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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/922/23833
From The Socialist newspaper, 26 October 2016
Why I joined the Socialist Party: "I really can't wait for Socialism 2016"
Socialism 2015 Saturday rally, photo Senan (Click to enlarge)
Calvin Fowler, Worcestershire Socialist Party
I'm a new Socialist Party member, joining in July of this year, but I started attending Worcestershire Socialist Party weekly branch meetings in May. Since I left school in 1988, I've worked in the printing industry, and in 1996 I joined the then GPMU union, now Unite, becoming a union rep in 2001.
I started thinking of joining the Socialist Party a few years ago after seeing stories of people oppressed by the 1% both internationally and locally. In spring of this year I came across the party website, I read various interesting articles, entered my details and was contacted by Pete McNally, a local member.
I attended the meetings that followed and I felt I was among like-minded people. I was given a lot of food for thought by members and the paper. I absorbed the pamphlets given to me, I ordered a few myself from the Socialist Party book shop and now I am a very active member.
I recently set up our Worcestershire Socialist Party Facebook page and I've just been appointed branch fighting fund organiser when I went to Birmingham to attend the West Midlands Socialist Party finance and paper meeting. I found it really interesting.
I'm so glad I joined, I wish I had back in 1996! I really can't wait for Socialism 2016, see you there!
- For more details and to buy your ticket go to socialism2016.net
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Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 26 October 2016:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Protest and strike to save our NHS
Health campaigners announce national NHS demo
Hundreds march and rally to defend Tyneside hospital
Socialist Party news and analysis
'Jungle' camp destruction is no solution
Welsh budget: Labour government makes Tory cuts
Academies mired in debt and corruption
Homeless sleeping rough: councils must build housing
Four in five self-employed workers living in poverty
Corbyn & Labour
Wallasey whitewash must be condemned
Battle in Leeds council over care home closure
Jarrow March for Jobs 2011
Jarrow March: an inspiring show of solidarity between workers and youth
Socialist Party workplace news
Teaching assistant pledges ongoing fight against pay cuts
A day in the life of a midwife
Striking Sheffield bin workers picket scabs
Crossrail sparks get organised
Unison higher education seminar points no way forward over pay
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Housing campaigners meet to plan resistance to the Housing Act
Why I joined the Socialist Party: "I really can't wait for Socialism 2016"
International socialist news and analysis
US presidential election: The disastrous failure of 'lesser evilism'
Ireland: Jobstown protester found guilty
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Book review: Fighting racism in football
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