Ken Douglas, Socialist Party national treasurer
Fresh from pounding the streets in the historic TUSC election campaign, Socialist Party members are now turning their attention to developing working class struggles in the workplaces and communities against this rotten government.
But to provide all the necessary leaflets, posters, placards and pamphlets for such campaigns, we need to make sure that the quarterly fighting fund target of £25,000 is met by the end of June.
The fighting fund also enables us to produce the campaigning material to counter the propaganda of all the capitalist parties as they defend the millionaires and the billionaires, the real parasites and scroungers who are enriching themselves at the expense of our jobs and living standards.
The Socialist Party raises all its finance from working class people, through the contributions and unstinting efforts of its members and supporters – unlike pro-austerity Ukip, for instance, one of whose backers is the multi-millionaire in the shadows, Paul Sykes. This reactionary helped finance the scab UDM during the 1984-85 miners’ strike.
We are asking all branches and members to plan and organise some extra fundraising activities over a ‘Collectathon fortnight’ covering the last three weekends of the month from 19 to 30 June.
Branches are already planning and holding fundraising events. Lambeth branch raised £73 from a post-election barbecue and Newport and Caerphilly branches raised £64 with a World Cup sweep.
The World Cup is a great opportunity for parties and fundraisers. Members in London are taking part in a guess the correct scores competition and there is the fantasy league advertised below. If you’re not keen on football why not hold an alternative event?
Can your branch put on some extra campaigning stalls during the fortnight, either during the week or by extending the duration of the Saturday stall? Maybe you could try a new area? A Socialist Party stall in Bradford last week, campaigning for a £10 an hour minimum wage, attracted enthusiastic support.
You may have fundraising ideas of your own or you may be able to make a donation to help us smash our fighting fund target.
Why not email [email protected] to report how well your campaign is going and to share any good ideas.
You can also donate via our website at socialistparty.org.uk or by telephoning 020 8988 8777.
