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From Chicago to Paisley: Community Organising – Yes We Can!

Community Union Day

 

Movement for Change and     Community Trade Union come to Paisley

It seems a long way from the south side of Chicago to Paisley Museum, but on Saturday a meeting there brought the communities just a bit closer. 

At the invitation of local MP  Douglas Alexander , Movement for Change and Community Trade Union came to town to train local people in the techniques of community organisation. 
 
Before being elected President of the United States or even a Senator, Barack Obama worked as a community organiser – campaigning against the impact of Reganomics on the neighbourhood of Chicago.

Community Union day2


At the day long course this Saturday local people discussed how to achieve change in Renfrewshire .
 
Speaking after the event MP Douglas Alexander said:
 
“It was great to have the chance to share ideas and learn from experienced campaigners in Community and Movement for Change.

“We were able to discuss successful local campaigns like the efforts to keep Lochwinnoch Library open despite the Council’s plans to close it, and the work of local parents in stopping Renfrewshire Council from cutting hours teachers teach local children each week.
 
“I’d like to thank Community Trade Union for helping to organise the day and also thanks to all the local people who came along.”
 
Deputy General Secretary for Community Trade Union, Joe Mann said:
 
"This event drew out the very best in all of us that attended, everyone was tremendously enthused and left determined to reach much wider into our Communities to connect with the huge number of people and organisations out there who share similar values, this launch of Community Unions new Labour Campaign Network is the most positive indication we have yet seen that the determination to win is embedded within us, and that we positively embrace fresh new thinking that takes us all back on the road back to power"
 
Blair McDougall, Director of Movement for Change said:
 
“This felt like the start of something exciting. Labour as a party has always believed that everyone has talent and potential. We think that people have hidden talents as leaders of change in their community and we want to make the most of this potential in Paisley.”
 
More information on Community Trade Union can be found at: http://www.community-tu.org/information/107217/
 
More information on Movement for Change can be found at: http://www.movementforchange.org.uk/