomfortable with a big decision that is being left up to him or her? Interesting school councils or disciplinary committees could work well for this show, too. Also, we’re thinking of maybe assembling a jury of kids to weigh in on the big issues that are often debated in their name (“think of the kids!”) like climate change or deficit spending or gay marriage. If you’ve got any early teens you think might be game, please let us know.

Blackpublicmedia.org Digital Web Series Open Call, deadline Sept 27

Got this post from AIR (the supplier of many of my posts.) This looks great! Contact christian@nbpc.tv with questions.
-Mia

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Online application:
http://blackpublicmedia.org/DOC-2011.php

Digital Web Series Open Call Guidelines
BlackPublicMedia.org

Blackpublicmedia.Org reviews and considers for distribution on a rolling basis films about the black experience globally. Our content priorities include films in contemporary settings depicting black life and experience in a rare and often overlooked context. We are most thrilled by those cinematic gems which bring to us knowledge that has been ignored by popular culture; films outside the norm which approach black characters, stories and locales in a fresh and engaging manner.

In that same spirit BlackPublicMedia.org also executively produces interactive online content designed to engage any audience interested in African Diaspora content online. The following is a guideline for submitting content for consideration to BlackPublicMedia.org’s annual Web Series Open Call.

The BlackPublicMedia.org Open Call awards project requests of up to $20,000 for interactive web series concepts. Selected projects will be published on BlackPublicMedia.org, made available for public broadcasting options, and executive produced by the National Black Programming Consortium.

  • *THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR THE 2011 OPEN CALL IS SEPTEMBER 27th, 2010**

    Content Categories & Criteria
    The goal of the BlackPublicMedia.org Web Series Competition is to identify serial content concepts based within a unique contemporary African Diaspora context. Project concepts will be considered most highly if they utilize new distribution models to explore maximum engagement, and provide a public forum/platform for valuable networks of civic discourse. Series proposals must fall under one of the following categories:

    • Social Satire
    • Narrative Fiction
    • News & Documentary
    • Public TV/Radio

    Each series must have between eight (8) and twelve (12) episodes completed during the contract year. Please read the criteria for each submission category below.

    Social Satire
    Often broad conversation about important issues can only be sparked by bold satire. Initiatives considered for the Social Satire category are meant to employ more flexible techniques to engage an audience in dialogue – comedy and provocative social commentary being some methods.

    Narrative Fiction
    The Narrative Fiction category is for the consideration of fictional web series ideas with Black or African American lead characters. This category is meant to encourage the submission of broader ideas and explorations that are not necessarily factual but metaphoric in their

    implications for social and civic discourse. A broad example could be a series around a single mother raising a family; episodes could prove to be platforms for online discourse around equal pay, housing inequity, love and relationships, family, etc.

    News & Documentary
    The News & Documentary genre is for the consideration of interactive content initiatives designed to provide up to date factual information about a specific Black/African Diaspora community or
    issue area. Series proposed here are factual “webisodes” which offer general platforms for discourse around discreet social, or political issues. This is also a category for more intimate explorations of ideas and issues that might be part of a larger documentary project. “Behind the scenes” ideas will not be considered too highly in this category unless they provide a distinct platform for discussing larger issues pertaining to the project idea.

    Public TV/Radio
    Within this genre proposals are for ideas attached to an ongoing project with a standing, or upcoming public television or public radio broadcast. Producers working on longer format projects
    may use this opportunity to develop an interactive relationship with a community of interest related to their main project. For example, video podcasts for a regularly scheduled

  • 2 producer jobs at KCRW, application deadline Sept 3

    Two full-time gigs in at KCRW in LA, but odd hours so you may be able to continue with other projects as well. Details below.
    -mia

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    http://www.kcrw.com/about/jobs-at-kcrw

    KCRW 89.9FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio's flagship station for Southern California. The Santa Monica-based nonprofit represents cutting edge radio at its best, presenting an eclectic mix of independent music, news, talk and arts programming.

    KCRW is looking talented and creative people to join our team.

    Morning News Producer

    KCRW 89.9FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio's Southern California flagship station. The Santa Monica-based nonprofit is a unique public radio service, presenting an amazing mix of independent music, news, talk and arts programming. The station serves seven Southland counties as well as listeners around the world via the web. KCRW is looking for a talented Morning News Producer to join our team.

    Responsibilities / Duties:

    NPR's Morning Edition is the cornerstone of KCRW's news programming, and the station's local anchor provides local, regional and state news and information that is a vital link to our community.  The Morning News Producer will work closely with the Morning Edition host to collect and produce news and features with the local Morning Edition host and help shape the sound of the overall broadcast.  Stories are complied from a wide variety of primary and secondary sources – in studio; from other KCRW programs and from out in the field – with great freedom to create great radio. 

