Labour Party Membership
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP Five things Contents to do today
‘WHAT YOU’VE JOINED’ Our history and values 4 1 Get in touch with your Our members 5 local constituency How we work contact – their details and where you fit 6 are on the front of Your talents 7 your membership card. Annual Conference 8 How Labour makes policy 9 Campaigns for change 10 2 Activate your digital Digital Revolution 12 membership card at my.labour.org.ukuk ‘WHERE CAN YOU GO NEXT?’ 3 Share your reason Young Labour 14 Welcome to the Labour Party; I do hope you take the opportunity for joining! Telling Labour Students 15 it’s brilliant to have you on board. to get involved. By getting to know someone why you joined Trade Unions 16 You have joined hundreds of your local party, sharing your ideas, is the most likely thousands of people committed and campaigning on the issues you Affiliated Societies 17 to fighting for a better, fairer Britain. care about, you can make thing to persuade As our newest member you have your voice heard. And together them to do the same. just made us even stronger. we can create real change. Thank you. ‘LABOUR ESSENTIALS’ Thank you again for adding your Useful contacts 18 Find and connect I hope this booklet will help name to our cause. Wherever FAQs 19 4 you find where your next step your membership takes you, Jargon buster 20 with your local party could take you in the Labour Party. I’m delighted and honoured that on Facebook or Twitter. Whether you want to passionately we’re on this journey together. Your views 21 engage in debates and help create Message from Jeremy 23 party policy, to stand as a candidate Best wishes, 5 Sign-up for an for elections, or to build friendships with like-minded people, you’re in online training the right place. session by emailing [email protected] Jeremy Corbyn Leader of the Labour Party
2 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 3 Our history and values ‘WHAT JOINED’ YOU’VE
The Labour Party is built on equality, social justice and compassion.
These values were at the heart of our foundation as a parliamentary pressure group by Keir Hardie in 1900, and have been the golden thread running through everything we have done since.
‘WHAT YOU’VE JOINED’ ‘WHAT From the first Labour government through to our historic third term election victory in 2005, we have created lasting change to the lives of the British people with revolutionary achievements like the NHS and the National Minimum Wage.
We have, and always will represent working people across Britain.
1924 First Labour Government formed Our members
By joining as a card-carrying member,
1948 you have demonstrated you share our Creation of the NHS values of equality and inclusivity. It is so important that every member has a chance 1967 to have their say and contribute to our great Homosexuality diverse and democratic movement. No member decriminalised in should ever feel intimidated or undervalued. England and Wales
1970 MEMBER’S PLEDGE
Equal Pay Act PHOTO: NHS Foundation Trust As the newest member of our Party, becomes law thank you for agreeing to this pledge. 1999 As a member, I pledge to act within National Minimum the spirit and rules of the Labour Wage comes into Party in my conduct both on effect and offline, with members and non-members and I stand against 2000 Human Rights Act all forms of abuse. comes into effect To find out more about the terms 2016 and conditions of your membership, Membership passes as well as your rights and responsibilities, half a million go to labour.org.uk/termsandconditions
4 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 5 ‘WHAT JOINED’ YOU’VE How we work and where you fit Your talents
“Our membership has increased The Labour Party is mainly a voluntary from 200 to over 700, so as you can As a member you’re at the heart of it! Whether you’re a budding designer, organisation, powered by passionate, imagine it’s taking me a little longer everything we do, and we want you social media expert, great with numbers
dedicated people who use their free time to answer emails! When I speak to to be as involved as you want to be. and figures or even just bursting with YOU’VE JOINED’ ‘WHAT and energy to make the Labour Party the members I try to find out more about enthusiasm for anything and everything, thriving, community-led movement it is. their interests and talents, that way There are many ways you can get more there’s a way for you to get involved. I can better help them find their involved in the Labour Party, and they all place in the party. We don’t agree begin in your CLP. Go along to meetings, By helping out in your CLP, supporting the on everything (that’s democracy!), support the people running them (they’re people currently holding these roles, you BRANCH LABOUR PARTY but we’re united by the fact we’re all members and volunteers too!) and enjoy show yourself as a team player and may (BLP) working for the same thing, and that being surrounded by people working for even end up being elected yourself. is especially great to see on campaign the same things you are. days. I find we’re at our best and most productive when we’re out talking to If you’ve got a particular skill or talent you our community about the things that want to offer, tell your local party about NATIONAL matter the most.” PARTY REGIONAL YOU Mark, PARTY Secretary of Cotswolds CLP
DID YOU
CONSTITUENCY KNOW? LABOUR PARTY CLP = Constituency (CLP) Labour Party. For more terms you might not have heard before, have a look at You’ll most likely meet people in your our jargon buster on branch and constituency first – officers, page 20 treasurers or secretaries. They’re the volunteers who make sure your local party is able to make important decisions on everything from socials, campaigns and policy events. It’s only through these efforts and organisation that we can achieve electoral success at all levels of government, and change society for the benefit of all.
