Since launching our MEC Town Halls in March, we’ve focused on making these sessions a clear and effective way to connect with everyone. In June, we adjusted our approach to a more dynamic, interview-based, and conversational format to make these sessions even more engaging. But what does it take to move from an initial concept to a live broadcast?

We thought it would be fun to take you behind the lens. We’ve been capturing snippets of the production setup to highlight the extensive preparation that happens long before we go live.

The Planning & Preparation Process: A Multi-Month Journey

While you see the final product on your screens, each Town Hall is the result of intensive coordination that begins months in advance. Our production doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a layered process of refinement and practice. Here is a look at what goes into bringing these sessions to you:

• Months of Coordination and Planning: We start months out by listening. We identify key issues—like JCBA negotiations, seniority integration, and domicile-specific changes—that are top-of-mind for you. We work closely with our MEC Officers (Tim Green, Brice McGee, and Paul Ikioka) and MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson Mischelle Fielsch to prioritize your questions and gather the data and visual materials needed to support the conversation.
• Shared Table Reads: Once topics are chosen, we hold several “table reads”—focused sessions where we shape the flow of discussion. We make sure our updates on JCBA negotiations and other AFA news are presented clearly, accurately, and in ways that speak directly to our daily lives as Flight Attendants.
• Technical Run-Throughs: We dedicate hours to testing our setup and calibrating our audio and video feeds. This attention to detail ensures a reliable, high-quality viewing experience for everyone tuning in.
• Final Dress Rehearsals: Before we go live, we conduct full dress rehearsals. These sessions are a complete “dry run” of the show, where we test every detail—from camera angles and microphones to visual aids and graphics—so everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

Designed for You

These Town Halls are made for you. From the first planning meeting to the final microphone check, every decision is made with your engagement in mind, and we’re constantly refining our approach based on your feedback. We want you to feel connected, and more importantly, we want you to feel heard.

Save The Date

Plan now to join us for our next MEC Town Hall on Wednesday, September 23, at 11 AM PT.

If you have a question for our MEC Officers, you can submit it now or at any time using this form. We prioritize questions submitted in advance to ensure we focus on what matters most to you.

Building on the momentum of our Membership Engagement Committee introduction video and this week’s look at the committee’s history, we’re excited to introduce the next feature of our July Committee Focus Month. Today, we’re launching an in-depth interview that offers an inside look at the mission and people powering the Membership Engagement Committee.

What You’ll Discover in This Interview

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson Mischelle Fielsch for a conversation that goes beyond the basics and explores the “why” behind the committee’s mission and work. In this session, Mischelle shares:

• The Personal Spark: Her motivation to ensure that every Member—from new hires to our most senior Flight Attendants—feels supported and never “flying solo.”
• The Strategic Bridge: How the committee serves as a two-way street—amplifying important news from MEC Communications and ensuring your direct feedback reaches our AFA Officers to guide Union decisions.
• A Roadmap for the Future: How we’re building our Union’s future by empowering every Member to recognize their voice and discover the tools to use it.

Watch Now

We invite you to take a few minutes to watch this interview. Whether you’re looking to better understand AFA resources or want to see how your input influences decisions, this video gives you insight into how things work behind the scenes.

Take the Next Step

Engagement is the heartbeat of our solidarity. If you’re interested in getting involved after watching, visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to learn more.

Stay tuned next week as we continue our focus month with a behind-the-scenes look at our recent MEC Town Halls and more about how the Committee works to build and strengthen connections among our group.

July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day.

Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely welcome and valued—from day one and throughout your career. We know there’s a common misconception that “the Union” is just a group of volunteers and officers, but the reality is, our Union is made up of all of us. Every Member plays a role, and our strength comes from the unique voices and experiences each person brings.

We’re committed to showing you how you can participate and get involved, no matter where you are in your journey. When every Member is engaged and empowered, our Union thrives. Participation isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential. Whether you’re a new hire or a senior Flight Attendant, your perspective and voice matter. We want to help you shape your own AFA experience and discover ways to actively participate—whether as a Member, committee volunteer, or even an elected officer.

Supporting Every Member: The Role of Membership Engagement

Our committee is focused on building a strong, engaged community. Here’s how we make a difference together:

• Building Connections: From your first day on the line and throughout your career, our committee ensures you feel welcomed and valued as part of our Union family.
• Empowering Through Knowledge: We offer one-on-one support at every experience level, helping you discover AFA resources and use them confidently every day. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to ensure you know how to find the information you need to succeed—whether it’s contract details, benefits guidance, or news about our profession.
• Amplifying Your Feedback: We listen to your concerns and ideas, turning them into meaningful suggestions that help guide our MEC’s direction. Your feedback is our compass. By sharing your thoughts, you help us identify opportunities for improvement and growth throughout our Union.
• Building Our Union Family: Through events and networking, we strengthen relationships and camaraderie, creating a supportive, unified community. These connections go beyond work—they foster friendships, mentorships, and a sense of belonging that makes our Union stronger.
• Opening Doors to Participation: We give you the tools and information you need to play an active role in shaping our future—from elections to a variety of volunteer opportunities. Getting involved is simple, and there’s a place for everyone, regardless of experience or background. If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’ll help you find the right path.

Discover Our Work: A Four-Week Focus

To help you learn more about the Membership Engagement Committee, we’ll spend the next four weeks highlighting key parts of our work:

• This Week (General Overview): Meet our Membership Engagement Committee, discover its history, and explore the impact we’re working to achieve through Member-driven initiatives and outreach.
• Week 2 (Town Hall & Building Connections): Go behind the scenes of our MEC Town Halls and see how the Committee keeps everyone informed, engaged, and involved.
• Week 3 (Education & Outreach): Learn how the Committee ensures every Flight Attendant is in the know—familiar with AFA news, tools, and resources, and how to access them.
• Week 4 (Getting Involved): Explore how you can learn more about our Union and its history and discover the different ways to get involved—no experience necessary!

Watch & Connect: Our Membership Engagement Committee

In the video below, MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson Mischelle Fielsch shares our committee’s mission and highlights how we collaborate daily to strengthen our collective voice through meaningful connections. We encourage you to watch, share your thoughts, and reach out with questions—let’s keep the conversation going!

Take the Next Step: Get Involved

Our Union’s strength is built on solidarity—and it starts with you. If you’re ready to make a difference and help shape our future, there’s no better time to get involved. Your involvement—no matter how big or small—makes our community stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to meet any challenge together.

Become a Volunteer: Explore the many ways you can get involved at afaalaska.org/volunteer.