All activists call with Make Votes Matter
2023-07-31 19:30 - 20:45 (Europe/London)
Draft agenda:

NPF Conclusions

MVM Strategy

SortTheSystem feedback

Getting ready for the General Election

Growing our numbers & widening our demographic

Next events on the calendar

AOB

Register in advance here!

Speed Networking: Building a Better Democracy
2023-08-02 19:00 - 21:00
Democracy in the UK is facing significant challenges, and it’s time for us to take action and engage in a meaningful way. Introducing… speed networking!
In the last five UK elections, the number of people who abstained from voting surpassed those who cast their vote for the winning party.
It’s crucial to recognise that those who choose not to vote are often unfairly labelled as apathetic. In reality, they have disengaged from a system that has repeatedly failed them.
To address this issue, we are gathering the most talented and passionate individuals dedicated to revitalising our democracy by expanding the electorate. Through speed networking, we aim to facilitate connections, foster understanding, and ignite collaborations that can breathe new life into our democratic processes.
This is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting, enjoying an informal drink while expanding your professional network.
By joining us, you’ll have the chance to connect with exceptional individuals and organisations actively working to engage communities, increase voter registration, and maximise voter turnout in future elections.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of the movement towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
This event is being held in partnership with the Civic Power Fund and the UK Democracy Network.
Learn more here!

Off the Beaten Track Group: An Online Outing to Edinburgh Book Festival
2023-08-13 16:15 - 18:00
Join Lead Reader Alice for an online outing to Edinburgh International Book Festival. We’ll be tuning into Gina Martin: No Offence, But… – How to Have Difficult Conversations for Meaningful Change on 13 August from 3:15-4:15pm.
Then we’ll hop onto Zoom and chat about what we’ve heard from 4:15-5pm.
Book your spot for the event on the Edinburgh International Book Festival website here – by signing up for this session you’ll receive a link for the chat afterwards.

Images + Words Group: An Online Outing to Edinburgh Book Festival
2023-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Open Book at Edinburgh International Book Festival 2023!
Join Lead Reader Liz for an online outing to Edinburgh International Book Festival. We’ll be tuning into Katherine May: A Natural Harbour on 15 August from 5-6pm.
Then we’ll hop onto Zoom and chat about what we’ve heard from 5-6pm.
Book your spot for the event on the Edinburgh International Book Festival website here – by signing up for this session you’ll receive a link for the chat afterwards.

Owning Your Amazingness: An Arise Workshop
2023-08-18 11:00 - 11:45
Join us for a live experimental workshop with the Director of ARISE FIREBIRD: Women of Color Transcending Workplace Trauma & Finding Joy

MVM/Compass will be having a joint stall at Brunswick Festival!
2023-08-19 - 2023-08-21
If you’d like to help run the stall, you can get in touch here: brightonhove@compassonline.org.uk

Saturday, August 19, 202312:00 PM
Sunday, August 20, 20234:00 PM

Brunswick SquareHove, England, BN3United Kingdom (map)

Google Calendar ICS

Manchester Pride
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-29
Manchester Pride is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities. Our vision is a world where LGBTQ+ people are free to live and love without prejudice and our culture is universally celebrated. We’re part of a global Pride movement celebrating LGBTQ+ equality and challenging discrimination.

Disabled Women in Politics Network
2023-08-31 14:00 - 21:00
In partnership with our friends at Centenary Action Group and the Disability Policy Centre, we currently run a bi-monthly roundtable for d/Deaf and Disabled women and those with long term health conditions who are active in politics and activism to come together, share experience and learnings and support us in developing a programme of support for the next generation of Disabled women in politics.
Find community and strength from connecting with women with similar intersecting identities. To register your interest in attending please email: contact@dispolcentre.org

National Hazards Conference
2023-09-01 - 2023-09-04
The Hazards Conference is one of the biggest conferences for trade union safety reps and activists consisting of a mixture of plenary sessions, meetings and a comprehensive workshop programme. You can attend in person at Keele University, Stoke on Trent, or remotely via online streaming.

To apply contact hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk
More details www.hazardscampaign.org.uk
Sponsorship Please support the conference Sponsorship form

SIGN UP! Either via this Form or on Eventbrite
#HAZ2023

Reading - Reading Pride Street Stall
2023-09-02 12:00 - 19:00
Join your local MVM group in promoting the change from FPTP to PR. We’ll be on our stand 11am-5pm.

