This will be the theme of the WMCW’s International Seminar and General Assembly to be held in July 2013 in Haltern Am See, Germany.

Four years after the Nantes meeting, this new gathering of our movements marks an important point in the evolution of the World Movement. It is an opportunity for all delegates to become open to different realities, different ways of thinking and different cultures.

These differences are not an obstacle but a resource for dialogue, reflection, debate and sharing. The Seminar and General Assembly are exceptional places in which to exchange ideas and develop a joint project for all the WMCW. In addition, the structure will be renewed and new representatives elected there. It will also be a time for prayer, visits to groups of the KAB Germany, the creation of new friendships and colorful musical celebrations.

The results of the regional seminars held in 2011 and 2012 brought to light that the migration phenomenon affects all countries. Driven by poverty or the absence of democracy, men and women go in search of a better future. These migrations, for the most part from one southern country to another southern country, are an irreversible phenomenon.

During the 2013 International Seminar, the WMCW members will be asked to reflect on how to build a new, mixed society, in which different cultures will share their best aspects while abandoning their negative ones. While building this future society, the fight against a destructive economic and financial system must be continued and extended by unifying the different, varied struggles currently appearing.

The environmental question is central to this fight. For the first time in the history of humanity, the use of resources is exceeding the planet’s capacities. It is therefore necessary at the individual and collective levels to think of another way of consuming, producing and respecting the mother planet – a planet that belongs to everyone and for which each of us is responsible.

ACTIVE SOLIDARITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE WMCW

The living and translation expenses for the delegates are high. That is why a participation fee was fixed: the movements in the north make a contribution of 925€ per delegate and those in the south 462.50€ per delegate. This represents a significant effort for all the movements, including those in the north severely affected by the economic crisis shaking Europe.

Some aid agencies will also be approached to help support this gathering, but this will not be sufficient. The WMCW’s budget, for which the main source of income is its members’ subscription fees, cannot bear the cost. It is important to help seek the necessary means within the movements themselves. This is proof of independence, solidarity and militancy. The KAB Germany, which is hosting the Seminar and General assembly, has already begun to mobilize its groups. However, solidarity cannot only be provided by movements in the north. Every movement, whatever its size and its difficulties, must raise the issue of solidarity. Within the WMCW every movement, whatever its membership numbers or the amount of its annual contribution, has an equal voice in decision-making. If all the movements have the same rights, they should have the same obligations, too. This is why the issue of financial independence must be central to practices in all movements in the north and south.

ORGANIZATION OF THE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

Beyond the financial aspect, the aim of this campaign is initially to enable members from the movements to meet and exchange ideas around the theme “Let’s build a just, fraternal and sustainable society”. Delegates from every movement invited have a great deal to say around these notions of justice, fraternity and environmental respect and how they are already fighting to advance them on a daily basis.

During the initiatives undertaken, the movement will also suggest a financial contribution in aid of the organization of the International Seminar and General Assembly so that all the movements’ activists become part of the large WMCW solidarity chain.

It is up to each movement and each representative, depending on their situation, to imagine how to find possible ways of fundraising. Many years ago the WMCW had launched the “solidarity drink” campaign. During a gathering, all the movements’ members were called on to contribute the price of a local beverage (beer, coffee, tea, wine, etc.). This is still a current means of fundraising. Apart from the convivial aspect, it has the advantage of being available to everyone.

Other means exist: cake and beverage sales during gatherings or celebrations or after church services, the printing and sale of T-shirts in the WMCW colors, craft sales, etc.

In order to relay the initiatives undertaken (good ideas should always be made known), we would be grateful if the General Secretariat could be informed of the substance of the initiatives undertaken in order to share them.

 HOW TO DEPOSIT THE FUNDS COLLECTED?

 Two solutions may be used, depending on the country:

1. A euro deposit into the WMCW account.

At the end of the solidarity campaign, the movement deposits the funds collected through a bank transfer in Euros, with the reference “solidarity campaign GA 2013”, onto the CREDIT MUTUEL in PARIS

IBAN: FR761027 8060 4200 0305 8544 184 BIC: CMCIFR2A

2. A cash payment.

In order to avoid consistently high bank charges, the funds collected may be given to a council member. They may also be given to the treasurer during the International Seminar. In this case, we would be grateful if the General secretariat could be informed beforehand of the amount collected.

The whole sum gathered under this campaign will be deposited into a “shared pot” referred to as the “2013 solidarity funds GA”. The movements will be able to draw on this fund depending on criteria defined by the international council and the self-financing efforts already provided.

Northern and southern movements, together let’s participate in this fraternity and solidarity chain in order to provide the WMCW with the necessary means to act. We know we can count on you. Together, we’re stronger!

The General Secretariat of the WMCW