Two weeks ago the GTWA (Greater Toronto Workers Assembly) held its 4th Assembly (July 2010). Once again we were able to get through some difficult tasks. We engaged in healthy debate and discussion with patience, mutual solidarity and respect. Our shared organization continues to grow and develop.
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1. Motions Passed at the July 2010 Assembly
2. Membership Numbers
3. Finances
4. Committees
5. Upcoming Events
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1. Motions Passed
I. Coordinating Committee Elections Policy:
http://www.workersassembly.ca/docs/ccelections.pdf
II. Discrimination and Harrassment Policy:
http://www.workersassembly.ca/docs/discrimination.pdf
III. Participation, Voting and Disruption Policy:
http://www.workersassembly.ca/docs/disruption.pdf
IV. G20 Solidarity
A) The GTWA will form a new committee to organize around legal defense and the defence of civil liberties.
B) The GTWA endorses the Toronto Call.
C) The GTWA will organize a larger forum on the G-20, to be held in August or September.
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2. Who We Are
Coming out of the Assembly we have 240 members and 265 supporters (people who want to be kept updated about our activities). Our members belong to
over 40 community/social justice organizations, 20 unions/labour organizations (over 24 Toronto-and area- locals). Of course not all our members are able to be very active in the Assembly project. We understand that family, work and other commitments make time a very valuable commodity for our members. We will continue to try to work on ways to engage our membership. We both respect peoples challenges and welcome whatever people can contribute to our shared project. If you are a supporter and would like to be a member visit: http://www.workersassembly.ca/join
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3. Finances
We raised approx. $1000 at this most recent Assembly at the door. In addition we raised $315 for G20 defence funds and $316 for the striking Massey Centre workers (who now have a contract: http://www.seiulocal1.org/Massey_workers_end_90_day_strike.aspx )
It was noted at the Assembly that as we grow and engage in campaigns we must increase our resources. The Membership/Outreach/Finance committee (as directed by the Assembly) has begun to collect voluntary dues and donations. Donations/voluntary dues (minimum $5) can be made by:
a. Sending a cheque or series of post dated cheques to:
Greater Toronto Workers Assembly c/o
Centre For Social Justice
489 College Street, Suite 303g
Toronto, Ontario
M6G 1A5
b. Credit card or Paypall: Use the Paypall feature on our website (bottom of the page): http://www.workersassembly.ca/contact
c. Sign up for our automatic bank deductions option: Contact workingclassfightback@gmail.com for details
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IV. Committees
The following Committees/Caucuses are meeting regularly until the next Assembly:
* Campaigns Committee
* Membership/Finance/Outreach Committee
* Internal Political Development and Education Committee
* Publications and External Political Education Committee
* Cultural Committee (artists from all disciplines encouraged to join)
* Labour Caucus (both union and non-union members encouraged to join)
* G20 Solidarity
If you are interested in one of these committees/caucus/groups and want to be connected contact: workingclassfightback@gmail.com
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V. Upcoming Assembly Events:
a. Next Assembly tentative date: October 16th weekend
b. Public Sector Organizing Meeting: To Be Announced (TBA)
c. Labour Conference: TBA
d. G20 Forum: TBA
e. New Member Orientation: TBA
f. East End and West End Coffee Houses: TBA
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Solidarity! Resistance! Change!