South Asian History Month Event
2023-09-07 09:00 - 18:00
Overview

Join us for a special event to mark South Asian History Month, with a programme packed full of workshops and discussion sessions.
AGENDA
10:00 Refreshments
10:30 Welcome and Introductions (Rupinder Panesar, Nashila Premji, Shirley-Allen-Jackson, Matt Pointon, WEA)
Possibly opening speakers – Lee Barron (TUC), Simon Parkinson (WEA), an Asian MP
10:50 Fashion Workers Advice Bureau – Leicester (FAB-L)
11:20 Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes & Adam Alarakhia (CWU) – building South Asian activism in the unions
11:50 Break
12:00 Indi Deol (DesiBlitz) – Film on South Asians from East Africa
12:30 Panel discussion (chaired by Rupinder Panesar)
13:00 Lunch & networking with stalls
14:00 Workshops – choose from:
#1: Abda Khan, Culturally-sensitive communications
#2: Keith Lewis and Sohail: Harmful gambling in the Asian community
#3: Potential third workshop on building Asian activism by Rebecca Sixsmith-Hughes
15:00 Poetry and presentation from Sharena Lee Satti
15:30 Discussion, Q&A, closing remarks and networking (Rupinder Panesar)
16:00 Close

HOW DID OTHER DEMOCRACIES GET PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION?
2023-09-07 20:00 - 21:30
How did other democracies get proportional representation? What can we learn from them? These are the questions that Dr. Dennis Pilon will be hoping to answer at the virtual webinar we’re co-hosting on 7th September. You can register for the event here: https://buff.ly/3P7e1f7

Street Stall, Skelmersdale, Sefton & West Lancs
2023-09-09 11:00 - 14:00
Please join us at our stall in Skelmersdale!
Can you join us to send a message to our local First Past the Post supporting MPs, Ashley Dalton and Bill Esterson, that there is a public demand for PR.
In the run up to the Labour Party conference we’re running street stalls in Skelmersdale (9th Sept) and Formby (16 Sept) to collect postcards from members of the public who want PR, to send to Ashley and Bill.
On 9th September we’ll be in Skem on the walkway between the library, the swimming pool and the Concourse from 10-13.00hrs.
Please come along to meet fellow PR supporters and to show there is a public demand for PR. If you’ve never done a street stall before don’t worry, we’ll buddy you up with one of our experienced volunteers.
Please reply by email to mvm.sefton.wl@gmail.com if you can help at one of the stalls.

TUC Congress 2023
2023-09-10 - 2023-09-14
The 155th annual TUC Congress will be held in Liverpool from the 10-13 September 2023. Further information available from the general TUC events page.
Background
Congress is the policy making body of the TUC; the annual congress normally meets for four days each year during September. Each affiliated union can send delegates. At congress motions are proposed and discussed and form the basis of the TUC’s work for the next year. Congress is usually attended by about 600 delegates from 48 affiliated unions, has an exhibition, a comprehensive fringe programme and receptions and an annual General Council dinner.
Around 3,000 people would normally come through the doors over the course of the four days to take part in debate, the fringe, to exhibit or to report on the policy debates at Congress. This is a high-profile media event, widely regarded as the first big set piece occasion after the summer break, before the start of the political party conferences.

LSE Women's Network - Coffee Morning - online
2023-09-11 11:00 - 12:00
London and the Southeast Women’s network is having a virtual coffee morning. The event is being held via Teams, Come along for an informal chat about the issues of the day.
All women in the London and the Southeast are welcome to join

Event Contact

contact: londonse@pcs.org.uk

Safe Passage for Refugees: PCS TUC Fringe event
2023-09-12 13:45 - 15:00
PCS has been at the forefront of campaigning for a safe and legal means for refugees to claim asylum without resort to the dangerous Channel crossing in small boats and free from the exploitation by those that profit from it.
Last year, PCS in partnership with Care4Calais published our ‘Safe Passage for Refugees: humane alternative to the Rwanda policy’ paper, which garnered support across the trade union movement and beyond.
With the government’s Illegal Migration Act receiving Royal Assent in July this year, the context of our campaign is shifting and adapting. This fringe meeting will address that and discuss how the movement can take forward the campaign for refugees’ rights.
The event will be chaired by PCS national president Fran Heathcote and speakers include: Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary; Clare Moseley, founder of Care4Calais; Weyman Bennett, Stand up to Racism.

How proportional representation can unlock economic equality - TUC fringe
2023-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Revolución de Cuba, Unit 17, Liverpool, L3 4AF
TUC fringe with tapas, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Economic equality cannot be achieved without political equality. To achieve that we need a fairer voting system so the voices of working people are heard clearly in Westminster at all times.
Speakers:

John McDonnell MP
Dr. Justine Mercer, UCU President
Maria Iacovou, Professor in Quantitative Sociology – University of Cambridge and LCER
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary PCS
Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science – University of Manchester
Chaired by: Lynn Henderson, Chair, Politics for the Many

Description:
A growing number of unions are now backing a proportional voting system (PR) because they can see the current system isn’t working for working people.
PR is about ensuring that workers’ rights and pay improve over time. It’s about reversing the trend where FPTP over-represents governments hostile to working people and, as a consequence, sees their rights and conditions eroded over time.
Join us in a sociable environment to get your questions answered and hear about how PR can ensure trade unionists always have a seat at the table.