6 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 7 WHAT YOU’VE JOINED.
‘WHAT JOINED’ YOU’VE Annual Conference
As a member you have the chance to attend one of our most exciting events and experience policy making in action! Labour’s Annual Conference takes place every autumn and is one of the largest and most high profile political YOU’VE JOINED’ ‘WHAT events in Europe – with over 10,000 people attending each year. Don’t take our word for it, Our delegates and visitors take part in debates here’s what two new members to shape Labour’s vision for Britain. With over had to say about Conference! 400 fringe events, a vibrant exhibition and great opportunities to network and share ideas, How Labour Annual Conference is an event not to be missed. “A fantastic makes policy Highlights of Annual Conference: experience, very Leader’s speech motivating, very emotional SHARE YOUR IDEAS Keynote speeches from the Shadow Cabinet at times – I will definitely Labour Party policy is made through an Training events and seminars be returning!” You can play your part in this open and democratic policymaking process, process on the Labour Policy Forum Exciting new members’ events in consultation with our members and website: policyforum.labour.org.uk. (often with special guests!) supporters, businesses, civil society groups This site is designed to help you and other experts. share your ideas and help shape Labour’s next Manifesto. At the heart of this process sits the National Policy Forum (NPF), made up of more than Find Labour’s latest policy CONFERENCE 200 representatives from all sections of consultations, share your ideas CONFERENCE 2018 the Party, with the largest part elected by with our Policy Commissions 2017 23-26 September, “I arrived as a new member and get feedback from your 24-27 September, Liverpool ordinary members (you!) in each region Brighton on my own, unsure of what and nation of the UK. Other members of NPF Representatives, and join Conference was all about and found the NPF represent Labour councillors, MPs, discussions with other members a warm welcome; new friends; affiliated trade unions, socialist societies and supporters. reassurance and friendly advice and other groups. Everyone can have a say in to find my way around.” developing Labour policy, so all NPF Representatives each sit on one of submissions are considered by a number of Policy Commissions, with the relevant Policy Commissions. members of the Shadow Cabinet. Each By taking part in our open and Policy Commission specialises in specific democratic policymaking process, policy areas, meeting regularly to take you can help contribute to future evidence from experts, look at ideas and policy documents, influence feedback from Party members, and discuss debates at Annual Conference, and develop new policy. Their work forms and help shape Labour’s next the basis for debates at Annual Conference, Manifesto. and eventually informs Labour’s Manifesto.
8 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 9 ‘WHAT JOINED’ YOU’VE Campaigns for change
Our campaigns up and down the country rely on volunteers to keep
going. Members like you are the driving YOU’VE JOINED’ ‘WHAT force behind transforming communities across the UK. Back in 2015, the Tories unveiled their unfair plan to cut working tax The most effective method of credits, threatening the incomes of campaigning is meeting voters face STOP millions of hard-working families. to face. Knocking on doors and speaking Local campaigns are how We took our campaign to Stop the to people in our local area allows us to we make a real difference Tax Credit Cut to high streets and engage with Labour voters throughout to peoples’ lives. THE homes across the UK. the year, not just at election time. Is a service that your community Through the tireless efforts of our Door knocking ensures a strong relies on closing? Maybe a local TAX members, knocking on doors and Labour Party presence in the area, library or fire station? Or a bus sharing our message we forced and demonstrates that we are actively service route that you think the Tories to U-turn on their plans. seeking opinions and listening to people should exist? Talk to your local This is how our campaigns make a in local communities. This is how every CREDIT party about it. Chances are, real difference. Labour Party member can help us other people in your area will win power locally and nationally, feel the same. Get involved, and form the Labour Government CUT motivate other members our country needs. and start transforming your community! CAMPAIGN DID YOU KNOW? You don’t have to be a
policy expert to speak Changes to tax credits will cost Changes to tax working familiescredits will cost to people on the doors. £1,300 a year.working families £1,300 a year.Changes to tax credits will cost Chances are you’ll relate working families to any local issue people £1,300 a year. have, and if there is something you don’t feel
you can answer, report Call on the ToriesCall onto stopthe Tories the tax to credit stop cutthe now. tax credit cut now. Sign our petition at labour.org.uk/taxcredits back to your team and Sign our petition at labour.org.uk/taxcredits Call on the Tories to stop the tax credit cut now. they’ll help you out – Sign our petition at labour.org.uk/taxcredits it’s a team effort!
