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Anniversary AppealNew Ground 64
It is 30 years since SERA was established in 1973. I wish all our members a very happy birthday: we can be extremely proud of all that SERA has achieved in those 30 years. Our challenge has been to show that social justice and environmental change are not mutually exclusive, but interdependent. Dave Elliott explains in "The Way We Were" how from the beginning SERA has worked hard to spread this message in the Labour movement. Both Chris Smith MP and Environment Minister Michael Meacher highlight in this birthday edition of New Ground how crucial a role SERA has played in shaping Labour’s environmental policies. We have also played a vital role in the greening of this government. Looking ahead, we have a unique opportunity to campaign for more radical environmental policies. We have a strong Labour government with the power and opportunity to make the decisions that will shape the environmental agenda for decades to come. SERA’s unique affiliation to the Labour Party and its presence in Parliament make us well-placed to have influence well beyond our size.But our efforts are often restricted by a lack of funds and campaigning resources. It is for this reason that I want to set a challenge for SERA’s 30th birthday year: to raise an additional £15,000 of core income. To meet this target we have established two new giving schemes:
Your membership fee of £18 a year is included in these rates. Moreover, all of this funding will go straight to where it is needed most, to support SERA’s campaigns on energy, waste and transport. On energy, we are calling for increased investment in renewable energy and an end to nuclear power. On transport, we are campaigning for a switch of funds from road-building into buses, trains, cycling and walking, and for a demand management approach to aviation. On waste, we are pressing for tougher financial measures and increased investment, to encourage less waste creation and more recycling. These are critical environmental issues. And in the next few months the Labour Party will be making crucial decisions in each of these areas. SERA has a unique opportunity to influence these decisions, but we need more funds if we are to maximise the effectiveness of our campaigns.Remember, just 250 members giving an extra £5.00 a month would enable us to meet our target. A standing order form is enclosed with your copy of New Ground. [Alternatively form www.serauk.org.uk/soform.htm can be printed and sent to the SERA Office.] I urge you to complete it and become a part of SERA’s campaigning efforts. Bill Eyres, Chair of FONT SERA |