Green UNISON Week
2023-09-15 09:00 - 2023-09-22 18:00
This September, the union will once again be supporting and encouraging branches to mark Green UNISON Week, using it to celebrate, discuss and share how the union is working to green public services.
From Friday 15th to Friday 22nd of September inclusive, branches across the UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.
Find out more about Green UNISON Week.

Street stall, Formby Village, Sefton & West Lancs
2023-09-16 11:00 - 14:00
Please join us at our stall in Formby Village!
Can you join us to send a message to our local First Past the Post supporting MPs, Ashley Dalton and Bill Esterson, that there is a public demand for PR.
In the run up to the Labour Party conference we’re running street stalls in Skelmersdale (9th Sept) and Formby (16 Sept) to collect postcards from members of the public who want PR, to send to Ashley and Bill.
On 16th September we’ll be in Formby village at the junction of Chapel Lane and Three Tuns Lane from 10-13.00hrs.
Please come along to meet fellow PR supporters and to show there is a public demand for PR. If you’ve never done a street stall before don’t worry, we’ll buddy you up with one of our experienced volunteers.
Please reply by email to mvm.sefton.wl@gmail.com if you can help at one of the stalls.

LSE Women's Network Event - Spy Cops Scandal - hybrid
2023-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Women activists speaking about their fight for justice after being deceived into intimate relationships with undercover police.
Between 1968 and at least 2010, 139 undercover police officers were sent on deployments and spied on more than 1,000 mainly left wing and progressive groups. At least 6 undercover officers deceived women into intimate relationships during their covert deployments
This is a hybrid event being held in person at the Civil Service Club (lunch provided) and virtually via Zoom.

How to have conversations about climate change that matter
2023-09-21 13:30 - 14:30
In a world where most people now accept that climate change is real, what stops people from engaging in this vital issue?
Unison has teamed up with Larger Us – which works to build broader coalitions for change – to deliver free online training to anyone who wants to up their game when it comes to climate conversations.
This webinar explains the project in detail and explores what the training will look like and what this pilot project will involve.
You can find out more and register here.

Liberal Democrat Conference: ‘Clean up our politics to restore our democracy’
2023-09-24 19:15 - 20:15
Hosted by Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform, with Unlock Democracy, Make Votes Matter and Electoral Reform Society
Sleaze scandals bursting out from the corridors of power; MPs second jobs and big money funding; absolute power for governments despite winning less than half the votes – no wonder people decide their votes are wasted. What’s the reform agenda?
Speakers include:

Christine Jardine MP, Cabinet Office Spokesperson

Jess Sargeant, Associate Director, Institute for Government

Tom Brake, Director, Unlock Democracy

Klina Jordan, Chief Executive, Make Votes Matter

Note: You have to be registered for the Party Conference to attend this meeting.
Meyrick Suite, Bournemouth International Centre

Black History Month
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
Join us in ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and the #WEMATTER movement during Black History Month 2023
The theme Saluting our Sisters pays homage to black women who had contributions ignored, ideas appropriated, and voices silenced.
2023 LISTINGS

West Yorkshire - Otley Street Stall
2023-10-21 12:00 - 15:00
Please join us at our street stall!
Saturday 21st November we are holding a stall in Otley, Kirkgate opposite the Black Horse Hotel. Call by for a chat, pick up leaflets, stickers and postcards to send to your MP, or just say Hi. Do make yourself known as we will be pleased to have you with us.
If you can let us know you are coming that would be even better. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries about location, times or our message. mvmwestyorkshire@yahoo.com

2023 TUC Midlands Equalities Conference
2023-10-21 12:00 - 16:00
The annual TUC Midlands Equalities Conference will be held this year at Unite’s regional office in Birmingham.
(Unite the Union, 30 Jennens Rd, Birmingham, B7 4EH, 11am, 21 October)
The conference will hear from national trade union speakers as well as from the various equality networks and committees in the midlands about their work.
Workshops will also be held whereby attendees will be able to discuss, in depth, with the various equality strands to help shape the work and priority of our equalities work for the forthcoming year.