10 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 11 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100101 10100100101001010101010100101010100101001010100101010101 001010101010101010101010101010100101010010010010010010100 10101010101001010101010101010 010001010010001001001010101
‘WHAT JOINED’ YOU’VE 000011010010110101010011001011010010010100101010101010010 101010010100101010010101010100101010101010101010101010101 010010101001001001001001010010101010101001010101010101010 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100101 10100100101001010101010100101010100101001010100101010101 001010101010101010101010101010100101010010010010010010100 10101010101001010101010101010 010001010010001001001010101 000011010010110101010011001011010010010100101010101010010 YOU’VE JOINED’ ‘WHAT 101010010100101010010101010100101010101010101010101010101Digital 010010101001001001001001010010101010101001010101010101010 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100101 10100100101001010101010100101010100101001010100101010101Revolution 001010101010101010101010101010100101010010010010010010100 10101010101001010101010101010We are transforming the010001010010001001001010101 Labour Party 000011010010110101010011001011010010010100101010101010010 101010010100101010010101010100101010101010101010101010101into a vehicle for political change in the 01001010100100100100100101001010101010100101010101010101021st century 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100101 10101000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100My Labour is a new digital platform for Labour Party members. The home of your 101101001001010010101010101001010101001010010101001010101 My Labour is a digital membership card, My Labour makes 010010101010101010101010101010101001010100100100100100101it easy for you to access information about first step towards 0010101010101001010101010101010your local party and get in touch. Once you 0100010100100010010010101 rebuilding our 010000110100101101010100110010110100100101001010101010100have activated your My Labour account, you will be able to update your contact 101010100101001010100101010101001010101010101010101010101 Party organisation details, see upcoming events and access 010100101010010010010010010100101010101010010101010101010other Labour Party services including the around the needs of Labour Policy Forum and shop. 10 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100 our members, making 101101001001010010101010101001010101001010010101001010101This is the first step of our digital revolution it easy for everyone 010010101010101010101010101010101001010100100100100100101and we’d love to know what you think. 0010101010101001010101010101010To find out more or send us your feedback, 0010010100101010101010010 get in touch. to play a full and 101010010100101010010101010100101010101010101010101010101 [email protected] 010010101001001001001001010010101010101001010101010101010 active role. 0345 092 2299 01000101001000100100101010100001101001011010101001100101 You can also email Tom directly on Tom Watson, 101001001010010101010101001010101001010010101001010101010 [email protected]. Deputy Leader 010101010101010101010101010101001010100100100100100101001 of the Labour Party 0101010101001010101010101010 0100010100100010010010101010 Activate your My Labour account 000110100101101010100110010110100100101001010101010100101today at my.labour.org.uk 010100101001010100101010101001010101010101010101010101010 10010101001010001010010001001001010101000011010010110101 12 Making the most of your membership 010011001011010010010100101010101010010101010010100101010Making the most of your membership 13 010101010100101010101010101010101010101010010101001001001 001001010010101010101001010101010101010 00100100100101001 0101010101001010101010101010 Labour Students
Labour Students is the biggest student political organisation in the country, with thousands of members at universities and colleges across the UK. We take Labour’s message to students and stand up for people at college and university within the Labour Party.
