COORDINATING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) BACK TO BENEFITS & SERVICES MAIN MENU The Coordinating Advisory Committee (CAC) is a unique union body, because it places a cash fund called the Special Projects and Services Fund of approximately $30,000 per year in the hands of union members to disburse according to specified guidelines. The fund is financed by member annual dues, with three-quarters of one percent allocated to the Special Projects and Services Fund. The CAC is composed of representatives appointed by the President from all standing rank-and-file committees, including the Broadway Theatre Musicians Committee, Jazz Advisory Committee, NYC Ballet and Opera Orchestra committees, and so on. The CAC's purpose is defined in the local's bylaws, which also spell out guidelines for disbursement of the money as follows: 1) to create new work opportunities for all members; 2) to promote the effective functioning of the local, including through the purchase of machinery; 3) to pay for educational seminars for officers and staff designed to improve and upgrade their skills; and 4) to provide funds so that union officials, employees and members can participate in associations and organizations pertinent to the music industry. In order to apply for funding, a member of the union must appear before the CAC and present his/her proposal based on the guidelines above. The amount of money should be specified, as well as any relevant information. Members of the CAC and the local's Executive Board meet jointly to decide on the disbursement of money. The Executive Board and the CAC have 13 votes each, with the President voting only to break a tie. Special projects which the CAC has funded in the past include the financing of a tourist Hotel & Restaurant Guide, promoting establishments where Local 802 musicians are employed; the financing of a series of seminars on how to network in the Broadway, club date and recording fields; the financing of a leadership training program for rank-and-file committee members at the AFL-CIO's Labor Institute in Washington, D.C.; and financing of the purchase of printing equipment. The CAC meets monthly. Members who are interested in submitting a request for a special project should contact their committee representative to the CAC. All questions regarding the CAC should be referred to the Recording Vice-President's office. For more information please call Bill Dennison at (212) 245-4802, ext. 110, or e-mail bdennison@local802afm.org. Health Benefits | Pension Credit Union | Musicians' Assistance Program Emergency Relief Fund | Disabled Musicians Fund Scholarship Fund | Teachers' Registry Political Action Fund | Payroll Service Rehearsal Space Rental | Senior Musicians' Association Music Performance Trust Fund | Instrument Insurance AFL-CIO Union Privilege Program Coordinating Advisory Committee