Communist Party membership campaign

By Terrie Albano

This article was reprinted from the August 19, 1998 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

"In my heart I've always been a Communist," said Sara, a young woman and new member of the Communist Party. That pretty much reflects the way many new members feel about the Communist Party. Not only are they attracted to the ideas of the Party, but they want to organize clubs to bring these ideas to their neighborhoods, schools or jobs.

The month of August began a national effort to start new Party and YCL clubs based on the many new members who have been joining over the Internet, through the mail and phone. The first two meetings were held in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Nashville, Tennessee. Each meeting was organized jointly with new members and the national office. Letters were sent from the national office to all members and contacts in the area.

The 1998 elections, the Communist Manifesto, strike solidarity, fight against racism and building unity and building the Communist Party were among the topics discussed. Both meetings were held at public libraries. "I reserved the Virginia Beach library over the Internet in the name of the Communist Party," said sixteen -year old Joseph. And sure enough listed in the library weekly events was the Communist Party USA Saturday meeting.

Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake are a tri-city area. Norfolk hosts a large U.S. naval base and Chesapeake is the home of the Christian Coalition. But the experience of Elena Mora, national administrative secretary and myself who went to the Virginia Beach meeting was there was nothing to fear. People are as receptive to the Party and see it as a legitimate part of the American political landscape there as anywhere else. Everyone who came lived in the area. The longest distance was an hour away.

The Virginia Beach participants decided to hold a one day school on September 19 at the Chesapeake Public Library. Another new member took the responsibilty in getting the library room. Others called who couldn't make the meeting but want to get involved in clubs in their areas or are willing to start one.

Steve, a young worker, organized the Nashville meeting. "I sent an invitation to every labor union I could find in the phone book." He reserved the downtown Nashville library and sent in a notice for the meeting to a local free newspaper. This notice generated a story for the paper. A reporter and photographer were among the meeting's attendees. The Nashville meeting got down to brass tacks when one new members said "It's hard enough to get workers to go on strike when their jobs are at risk, let alone join the Communist Party. How do we do that?"

As part of getting a club started, Steve and the national office representative, Rey Johnjulio, visited a picketline of Peterbilt autoworkers and passed out the PWW and talked to a union representative about the strike. A story for the PWW is forthcoming.

When asked how long will it take to get a PWW fundraiser at the "Grand Ole Opry," Steve said he had no problem with that as long as he doesn't have to sing.

Going to a new area and meeting new party members is very exciting and you learn a lot. "Most of the people at this meeting joined over the Internet. They have read what the Party stands for and agree. Now they want to get active. Part of the Party building campaign is setting up new clubs wherever there are two or more people. We need more volunteers to help." said Mora.