We have Labour Clubs at many Higher and Further Education institutions which hold lots of Young Labour exciting events. National events give members the opportunity to spend time with other Labour ‘WHERE CAN YOU GO NEXT?’ GO YOU CAN ‘WHERE Are you under 27? If the answer is yes, Students from across the UK, hear from and you’re automatically a member of speak with high-profile politicians, debate current Young Labour. issues and most importantly make some great new friends. Young Labour is a great place to meet other like-minded young people, discuss We’re also a campaigning organisation, proud policy, learn new skills and campaign for to put our values into practice. We work to get Labour in crucial elections. Labour MPs, MSPs, MEPs, AMs and Councillors elected - because it is with Labour in power that There are lots of different ways you can students get the best deal. We also campaign on
get involved: key student issues too, like the Living Wage and ‘WHERE CAN YOU GO NEXT?’ getting students registered to vote. Find out if there’s a Young Labour group near you – you can do this at Whatever you choose to do with Labour Students, younglabour.org.uk. If there isn’t, why “With more members you’ll have the chance to play your part in shaping not set one up yourself? Get in touch than ever before, this is the future. So go ahead and get involved! with your regional office to get started! an incredibly exciting time to get involved in Young Labour. From campaigning Get in touch with your Young Labour to debating to just hanging National Committee to find out about campaigning events and opportunities out with like-minded people, in your region. You can find their Young Labour is a great way contact details on our website. to get involved, and make great friends along the way.” THREE Stand to be the Youth Officer THINGS TO DO in your local Labour Party – head to Jasmin Beckett, the resources section of our website to NEC Youth Representative RIGHT NOW: 1. Join your University Labour Club download our handy guide to being a Caroline Hill, 2. Like our page on Facebook Youth Officer. Chair of Young Labour facebook.com/labourstudents/ 3. Follow us on Twitter
14 Making the most of your membership @labourstudents Making the most of your membership 15 Trade Unions Affiliated Societies Joining a trade union or affiliated society is a There really is something brilliant way of engaging with the wider Labour movement. Our links with unions and socialist for everyone… Get in touch! societies allow us to maintain our commitment to BAME Labour ensuring our Party has a strong presence in every community up and down the country – and not bamelabour.org.uk just at election time! Chinese for Labour Labour Party Irish Society chineseforlabour.org lpis.org.uk Trade unions and socialist societies are an Christians on the Left Labour Students important part of our rich Labour tapestry, (previously The Christian Socialist labourstudents.org.uk Movement) forming a link between our affiliates and Labour Women’s Network ‘WHERE CAN YOU GO NEXT?’ GO YOU CAN ‘WHERE christiansontheleft.org.uk our Party which is essential for future progress. lwn.org.uk Disability Labour LGBT Labour Being a member of an affiliated society allows labour.org.uk/disabled-members you to meet like-minded people, to discuss and lgbtlabour.org.uk The Fabian Society campaign on issues that really matter to you. National Union of Labour fabians.org.uk and Socialist Clubs We also offer the opportunity for members of The Jewish Labour movement [email protected] trade unions or socialist societies to sign up jlm.org.uk Scientists for Labour as affiliated supporters of the Party. Affiliated Labour Animal Welfare Society scientistsforlabour.org.uk supporters are invited to local party meetings and (LAWS) ‘WHERE CAN YOU GO NEXT?’ Socialist Educational Association are a vital link to the trade union community – so labouranimalwelfaresociety.org.uk if you know a trade unionist you think would be socialisteducation.org.uk Labour Business Socialist Environment and interested, let them know! (previously Labour Finance Resources Association and Industry Group) sera.org.uk lfig.org The Socialist Health Association JOIN AN AFFILIATED Labour Campaign for International Development sochealth.co.uk TRADE UNION AT lcid.org.uk Society of Labour Lawyers www.unionstogether.org.uk/ Labour Housing Group societyoflabourlawyers.org.uk about#unions labourhousing.co.uk Co-operative Party Labour Movement for Europe party.coop labourmovement.eu KeepIt.Coop
16 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 17 Useful contacts FAQs
GENERAL ENQUIRIES:
labour.org.uk/contact When I call the general 0345 092 22 99 enquiries line, who am I speaking to? If you have a question about your membership, send an email to Our dedicated Membership Team in Newcastle are on the other [email protected] end of the phone, ready to help you with anything from finding your membership and someone will get back to you. number to putting you in touch with your local or regional party contact.
