Finance to fight for the future

Heather Rawling, Leicester Socialist Party

A central theme of the East Midlands finance school, held on 5 October, was the need to prepare for the future.

The US, Scotland and elsewhere have shown that big upheavals will develop - before or after the next election. We need to be on a sound financial footing to be ready for these struggles.

Naomi Byron, from the Socialist Party's finance department, spoke about Socialist Alternative, our co-thinkers in the United States. In particular how they have organized to respond to a radicalization of American workers, along with the successes and problems this has thrown up.

Socialist Alternative raised $160,000 (around Ł100,000) for Kshama Sawant's election campaign. This came mainly from a large number of small donations. Activists asked for raised specific amounts for specific things, eg $10 for a yard sign.

They emphasised that the campaign got no money from the corporations, and contrasted Kshama's record with that of the Democrats. Money used was for raising the profile of the campaign, which in turn helped raise more money.The discussion on these lessons was inspirational and set the tone for the rest of the school.

The task begins with developing organisers who can develop other organisers. Understanding the need to raise finance for the party stems from understanding our theory, perspectives, programme and tactics.

We discussed recruitment and how to discuss subs (membership dues) with new members, to lay the basis for the possibility of them raising their subs in the future.

Every active member should have a discussion about paper selling, fighting fund raising and increasing subs where possible. Everyone should be asked what they can do to help build and finance the party.

After a report back from the meeting at the Leicester branch committee, several members have pledged to increase their subs by Ł164 per month between them. All branch committee members took responsibility for discussing with others in the branch about whether they can raise their subs.

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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 click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.