    Qualifications:

    • Excellent news judgment
    • Experience booking, conducting and recording interviews
    • Experience writing news stories for radio
    • Ability to write clear, concise and accurate copy under tight deadlines
    • Extensive knowledge of the city, region and state
    • Editing ability, (Dalet and ProTools knowledge a plus)
    • Experience in collecting and editing tape in and out of studio
    • Field recording experience a plus
    • Contacts/sources a plus

    This position reports directly to Director of Programming Development and the General Manager.   The working hours are 5AM-1PM, Monday-Friday, though hours may be flexible.

    Compensation:

    TBD + medical benefits 

    To Apply

    Send cover letter, resume, sound clips and copy samples to: jobs@kcrw.org or

    Jobs
    KCRW, 1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

    Deadline

    All applications must be received by September 3, 2010.

     

    Afternoon News Producer

    KCRW 89.9FM, licensed to Santa Monica College, is National Public Radio's Southern California flagship station.  The Santa Monica-based nonprofit is a unique public radio service, presenting an amazing mix of independent music, news, talk and arts programming.  The station serves seven Southland counties as well as listeners around the world via the web.

    KCRW is looking for a talented Afternoon News Producer to join our team.

    Responsibilities / Duties:

    NPR's Morning Edition is the cornerstone of KCRW's news programming, and the station's local anchor provides local, regional and state news and information that is a vital link to our community.  The Afternoon News Producer will work closely with the Morning Edition host to collect and produce news and features for use the following dayStories are complied from a wide variety of primary and secondary sources – in studio; from other KCRW programs and from out in the field – with great freedom to create great radio. 

    Qualifications:

    • Excellent news judgment
    • Experience booking, conducting and recording interviews
    • Ability to write clear, concise and accurate copy under tight deadlines
    • Extensive knowledge of the city, region and state
    • Editing ability, (Dalet and ProTools knowledge a plus)
    • Experience in collecting and editing tape in and out of studio
    • Contacts/sources a plus

    This position reports directly to Director of Programming Development and the General Manager. The working hours are noon-8PM, Monday-Friday, though hours may be flexible.

    Compensation:

    TBD + medical benefits 

    To Apply

    Send cover letter, resume, sound clips and copy samples to: jobs@kcrw.org or

    Jobs
    KCRW, 1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405 

    Deadline

    All applications must be received by September 3, 2010.

     

    Snap Judgment Seeks Amazing Radio Producer, Oakland, CA

    This is a full-time gig (not freelance) but Glynn and his show are so cool I just couldn't help myself. They also take freelance pieces. Check out their website (linked below) for details.
    -mia

    +++++++++++++++++++

    Snap Judgment is the brand new, smoking hot, nationally-aired radio / television / stage show funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Join us for the launch of a bold new style of storytelling.

    Hosted by Glynn Washington, winner of the Public Radio Talent Quest, the show is a multi-platform experience that interacts with audiences through radio, TV, stage and web. Snap Judgment’s edgy, intimate, hip storytelling redefines expectations for public media.

    The show sits on the razor’s edge of culture, race, gender, and sexuality. Applicants must be comfortable in dealing with people from a variety of backgrounds that may not have traditionally had voice on public media.

    Job Description

    Quite simply, we are looking for an amazing someone. A super superstar. The skills required for the undertaking are vast, and this is only a short list. (This is a full time position based in Oakland, California.)

    Most importantly, be able to work with host Glynn Washington and the Snap Judgment crew to create amazing, stupendous, breathtaking radio. This show is on a rocketship, and we are looking for a creative, energetic, contributor to help us take it to the next level.

    Story first. Story first. Story first. We will test applicants on their ability to tell a story. Quickly.

    Creative and musical use of sound is extremely important, as every single episode of the radio program is constructed with the care of a music album.

    Project management skills an absolute must. Must be able to effortlessly juggle many conflicting duties with rigorous deadlines.

    Interview both regular people and irregular artists and construct their stories into compelling narratives.

    Proactively get / create / write / interview compelling stories.

    Grunt work. Absolutely anything and everything that needs to get done.

    Qualifications

    Rigorous Storytelling Background. This could mean an MFA program, independent filmmaker, radio producer, several years writing for a children’s show, audio artist, speechwriter, novelist, animator, theatre producer, newspaper reporter, fiction editor, etc . . .

    Radio lover. Must know and love public radio, but not be so rigid that you can’t work within a new model. Snap Judgment is nothing like anything on public radio.

    No Drama. Proven ability to work well in a collaborative team environment as well as independently.

