Membership Dues, Sustainers, and Fund Drive Pledges

Proposed resolution submitted by the Washington District to the 27th National Convention of the Communist Party USA

As the Party has no angels, foundations or corporate grants and sells no advertising, it is up to the members to maintain a financial basis, while at the same time keeping dues within reach of low-income members. However, keeping track of numerous 50-cent dues is confusing and difficult.

Also, since dues alone cover very little of expenses, it is necessary for those who can to supplement their dues with further pledges, called sustainers. However, we have found that during fund drives, income from sustainers drops.

Therefore we propose, first, that national dues be raised to $1 a month for all.

Secondly, we propose that each member be encouraged and urged to make a pledge for a sustainer that the club can expect on a regular, monthly basis, and that will be kept separate from, and in addition to, annual fund drive pledges (to both Party and PWW).

Finally, we propose that, in addition to the above, each member consider a pledge for a regular monthly amount toward the bundle of PWWs.

(Three possible examples: $1 dues plus $7 sustainer plus $2 bundle support equals $10 monthly; $1 dues plus $14 sustainer plus $5 bundle equals $20; $1 dues plus $1 sustainer plus $1 bundle equals $3 monthly.)

Passed by the Washington State CPUSA Convention, May 12, 2001

Submitted by the New Day Club