Or, if you want to send us a letter, our address is: What does my membership fee pay for? The Labour Party Unlike the Tories, we don’t rely on a small number of donations from wealthy Labour Central donors. We rely on funds from our members, and your membership fee provides Kings Manor a vital boost to our training and campaigning efforts, at election time and beyond. Newcastle upon Tyne Without that, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Labour Party. NE1 6PA
If you have a question on Membersnet, Contact Creator, Nationbuilder How do I take part or Campaign Creator, you can in policy making? reach Campaign Technology at On policyforum.labour.org.uk, you can find Labour’s policy consultations, share [email protected] your ideas with our Policy Commissions and get feedback from your NPF Representatives, and join discussions with other members and supporters. If you want to know more about There’s more information on page 9. Annual Conference, and how to attend, give Conference Services a call on 0345 092 3311 or email them on How do I activate [email protected] my digital membership card?
‘LABOUR ESSENTIALS’ Go to my.labour.org.uk and follow the instructions. You’ll need your email address, ‘LABOUR ESSENTIALS’ Get in touch with the Young Labour membership number and date of birth. For more information head back to page team at [email protected] 12 of this booklet.
How do I change my details? You can do this easily at My Labour, see above.
18 Making the most of your membership Making the most of your membership 19 Jargon Your views Can you spare a minute to answer five short questions? buster We want to find out more about you – tell us what you care about and what you believe in. This way we can help you make the most out of your membership.
Membership Name: Number:
1. What prompted you to join the Labour Party? 3. How would you like to get involved in Labour Received email, call or letter from the campaigns? (tick as many as you like) This takes The National Executive ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEC Labour Party Speak to people over the phone place every autumn and is one of Committee is made up of elected Asked to join by someone you know Speak to people face to face the largest and most high profile representatives from every section Name Attend a Labour Party social event political events in Europe. Delegates of the Party – government, MPs, Share a campaign online at Conference vote on policy Councillors, trade unions and Spontaneous decision Deliver leaflets documents brought by the NPF. CLPs. Members vote for their CLP Had been thinking about it for a while Make a donation representative in a ballot every year. A particular news story Branch Labour Party, The NEC sets the Party’s objectives BLP Please specify 4. What do you think are the most important your local party, based on and oversees the running of the issues affecting our country today? ward boundaries for the election Party nationally. (tick as many as you like) of Councillors. A lot of Labour Party Brexit activity takes place at branch level, The National Policy Forum NPF Crime it is from here members take part in is made up of more than 200 2.Tell us how you want to get involved. Economy choosing local council candidates. representatives from all sections (tick as many as you like) Education and schools of the Party, with the largest part Generally support the Party Employment Speaking elected by ordinary members in CANVASSING/VOTER ID Shape our local and national policies Environment to people! Can be face-to-face or on each region and nation of the UK. Get involved in local campaigns and elections Health the phone. During these Other members of the NPF Train to become a politician (Councillor, MP etc) Immigration conversations you will also find out represent Labour Councillors, MPs, Meet like-minded people Welfare and benefits who people are planning on affiliated trade unions, socialist Discuss party policy and current events Cost of living supporting at elections. societies and other groups. Other Please specify CLP Constituency Labour Party, PLP The Parliamentary Labour How would you prefer to be contacted? made up of several branches Party is the group of Labour MPs (Please provide your preferred details) and based on the electoral area in parliament. ‘LABOUR ESSENTIALS’ for the election of MPs. It is from Email 5. Do you already volunteer in your local here you can help choose which community? (If yes, tell us more) members will represent you at By post
Annual Conference.
GOTV Get out the vote. You’ll hear a By phone lot about this around election time. Throughout a campaign we identify Please return this survey to: Labour voters (through canvassing), The Labour Party may contact you using the details you have Labour Party Membership Services, we then encourage them to go and supplied. If you prefer us not to contact you using particular personal details, please write to the address overleaf. Cramlington, NE23 1BB cast their vote on polling day. 8637_16 Reproduced from electronic media, promoted by Iain McNicol, General Secretary, the Labour Party, on behalf of the 20 Making the most of your membership Labour Party, both at, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT. Pop this in a stamped envelope and send back to Labour Party Member- Joining is just the ship Services, Cramlington, NE23 1BB start – I look forward to seeing where your Pop this in a stamped envelope and send back to: membership takes you. Labour Party Membership Services, Cramlington, NE23 1BB
Making the most of your membership 23 8637_16 Reproduced from electronic media, promoted by Iain McNicol, General Secretary, the Labour Party, on behalf of the Labour Party, both at, Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT.