[OccupySheffield] OccupySheffield Digest, Vol 3, Issue 30

[Anna Harris]

Hi Gareth, and all,

An activist branch of the Unite union community membership with autonomy to
decide what to put our energies into - sounds as though this is possible
while still being supported by Unite's finances and legal expertise. 'A
union branch that utilises all the skills we have as individuals for the
collective good of the whole community.' If that is so it sounds like a
really good deal.

This video from TED talks I just watched would be an inspiring intro to
some of our aims and ideals.
http://www.ted.com/talks/alberto_cairo_there_are_no_scraps_of_men.html

Anna


Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:25:41 +0000
> From: gareth lane <gareth50lane at googlemail.com>
> To: OccupySheffield at email-lists.org
> Subject: [OccupySheffield] Unite Community
>        membership/Unemployed/pensioners/disabled/single parents union.
> Message-ID:
>        <CACR75_6ZHjGvrRUgf9FbVscz3G+qs7O0E-=rLx-ULZ11HnobNQ at mail.gmail.com
> >
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
>
> Hi all people involved and supporters of Occupy Sheffield
>  Id like to add to the discussion regarding recent discussions within
> occupy Sheffield. Unite the union has initiated a Community membership to
> ensure the most marginalised in society benefit form collective power. for
> 50p a week. The intention is to build a branch/branches within
> Sheffield communities and nationally. Unite have stated
> "Unite?s new community membership will offer the unemployed, students and
> all those not in employment the opportunity to become part of one of the
> most powerful forces for equality in the country.  For just 50p per week,
> community members will have access to financial and legal expertise, as
> well as the support of up to one and a half million fellow members when
> standing up for their local services."
> I think we can take this further here in Sheffield by building a branch of
> activists supported by Unites finances,  educational facilities
> and expertise. We can build a movement that really makes a difference to
> peoples lives. By offering skilled support in the job centre active support
> at atos interviews. We can run English classes for migrants we can offer
> support to pensioners. A union branch that utilises all the skills we have
> as individuals for the collective good of the whole community. Based on
> democracy and each member being equal we can build a real force for good in
> this city and nationally. We want to be a union where the members represent
> the intrests of themselves and the 99% as a whole.
>
> An organising meeting is planned for the second week in January. Details
> will be announced here in the new year. membership forms will be available
> and everyone is welcome to bring ideas about ways to build a strong active
> branch. I have a few ideas about initial activity but everything is open
> to discussion and debate.
> 1. City centre stalls to introduce ourselves recruit new members and
> explain why people should join the union.
> 2. Job centre leafleting for the same reasons as above.
> 3. Community stalls to take the union into communities.
> 4. visiting potential supportive institutions such as libraries, sure
> starts, community groups and charities.
> 5. To build an Initial Sheffield branch with elected positions whilst
> ensuring accountability to all members.
>
> if you cant wait till January to join? you can see some of the benefits
> being a unite community member can offer by visiting the unite website.
>
> http://www.unitetheunion.org/pdf/006-foldout-v2.pdf
>
>  I really hope we can take this fantastic opportunity to build something
> great together. To build a union that represents everyone and something we
> can really be proud to be a part of.
>
> *Solidarity*
>  Gareth Lane
> gareth50lane at googlemail.com
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