Campaign news

Momentum Networking Conference 11th March

26th February 2017

Momentum Networking Conference 11th March

Pete Firmin, Brent Momentum member, reports

With the dissolution of all Momentum structures by diktat of the Steering Committee and its imposition of a constitution that no body of Momentum has discussed or (other than an email vote by the Steering Committee) voted on, those opposed to these anti-democratic manoeuvrings have been faced with a dilemma - how to continue to fight for the transformation of the Labour Party and society in the face of this hi-jacking of the organisation meant to achieve this.
The National Committee delegates, ignoring their ‘dissolution’ met on 28th January to discuss the way forward. In a comradely discussion, even when there was disagreement, the meeting discussed fighting the Tories over issues like the NHS and migration/racism before moving on to discuss the situation with Momentum. While condemning the imposed constitution, the meeting rejected any idea of walking away from Momentum, instead opting to organise through and within branches and regions to make Momentum effective in a way it hasn’t been so far.
As Momentum HQ has refused to call the founding conference previously agreed by all Momentum structures (and is now organising a rally which will not decide anything), the existing National Committee and Conference Arrangements Committee have issued this call:
“On Saturday 11th March, the Momentum National Committee has called for a grassroots networking conference for local groups and activists. This is an exciting opportunity for grassroots members to link up, exchange ideas and plan campaigns. There will be plenaries, interactive workshops, and discussions and debates about the future of Momentum and the labour movement.”

All Momentum local groups are invited to send voting delegates to the conference, and all Momentum members are welcome to attend.

This is not the founding conference that was initially planned for February. Its purpose is to allow Momentum groups - at long last - to co-ordinate with each other on a national level: to learn from each other, discuss and develop campaigning ideas, and debate the way forward for Momentum.

Developments can also be followed on the Momentum Grassroots Networking Conference Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1861820347434354/

Grassroots Momentum Conference
11 March 2017
10.00-17.00
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London WC1R 4RL
This conference is being called at Conway Hall as an opportunity for local groups to network nationally. Since Momentum was formed, we have never had a chance to get together, and now, more than ever, given all the negative polling for the Labour Party, local groups need to get together and form a collective to decide how we want to transform the party and how the grassroots can ensure election for Jeremy in 2020.

To attend, please sign up here

Background

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