[Hidden-tech] Fwd: Freelancers Union E-News August 2009

[Lisa Sieverts]

Does Hidden Tech know about the Freelancers Union? Seems like we have  
a lot in common.

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Freelancers Union <announcements at freelancersunion.org>
> Date: August 13, 2009 4:38:01 PM EDT
> Subject: Freelancers Union E-News August 2009
> Reply-To: noreply at freelancersunion.org
>
> 1.	The freelance slate: 2009 NYC elections
> 2. Freelancers Union wins tax justice
> 3.	The California grapevine
> 4.	Freelancers U: class in session this fall
> 5. From the health insurance corner
> 6.	Hot discounts and perks
> 7.	Freelancers in the news
> _______________________________________________________
> 1. The freelance slate: 2009 NYC elections
>
> Freelancers Union is proud to announce its endorsements for the  
> 2009 New York City elections. Among the candidates receiving the  
> Freelancers Union endorsement is David Yassky for Comptroller.
>
> Without David Yassky, we never would have won Unincorporated  
> Business Tax (UBT) reform. And, without his initiative in holding  
> multiple City Council hearings on independent worker issues, other  
> policymakers would still be unaware of our constituency. To boot,  
> David’s the only Comptroller candidate to have a dedicated  
> independent worker platform (pdf).
>
> David Yassky will continue to fight to meet the needs of  
> freelancers, but we need to get him elected in order to do so. To  
> ensure a brighter future for freelancers in NYC, take these steps  
> right now:
>
> •	Sign up to volunteer. From phonebanking to door-knocking, there  
> are opportunities galore.
> •	Join our Facebook group, and help spread the word about David  
> Yassky.
> •	Update your voter registration before August 21. (And vote  
> September 15!)
>
> 2. Freelancers Union wins tax justice
>
> New York freelancers won a major victory this July. New York City  
> finally exempted freelancers earning less than $100,000 from the  
> Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT), an unfair double tax on  
> freelancers' business and personal incomes that drained $162  
> million from them last year alone. Freelancers Union and its  
> members waged an aggressive campaign for fair taxation—urging  
> lawmakers to tax freelancers no less—and no more—than traditional  
> employees. Starting in 2009, NYC freelancers will see savings of up  
> to $3400.
>
> Thanks for all you did—this victory and all the ones to come are  
> dependent on your support. We're still overtaxed, under-insured,  
> and unrepresented—but our victory proves that when freelancers come  
> together, we're a powerful force for change.
>
> 3. The California grapevine
>
> We’re closing in on our goal of 10,000 California members by the  
> end of the summer, but we still need your help! Tell two or more of  
> your independent worker film, graphic designer, or dog-walking  
> friends to sign up now, so that we can bring more to you.
>
> Meanwhile, take advantage of what we already do offer in CA. As a  
> sponsor of the 2nd annual Creative Freelancer Conference (from  
> August 26-28 in San Diego), Freelancers Union members save $75 off  
> the full-conference registration. Use coupon code FRUN9 when  
> registering. And, if you bring a friend, the second registration is  
> half price.
>
> 4. Freelancers U: class in session this fall
>
> How do you engage an audience and build a following? Register now  
> for our September 16 New York seminar, Storytelling and Social  
> Media for Freelancers: How to Create Compelling Content and Market  
> Your Freelance Business, where you’ll find out how to create a  
> niche for yourself by investing time and effort—while spending less  
> money.
>
> From the convenience of your own home, you can also find out how to  
> avoid client nonpayment and what you need to include in a contract  
> during our September 30 webinar, Legal Basics for Every Freelancer:  
> Protect Yourself and Your Business.
>
> 5. From the health insurance corner
>
> Two big health insurance projects have been happening this summer.  
> Our web design team is busily making over the health insurance  
> section of the Freelancers Union website. We’ve tested and re- 
> tested with members so that the new design will make it easier to  
> choose insurance plans, understand if you’re eligible for  
> insurance, and learn how to manage the insurance you do have.  
> Freelancers Insurance Company (FIC) is finishing up the specifics  
> of next year’s plans. We’ve heard from members what they liked and  
> didn’t like about their coverage, and we’re working to incorporate  
> your input as much as possible. If you’re on health insurance, keep  
> an eye out for more information from us as we move toward open  
> enrollment this fall.
>
> 6. Hot discounts and perks
>
> Members (that’s you!) have access to all sorts of discounts. Check  
> out what’s hot in August:
>
> Gym
> Pay no initiation fee and get a discounted membership when you sign  
> up for a year membership with Equinox Gym before September 1, 2009.
>
> Workspace
> Brooklyn-based design center 3rd Ward is giving away a free bike  
> with any annual membership. Their space houses four photo studios,  
> a professional wood and metal shop, a fully loaded digital media  
> lab, office space, event space, and a multi-disciplinary continuing  
> art education program.
>
> Marketing
> If you don't have a marketing plan in place and don't know where to  
> start, join the Marketing and Pricing Group for Brooklyn Creatives  
> with Ilise Benun of Marketing-Mentor.com. The 6-month program  
> starts September 28. Sign up by August 31, and get a free copy of  
> The Art of Self Promotion.
>
> 7. Freelancers in the news
>
> Freelancers continue to make the news as more and more workers go  
> independent. Here are some of the most interesting stories of the  
> last month: BusinessWeek says companies are hiring contract workers  
> instead of full-time employees; The Wall Street Journal reports  
> that freelancers have a hard time taking any time off, but at least  
> they give you advice on getting paid, since you do work so hard.
>
>
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>
> Freelancers Union does not share subscriber information with any  
> third parties.
>
> For more information about Freelancers Union membership, benefits,  
> or insurance, visit our website at www.freelancersunion.org, or  
> email Member Services at membership at freelancersunion.org.
>
>