Resisting Thatcherism in 1980s Sheffield
2023-10-21 14:00 - 18:00
On Saturday 21st October, Sheffield Transformed is hosting a workshop that will explore how left-wing activists and politicians in 1980s Sheffield attempted to resist the dominance of Thatcherism and implement their own political ideas.
During the 1980s, the term ‘Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire’ was coined to describe the region’s left-wing political culture. With contributions from historians and local campaigners, this workshop will examine the left-wing, trade union, feminist, and anti-racist activism that made up the Socialist Republic.
Through presentations and group discussion, we’ll examine the extent to which there was a concerted and successful attempt to build a left-wing alternative to Thatcherite ideology in Sheffield. We’ll discuss what we can learn from this pivotal period in political history and how we can apply it to our present situation.
A full programme for the day is available here, which includes some suggested further reading and resources. As well as the scheduled sessions, there will also be an exhibition of local political memorabilia and photographs from the 1980s that people can view during the breaks and at the end of the event.
Tickets are free but, as Sheffield Transformed has no regular source of funding, any donations will help us to host future events.
Thank you to GMB, NEU, the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, Sheffield Trades Council, UCU and Unite for generously supporting this event.
Guest speakers

Sheena Clarke – local councillor from period
Damon Fairclough – writer and photographer
Kate Flannery – local activist
Sarah Kenny – historian
Daisy Payling – historian
Anandi Ramamurthy – academic
Emma Rattenbury – local activist

Training Camp for Coordinators of Citizens' Assemblies - Birmingham
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-26
The first ever training camp in the UK! Join us to explore deliberative democracy and the minutiae of the design of citizens’ assemblies.
What is it
The Training Camp is a comprehensive course for present and future coordinators of citizens’ assemblies worldwide. Our experience in supporting and running deliberative processes has taught us many lessons and led us to develop our own, quality-driven, values-based methodology that we would now love to bring to the broader community of practitioners. We envision a world where citizens’ assemblies are well designed, held to high quality standards, and executed with confidence, ease, and joy. Capacity building is an essential ingredient of making that happen.
Who is it for
The Training Camp is intended for members of organizations and groups interested in designing and running citizens’ assemblies – with or without prior experience. We also happily welcome unaffiliated individuals with a passion for democratic innovation and systemic reform.

European Health and Safety Week 23-27 October 2023 - 'Safe and healthy work in a digital age'
2023-10-23 - 2023-10-28
The campaign is actually a nexus for thousands of local actions in workplaces, within unions, in towns and in cities. Typical events are exhibitions, training events, film screenings, photo calls or ‘stunts’ to raise awareness, training events, briefings and conferences.
It is an opportunity for for workplace and local campaigning and awareness raising about the positive role of unions and the difference we make to safety, health and well-being at work in a period of rapid technological change.
The TUC LESE executive committee wished to make sure that unions, union activists and trades councils in our region are aware of the campaign week.
It is short notice but here are a few ideas for things you, your branch or your trades council might do to support the week, and indeed raise the union movement’s profile using the campaign week as an asset:

Use union noticeboards and email networks, and similar, to promote awareness of the issue and the campaign week.
Send an alert about the campaign week to branch members, delegates and contacts.
Send social media messages, and post on Facebook, including forwarding other organisation’s tweets.
Mapping to scope problems caused by the digital age and search to see if there is a case-study of a worker whose health, safety or well-being has been negatively affected by the ‘digital age’. And even better, if that impact has been mitigated by positive action by a trade union, and write it up.
Write to the local press about the issues and the importance of the trade union response.
Arrange a photo call/photo stunt on the theme, using a bit of artistic creativity.
Add a small element about the issue to an existing event or action.

If your branch or trades council does decide to do something, please let TUC LESE know (email lese@tuc.org.uk), so we can capture and publicise it.

Tackling racism and the far-right - a trade union response
2023-10-25 11:00 - 17:00
Across the country, we are seeing racists and fascists look to divide our communities. In the North West, we’ve seen anti-migrant and refugee sentiment on the rise, protests at hotels and far-right candidates standing in local elections.
Increasingly, far-right groups and individuals are using conspiracy theories as a recruiting ground. No longer is it just about migrants and race, but about LGBT+ and more.
The response from government has just been more rhetoric, fuelling divisions and seeking to pit people in communities against each other.
Our movement is founded on one of solidarity and justice. We’ve seen our unions call out and take on the government’s Rwanda plans, propose better solutions to theirs and where appropriate, protest against those who seek to divide us.
This full day event will bring together representatives from unions, community groups, anti-racism and anti fascism organisations to share updates, spread best practice on tackling these organisations and individuals and help narrow our focus on how we defeat the poisonous narrative in the run up to the next election and beyond.
A full agenda will be circulated in the coming weeks. In the meantime, sign up to reserve your place.

SERIES LAUNCH Manifesto Press: The Workers' & Students' Guide to Capitalism
2023-10-27 19:30 - 21:00
You are invited to join us at the launch of the Workers’ and Student Guides on 27 October at the Marx Memorial Library between 6:30pm and 9:30pm.

There will be presentations from the writers of the 5 guides that are currently published:

Nigel Flanagan, author of Organising Our Trade Unions

Stewart McGill, author of The Top Ten Economic Myths, Straight Lefts on Inflation and Socialism or Extinction

C. Ritchie, author of Marxism and Philosophy in the 21st Century.

There will opportunities to discuss the guides, pick up some copies signed by the authors, and drink some wine. See you there.
