Join Common Cause

Anarchism will not be created in this country, or any other, by a tiny group of people. Even in Ontario a successful anarchist revolution would require hundreds of thousands of active anarchists. Anarchists living on every street and active in every workplace. We obviously have a long way to go!

Common Cause is helping build the anarchist movement in Ontario. We would like you to become part of this work. This text explains why Common Cause needs you, what membership involves and how to go about joining.

Why does Common Cause need me to join?

Though you may think Common Cause is already doing a good job we could do a better one if you were to to get involved. More members means more experience, knowledge, money and resources for the organization.

New members bring new experience and knowledge to the organization. Each new member brings with them an insight into what is happening where they live, where they work (or go to school) and what people they know are talking about.

What does membership involve?

Each Common Cause member should, whether newly joined or involved for twenty years should

1. Contribute regular dues.
This money pays for papers, leaflets, room hire, posters, stationery, international solidarity, guest speakers, equipment, etc. If you're young and single these should be around 3% of income. If a number of people are financially dependent on your income this could be only 1%. Once you join the local treasurer will sort out with you what percentage you will pay.

2. Help out with the work of Common Cause as you are able to
The position papers are the policy we have collectively agreed that the Common Cause will implement. All members participate in this work. The Common Cause constitution contains more details on exactly what this means and the conditions under which you can be exempted from implementing areas of policy you disagree with.

We reject the model that requires people who have busy lives to dedicate loads of time to attending meetings, going to demonstrations, writing articles for the publications, attending more meetings, etc. in order to be a full member.

We want to organize the broadest layers of people who agree with our politics and provide our membership ways to participate that doesn't require much individual work or commitment. Even if all a person can do is pay a small amount of dues and stay in touch with the organization that's still very beneficial, we're so small right now that every member and every contribution no matter what is a huge help.

Plus, as a member of Common Cause you:
-Get a full vote at every level of the organizations decision making bodies, be they local meetings, delegate meetings, or Ontario-wide conferences.
-Are encouraged to participate in shaping the politics and activity of the organization.
-Have access to organizational educational events with experienced Common Cause members
-Can receive training on such subjects as writing, speaking, and organizing.
-Are able to host stops on Common Cause provincial speaking tours.
-Are networked with other anarchist-communists throughout Ontario who can take coordinated action together.
-Have collective funds for local and provincial organizing.
-Will be issued a one-year membership card with your name and date of joining (haven't you always wanted to be a card-carrying anarchist?).
-Receive a free subscription to any publications we publish and are encouraged to take free bundles of our newspaper to distribute.

How do I join?

It’s very simple. First you should read our basic policy which explains the core politics of our Anarchism. If you agree with it just contact us and tell us you want to join. If you have any questions about please don't hesitate to ask and one of our members will try and answer your questions for you as soon as we are able to.

Once you have done this if you are in an area with an active branch you can start to attend educational events and meetings. If we are not already active in your area we will talk with you, try to arrange to meet with you and you can attend whatever events and meetings you may be able to travel to.

Remember, You don’t need any special skills, qualifications or talents (but they’re all welcome) - just the desire to be free.