Socialist Party 101st Conference 2005 (2005)

Party News from the March 2005 issue of the Socialist Standard 

The Socialist Party is a democratic party run by its members without leaders of any sort, and the way we make decisions is open for all to see at our twice yearly general meetings. This Easter weekend we will be discussing a variety of issues including the following:

• Far from being all of the same mind on every topic, members are very diverse in their opinions and interests, so would it be a good idea to set up a special discussion journal so we can debate controversial ideas among ourselves?
• The Declaration of Principles was written in 1904, over a hundred years ago. Some members think the language is antiquated and could do with modernising. For instance, while we oppose reformist movements the use of the word 'hostile' might give the wrong impression. Alternatively, others feel that it is a historical document that should be left as written.
• Should we oblige ourselves to pay dues, or could we get rid of a whole lot of unnecessary bureaucracy if we dumped the dues rule and adopted a system of voluntary contribution?
• Other items: why we keep overspending, colour-coded politics, a press letter network, the word 'ordinary' as a class descriptor, reports from departments, challenging the government ban on political advertising, putting more speculation into the Standard, wrecking amendments and ideas for more adventurous publicity.

101st Annual Conference of The Socialist Party at Head Office, 52 Clapham High St. London SW4 on Friday 25th March 2005, 10.30 to 6.30 pm and Saturday 26th March 2005, 11 to 6 pm. All visitors welcome, admission and refreshments free. Social on Friday evening at Bread & Roses, Clapham (TBC).