Welcome to AID IA -
Where Members and Allies provide direct mutual aid
Have you received gift cards for places you won't go to?
Rewards or vouchers for free food from a restaurant you dont utilize?
Do you want to gift money directly to a Motion Picture IATSE/Teamsters member who is struggling?
These are just some examples of many things people can do,
that could actually go a long way to help someone else.
Please note: unless you are purchasing a gift card,
you will be connected directly to a member in need. It will not be anonymous.
For our Frequently Asked Questions, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
*Our sole role is to connect form respondents saying they can help with form respondents saying they need help, we are not responsible or liable for anything that happens beyond initial email connection. There is no guarantee that every person in need will be helped. Matching is first come, first served and based on form criteria. Any financial or other help provided is to be considered by both sides as a gift, not a loan. We cannot guarantee a person's union standing or trustworthiness. Participants are advised to check with their own financial and legal professionals regarding any tax or legal consequences of offering or accepting any such gifts; we have neither the knowledge nor expertise to opine on such issues. We will never contact asking for account passwords. We will never contact via phone call or text message asking for money or goods, unsolicited.
The effort is grassroots member-led, and not operated by the IATSE or Teamsters unions.
REACTIONS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY HELPED by another:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who runs this effort?
This grassroots effort is organized by rank and file Motion Picture IATSE members across locals on a fully volunteer basis.
The effort is spearheaded by Shiran Carolyn Amir, a member of IATSE local 700. After winning $40,000 and using it to seed a Hardship Fund for her local under the Entertainment Community Fund, Shiran saw a need for an additional level of support that is more direct, flexible, and immediate- between peers. She began connecting between MPEG members who were working and MPEG members in need, and they sent money directly to each other. Those in need were therefore able to express gratitude directly to their contributor, which created a sense of community. Seeing the potential for expansion and wanting to provide an avenue to support IATSE and Teamsters right away, Shiran started Aid IA and recruited a cohesive team of passionate and dedicated IATSE volunteers.
Aid IA provides direct, one-to-one assistance, connecting between anyone who want to help, with motion picture IATSE and Teamsters in need. This adds an additional layer of support, to compliment the work of non-profit organizations such as the Entertainment Community Fund, or the Motion Picture Television Fund. This grassroots effort is not sanctioned by the IATSE or Teamsters unions.
Is Aid IA a non-profit organization?
We are not a company, business, non-profit or anything of the like. We're simply a collection of members efficiently communicating between those who want to help and those who need support.
Who handles the money?
We do not handle any money. Those who would like to provide monetary assistance are connected to members in need and donate to them directly.
We do handle physical/digital goods such as food, gift cards, vouchers, etc., and provide them to members in need on a first come, first served basis.
Is AID IA a national effort?
Currently, our volunteer base is in Los Angeles. However, we can facilitate one-to-one monetary assistance nationwide since that is a fully digital process.
We strongly encourage the creation of additional regional chapters to facilitate the distribution of physical goods, and would be happy to provide training on how to do so.
What about the Motion Picture Teamsters?
We love the Motion Picture Teamsters! Motion Picture Teamsters should apply for help as well! Brevity is needed for our branding, but the Motion Picture Teamsters are an inseperable part of us.
Love this! How can I help?
You can spread the word using this image for social media or for printing flyers, promote this website or the @_aid_ia instagram account.
If you want to join the Aid Brigade and volunteer ongoing coordination, spreadsheet maintenance, driving, outreach, or promotion work, you you can fill out this form. Thank you for wanting to contribute to our efforts!