1. New PAC on the block
2. Freelancers Union yoga class
3. Members elected David Landis to Board of Directors
4. Blue ribbon and big mobilization in California
5. Campaign huddle: UBT legislation is moving 
6. Sponsored events in Austin and New York
7. Big designs on our insurance pages
8. Press Roundup: Forbes, Newsweek, New York Times
9. Discounts just for you

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1.  New PAC on the block

What does a Political Action Committee do? It puts the weight of gold bullion behind our oh-so-pretty words. It calls up senators and says, “Hey, Senator, independent workers are a third of this country, and we’d really like some policy changes around here that recognize that.” The Freelancers Union Political Action Committee helps to support candidates that can help further our freelancer agenda, from fair taxation to helping independent contractors collect unpaid wages.

And the Freelancers Union PAC needs you . . . and you, and you. We can only achieve these goals by receiving contributions from members like you. In solidarity with more than one hundred thousand "1099" workers who are Freelancers Union members nationwide, we urge you to contribute $10.99 to the PAC right now. 

2. Special Freelancer Yoga Class to Build Political (and Core) Strength

Freelancers are building strength in more ways than one.  New York members are invited to flow with fellow freelancers at our special all-levels yoga class on June 24. Your class price includes entry in raffle for a private yoga session and supports the Freelancers Union Political Action Committee.

3.Members elect David Landis to Board of Directors  

Members have elected fellow freelancer David Landis to the Freelancers Union Board of Directors. David will serve on the Board for the usual two-year term, lending a valuable perspective as an active working freelancer. Originally from Texas, David is now a freelance writer and editor in New York. He’s been a member since 2006. Welcome on Board, David!

4. Blue ribbon and big mobilization in California

Freelancers up and down the California coast got a big dose of us this past month, with several hundred people attending events and meetings and volunteering with us at Maker Faire 2009—where we won the Editor’s Choice blue ribbon! We’re also getting closer to our goal of 10,000 members in California by the end of the summer. If you or someone you love is a California freelancer, help us out by telling a friend, taking our California statewide survey, or using our Starter Kit to Organize & Mobilize.

5. Campaign huddle: UBT Legislation passed by Assembly--help us seal the deal!

Just this week, the New York City Council asked the state legislature to exempt independent workers who make under $100,000 a year from the UBT, and on Tuesday the New York State Assembly, with a vote of 146 to 1, passed our legislation that would exempt freelancers earning less than $100,000 from having to pay the unfair 4% Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT), with a credit for those earning up to $150,000. But the Senate hasn't voted yet, and their about to leave for summer break! We need you to act right now to help us seal the deal before the legislative session ends next week: urge your senators to support this legislation (S5519).

6. Proudly sponsoring: DelveUI Web Design and HOW Conference

DelveUI: 2-Day Masterclass on Designing (Web) User Interfaces; Aug 5-6; New York

Spend a couple of days in Brooklyn enhancing your design knowledge and ability to create beautiful, strong and useful web interfaces with a killer lineup of masters in the craft. Freelancers Union members receive 20% off of the $595 registration. Pre-Register online; you will use the discount when you receive an e-mail registration invite 3-weeks prior to the event. DelveUI is focused towards designers with some pre-existing knowledge of web design technologies (HTML, CSS).

HOW Design Conference; June 24 – 27; Austin, Texas

The HOW Design Conference in Austin will help designers stand out from the competition and make the most of their skills, and it features a special Freelancers Track. It’s sponsored by Freelancers Union, so our members get $60 off the single full-conference rate. Enter coupon code FRL9 when you register.

7. Big Designs on our Insurance Pages

Over the years we’ve learned that it’s not enough to offer health insurance to independent workers, it’s important to help them understand their choices and also how best to select and then use an insurance plan. And it’s not easy! Luckily, you provide us with great feedback about ways we can improve how we present the health information. So we’re working on big improvements to the design and function of Freelancers Union’s insurance web pages. And of course, we’ll be inviting members along to kick the tires as we go.

8. Press Roundup: New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek

Your union has been making waves this past month! Our political activities, coupled with our urgent relevance to our country’s most pressing social and political issues, has brought us into the story quite a few times. And that’s great for you, because the more people recognize who freelancers are and how many, the more likely we are to get the changes we need.

Check us out in Forbes, Newsweek, and the New York Times Magazine. 

9. New discounts just for you

New discounts for members new and old. (And if you received this email from us, you’re a member!)  Complete information on our discounts program is available on our website.

Equinox Fitness Clubs, recognized by Fitness Magazine as “The Best Gym in America,” offer a 360 degree approach to fitness with state-of-the-art equipment and inspirational group fitness classes, including yoga, pilates, cardio, conditioning, martial arts, and boxing. Personal training from EFTI-certified professionals and a full service spa are also available. Pay no initiation fee and receive a discounted corporate rate when you sign up for a pre-paid annual membership.

Sports Clubs Network (NY, Philly, Washington, and Boston) is running a special promotion - the $59 joining fee is waived through June 30th

New York

Yoga Sutrais a 7,400 sq. ft. yoga facility offering classes in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar for students at all levels of proficiency, from very basic beginners and those with special needs, to the most advanced students. The convenient schedule includes short classes before work, short lunchtime classes, and a full schedule in the evening and on weekends. First class free and 15% off all class packages.

Brooklyn Creative Leaguegives freelance professionals, small-shop companies, and nonprofits the tools they need to get their work done: affordable green workspace, office amenities, and a community of professional colleagues. Located in Park Slope, BCL is a network of independent-minded professionals who understand that genius needs to tinker in a collective shop. $15 to $250 off per month for office rentals. Offer available to new BCL members only.

Select Office Suitesprovides fully furnished and serviced office rentals, conference rooms, virtual offices, and event space. Open with staff on-duty 24/7/365, it offers flexible terms and no start-up costs for offices accommodating 1-50 people, as well as conference rooms and event space for up to 100 people. $500 off when signing for a 12-month agreement. Virtual office agreements with phone-answering and mail-handling services entitle you to a 50% discounted meeting room rate. Conference room rentals and event space at 10% off.