    Used to working in a Mac environment. Familiarity with Logic, Final Cut Pro, ProTools, Soundtrack Pro, etc. You need to be able to build broadcast-quality stories.

    Resourceful. Used to making the magic happen routinely on an absolute shoestring. We are looking for the “MacGyver” of storytelling.

    To Apply

    Before applying, please go to SnapJudgment.org and listen to full episodes of the show.

    If you really dig it, please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and links to 2 – 3 projects for which you had primary responsibility to Jobs@SnapJudgment.org. E-mail only please!

    Women and minorities STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

    Peace and soul! We can’t WAIT to hear from you . . .

  • **
  • Soros Justice Media Fellowship, deadline Nov. 3

    Big money (plus health insurance!) for this year-long fellowship from Soros. Details below.
    -mia

    +++++++++++++++++++++

    I just received a request for proposals for the Soros Justice Media Fellowship.  The fellowship ($50K for a year plus health insurance for the year) support writers, print and broadcast journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, and other individuals with distinct voices proposing to complete media projects for local, regional, and national markets that engage the public and spur debate on one or more of the Open Society Foundations' U.S. criminal justice priorities (there are 12 priorities within the US criminal justice program and are detailed in the guidelines).

    The deadline is November 3, 2009.

    http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/justice/programs/justice_fellows/guidelines/media

    Making Contact seeks part-time producer

    Any of you CA audio folks looking for a steady gig to balance out your freelance work? This could be a good opportunity for you. A bunch of FC members work with this show so drop a line if you want more info and I'll put you in touch with the right people. Good luck!
    -mia

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Making Contact Producer (part-time) work location: Oakland, CA

    more info at www.radioproject.org

    Making Contact /National Radio Project seeks a part-time (20 hours/week) radio producer with a passion for public-interest community media, to create a world where peace and social justice are
    paramount.

    National Radio Project is a nonprofit media organization that produces the weekly, nationally syndicated, progressive radio series Making Contact. Our high quality public-affairs and documentary radio programs are broadcast on 139 radio stations in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa; thousands more listen via our website and podcasts. Our award winning work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists Northern California Chapter, among others.

    We seek an energetic, passionate, organized team-player with solid experience. The candidate should understand the craft of long-format feature production as well as the art of a good in-depth interview.

    Our program is a blend of evocative stories with analysis, and explores the relationship between individuals, groups and systems. We’re looking for someone committed to our greater mission and who is willing to do whatever it takes to produce our weekly show and to strengthen Making Contact as a whole.

    National Radio Project /Making Contact is about more than a radio program. We thrive on the participation of volunteers and interns. We train community members in radio production. We seek someone who can mentor others and is excited about growing and learning in their own work. We’re looking for a journalist who respects the knowledge of community members, social movement activists and academics in helping to conceptualize and create pieces that inform, inspire, and move people to take action.

     Required Skills/Experience

    Demonstrated writing and script editing skills
    Demonstrated audio editing skills
    Strong voice-craft skills and experience
    Track record of journalistic work –dedicated to fairness, accuracy and fact-checking
    Ability to read and synthesize research
    Familiarity with issues of our times and timeless issues
    Track record of delivering pieces on deadline
    Commitment to building Making Contact as a whole, and to participating in a team process

     Preferred Skills

    Experience coaching and editing freelance reporters and producers
    Multimedia experience:  video, sound-slides, YouTube etc
    Familiar with social marketing and online media distribution
    Experience and enthusiasm for online distribution methods and audience building
    Sense of humor

    National Radio Project / Making Contact is an affirmative action employer. We actively recruit applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, and people with disabilities.

    Position Open Until Filled. Please email resume, cover letter, writing sample (radio script preferred) and links to audio work samples to lrudman@radioproject.org.

    doc iconPT Producer v.final.doc

    Immigration Institute for Journalists at UC Berkeley, deadline Sept 10

    UC Berkeley jschool and law school and teaming up for a 4-day intensive on immigration. Looks pretty interesting. Contact Rosa M. Ramirez <rosamramirez@berkeley.edu> for any details you can't find on the website (linked below).
    -Mia

    +++++++++++++++++++++

    An Intensive Institute for Journalists

    November 14-17, 2010

    University of California, Berkeley

    The Graduate School of Journalism and the Warren Institute at Berkeley Law are organizing a four-day institute for working journalists on covering immigration, an issue that has become central to debates over the economy, health care, education and law enforcement. Reporters and editors from traditional and new media are welcome to apply.

    Selected fellows will get an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of America’s often-divisive immigration debate and the tools to uncover new perspectives and insights backed by solid research and data. The deadline to submit your application is September 10th. For more information on the institute or to apply, please visit our website: http://journalism.berkeley.edu/conf/2010/immigration/.

