Catalyst: the next step…

The influence and success of Catalyst, the “campaigning think-tank” for the labour movement and the left, continues to grow. Our recent work on alternatives to the marketisation of public services, the future of trade unionism, the role for the state in ensuring adequate pension coverage, and the moral and political case for equality have helped to reshape policy thinking and debate and earned us the “One To Watch” prize at the recent Think Tank of the Year awards.

We have been able to establish this position with the help of the UK’s major trade unions, and they are now committed to continuing their support. Now Catalyst is proposing the next step. We want to broaden our activities and become a more “bottom-up” organisation by offering individuals and grassroots activists new ways to support and become involved in our work.

During the summer we will be launching two exciting new publications: a regular newsletter featuring updates on our work as well as analysis and comment on contemporary issues; and “Talking Points”, an innovative series of accessible and sharp-edged policy briefings that will aim to facilitate grassroots discussion and revive genuine political education by setting out the key facts and arguments behind current topics of controversy. In addition we will be holding more frequent meetings and events around the country (if you are interested in helping us to organise in your area, or if we can provide speakers for your own event, we hope you will get in touch).

So that we can reach and involve as many people as possible in these activities we are making it possible to subscribe to these publications for as little as £1 a month. If you are not already a Catalyst subscriber we hope you will do so today, by downloading, filling out and returning the form below. We also hope you will spread the word by passing this letter on to friends and colleagues, and circulating your local party or trade union branch (contact the office for additional copies).

Finally we hope that, if you can afford it, you will consider giving some extra support to this work by making a donation or taking out a larger standing order. Catalyst has made an extraordinary impact with just a fraction of the resources available to other “think tanks” and political organisations. Just a small increase in income would allow us to rent more office space for interns and volunteers; open up new areas of policy for serious research and debate; become a more frequent presence in the national media; and organise more activities outside Westminster. Your support could make a crucial difference to the development of a future agenda for the left and to ensuring our ideas and arguments reach the widest possible audience.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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