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2013 ROPA Convention Report to Orchestra Delegate: Rebecca Diderrich The first day began with talk of the recent Spokane Symphony strike, and the huge outpouring of community support that helped end it. Presentations from the city council President, as well as the Spokane Regional Labor Council President, made evident the kind of community support that can help keep such strikes short. Tina Morrison, president of the Professional Musicians of the Inland Northwest, spoke of the large Facebook presence used to gain support during the strike. A town Hall Meeting and Benefit concert were also extremely helpful. She emphasized the importance of trying to maintain a relationship with your community when times are good, so that you can count on their support when things are not going so well. The musicians of the Spokane Symphony were thankful for the support of ROPA and the AFM during their strike. Next, we listened to a presentation by Commissioner Gary Hattal, of the Federal Mediation Conciliation Services. He spoke about different ways of dealing with conflict, and also identified common types of conflict that arise in any organization. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to meet with smaller groups of ROPA delegates, led by a member of the ROPA board. It was interesting to listen to other delegates speak about what is going on with their own orchestras. It really gives you a sense of how much we all have in common. Day two began with a viewing of the film “We are Wisconsin”. It was about the 2011 protests against a proposed bill limiting workers ability to collectively bargain. Don Taylor, Assistant Professor of the University of Wisconsin School for Workers, led a discussion on the film. He also spoke about Right To Work legislation, and how it affects workers. Later that morning we listened to a presentation by William Thompson, an Organizational and Media Consultant. He emphasized that when looking for public support, it is important to actually form relationships, rather than depend on pity. He stressed the need to have a strategic plan that fits our unique orchestra. During the ICSOM conference report, Bruce Ridge mentioned the importance focusing on good news in the arts, rather than getting lost in self-perpetuating doom and gloom. According to him, the number of businesses giving to the arts was up last year. Also, he feels that we shouldn’t necessarily view aging audiences as a bad thing. The fact that average life expectancy has increased, actually means we have our target audience longer. A presentation by the Symphonic Services Department, provided information on the topic of musicians as representatives on symphony boards. Such representatives must know that their role is purely to represent the interests of the musicians as a unified group. Similarly, they underlined the importance of Orchestra Committees understanding that they are meant to look out for the interests of the musicians as a whole. Next, we heard a report from Debbie Newmark on the Integrated Media Agreement. The agreement now has 69 signatories, 23 of which are ROPA orchestras. The Milwaukee Ballet was able to use the agreement for a production of Peter Pan which will be on national television. Debbie emphasized that the IMA has expansive language for promotional material. It is even possible to use such material in e-mails to subscribers. In AFM President Ray Hair’s speech, he spoke of the recent AFM convention, and of the outpouring of support for our fellow musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. Throughout the ROPA convention, pins and t-shirts were sold to support the musicians of the MO. On the final morning, we were fortunate to listen to an informative presentation by AFM attorney Rochelle Skolnick on the Affordable Care Act. She spoke about the healthcare exchange marketplace, and spoke of how changes may affect employees and employers. In the final session of the conference, we engaged in strategic planning for ROPA’s future. We were encouraged to share ideas for how ROPA can help all of us. |