    The Changing Face of America:<http://journalism.berkeley.edu/conf/2010/immigration/>

    Going Beyond the Rhetoric on Immigration<http://journalism.berkeley.edu/conf/2010/immigration/>

    Best,
    Rosa M. Ramirez
    (720) 496-6555

    Antenna Audio gig in LA Wed 8/25

    Any LA audio folks available for this last-minute gig? Contact adrianna_murillo@discovery.com. Tell her I sent you. Details below.
    -Mia

    +++++++++++++++++


    We need an engineer to record an artist tomorrow 8/25 in Venice/LA for a tour we are working on. The Engineer should arrive at 9:45a to set up for a 10-11 recording, and the interviewer will call in. I’m still waiting to hear back from the Producer regarding exact compensation.

    Adrianna Murillo
    Production Coordinator
    Antenna Audio Inc.

    PO Box 176
    Sausalito, CA
    94966

    t: 415.332.4862  x125
    f: 415.332.4870
    e: adrianna_murillo@discovery.com
    w: http://www.antennaaudio.com


    Benefits update from CA Freelancer’s Guild

    Promising opportunity for health benefits from the Guild Freelancers in SF. Details below.
    -mia

    ++++++++++++++++++++++

    Dear Freelancers,

    Great news! A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan is within
    sight.

    Friday, members of the Guild Freelancers unit heard from Carrie
    Winsten, representing the Dublin Insurance Services. Dublin
    administers the Health Care Employee/Employer Dental and Medical Trust
    of the CWA. Dublin has been providing coverage to disparate labor
    groups — some through a common employer, others independent workers
    like us — for 60 years, and they come to Carl Hall highly
    recommended.

    Carrie presented various options for health coverage, including
    medical, dental and vision.

    The Dublin plan contrast with the others we've reviewed in two ways:
    One, we do not need the large numbers that other insurers require to
    underwrite a health plan. We would be added to the Taft-Hartley Trust,
    whose ranks number 25,000.

    Also, we would not have to choose between Kaiser and another plan
    (likely United Health Care). We could offer  up to four choices, just
    as employers do. All the plans, incidentally, would cover children
    through the age of 26 come February, thanks to the health care reform
    law.  And Carrie can arrange flexible spending accounts.

    It will be the Guild's responsibility to develop eligibility
    requirements and police compliance. According to Carl and Carrie, we
    need to avoid the appearance of being an association that exists
    merely to gain group health coverage (That’s the law.) One way would
    be to require members to show they derive a certain minimum percentage
    of their income from freelance employment. We will get clarification
    on where we need to set the bar as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we
    welcome your thoughts on this matter.

    Dublin Insurance would handle billing and collection, for which we
    would each pay $8 a month (as compared to the industry average of $21
    a month).

    If we as a unit opt to go with Dublin Insurance, we could add short-
    and long-term disability coverage and life insurance three to six
    months after the date coverage takes effect. We may also choose to
    incorporate a supplemental plan for those on Medicare.

    At the moment, those of us who were at the meeting believe this is by
    far the best option we’ve seen. Yes, it would be great to have lower
    rates. Indeed, Guild retirees are probably better off with what they
    have. But for the rest of us, this looks very promising. We want to
    emphasize that we need to move fairly quickly to get a plan in place
    by
    the beginning of 2011 when many of us lose COBRA coverage.

    How to proceed? Here's a rough timeline:

     August-September: Circulate the options among the membership, and
    develop a plan that reflects member input to the greatest degree
    possible.
     September: Guild Health Coverage Committee meets with staff to
    develop eligibility requirements and develop a structure for
    monitoring compliance.
     October: Committee presents a plan to the Guild executive committee
    for approval.
     November: Open enrollment month.
     Dec. 1: Deadline for delivering plan to Dublin.
     Jan. 1: Plans take effect.

    Please peruse the attached tables and share your thoughts, questions
    and preferences (contact Rebecca if you are having trouble with the
    links). We would like to move on this aggressively but thoughtfully,
    and shape a proposal based on a thorough reading of member concerns.

    Proposed dental & Vision insurance
    http://tngweb.net/images/pix/Dental%20and%20vision%20options.JPG

    Proposed medical insurance
    http://tngweb.net/images/pix/Medical%20coverage%20options2.jpg

    In solidarity,

    Bill Snyder
    415-824-3875
    Bill.snyder@sbcglobal.net

    Rebecca Rosen Lum
    Unit Chair, Guild Freelancers
    510-472-3024
    rrosenlum@gmail.com

    Michael Fitzhugh was not at the meeting but has agreed to join our
    unit’s health benefits committee (michael.fitzhugh@gmail.com). Another
    volunteer would be welcome, of course.