From the 24th March to the 7th April will be Anti-Fascist Fortnight. This is a crucial time for the anti-fascist movement with the threat of the BNP at local elections on May.
My first active participation in fighting fascists was in the run up to the last General Election. As President of the University of Birmingham Guild of Student I ensured time and resources were put into informing students about the fascist threat and making sure that they used their vote against the BNP. Knocking on doors across the student community we had the vast majority of student houses proudly displaying posters in their windows that 'we don't do fascism', a truly striking image which led to BNP activists trying to intimidate student campaigners.
At the local elections last year a counting error meant that Birmingham saw our 1st BNP Councillor (though their election has now been overturned by the courts). It's a real wake up call for me, when I think of a Councillor spreading BNP hate in my city.
That's why in the run up to the election, I'll be helping with the fight against fascists especially in anti-fascist fortnight and taking a message of 'Hope not Hate'. UNISON is a proud supporter of anti-fascism, and in the West Midlands UNISON will be a major player on the campaigning day in Sandwell on the 1st April. This promises to be a great day with the Mirror Battle Bus, community activities and Billy Brag entertaining the activists, as well of course as getting out there in the community and on the doorstep spreading our message of Hope not Hate. Some of us from the Young Members Forum will be there and hopefully some people from my branch will be coming along too.
Would be great to see you there, or joining with searchlight in other areas in the run up to the local elections. If your on facebook request an invite to the group (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2241643143) or for details of all the anti-fascist fortnight events and searchlight's campaigns go to www.hopenothate.org.uk
