“We’re doing everything possible,” says Sahid Fawaz of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), “to help new and prospective members who are coming to our site to find exactly what they’re looking for.”

That means updating the AFM website for easy navigation. That means using language that speaks to musicians’ day to day concerns. That means helping them find the information they need quickly. “And,” Fawaz says, “that means placing a lot of emphasis on benefits, which our experience shows is one of the top reasons new members choose to join our union.”

Fawaz speaks to prospective members nearly every day, and he says most of them are asking about benefits. “Some need insurance, some need legal help, and some are trying to save money on health care. I help them understand that joining the AFM means opening up a wide array of benefits, including Union Plus benefits.”

Once they join, Fawaz says, they’re receptive to messages about collective bargaining, solidarity and political action. But to get them interested in the union, the first task is to answer the question of “what’s in it for me?”

The number one concern of prospective members? Saving money on health care. “Because of the nature of their work,” Fawaz says, “some of our members don’t have health insurance. That makes Union Plus Health Savings very popular, because it helps them save money on routine health care expenses.”

Union Plus Legal Services, Union Plus Mortgage & Real Estate, and the Union Plus Credit Card are three other benefits that Fawaz says appeal to AFM members. “Our members are careful with their money. It really means a lot to them to get legal, mortgage and financial services from a trusted source: one they know is stable, backed by the AFL-CIO, and not just some fly by night company out to make a quick buck.”

“The Union Plus Credit Card,” Fawaz offers as an example, “doesn’t have a lot of a lot of the fees, interest rate policies and hidden charges other cards do, and our members love it.  I’ve never heard a complaint.”

Aside from the website, Fawaz says the AFM promotes benefits in their magazine, International Musician, and through printed brochures that are distributed to members and prospective members. “I know they’re effective,” Fawaz says, “because the locals keep calling and asking for more.”

AFM is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of professional musicians. They help their members negotiate fair agreements, protect ownership of recorded music, secure benefits such as health care and pensions, and lobby legislators in the interests of musicians. 

Fawaz offers this advice to union leaders. “Make the benefits as prominent as possible on your site. Really put them front and center. Our experience says that Union Plus benefits are more than just side benefits — they’re part of the reason members join or stay in the AFM.”

Stay informed about new promotion tips, practical Union Plus updates, and more:


Need help or have suggestions? Email leaders@unionprivilege.org or call the Union Leader Line at 1-800-472-2005 or 202-293-5330 in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

In this section, there are materials for leaders to use for promoting all of the Union Plus benefits. Each international union selects the Union Plus benefits available to its members. To find out which programs your union participates in, click here.