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Pensioners for Peace International
7 Sandfield
Bromsberrow Heath
Ledbury HR8 1NX UK
Tel: 053181 485
AIMS
To mobilise the older generation for peace and world disarmament. To
spread the message that the only true road to peace lies through love, friendship and
understanding. Without enemies there can be no war.
METHODS
By organising local groups, encouraging them to meet during hours of
daylight and planning activities within the capabilities of the old and disabled. By
organising Peace and Friendship tours, especially to countries in the Eastern Bloc. Every
local group has complete autonomy but is linked through our newsletter.
SUCCESSES
We have established many local groups throughout the UK and have links
with 16 other countries. Two Peace and Friendship tours have been successfully concluded
to the USSR. Publication of R J M Tolhurst’s pamphlet ‘Russian Threat’ and
also the promotion of ‘Images and Reality in the Soviet Union’ by Professor V L
Allen and Bernard Benson’s Peace Book and Peace Bird. Pensioners Picnics for Peace
have been held at Greenham Common and Upper Heyford. Our total expenditure in three and a
half years has been a little over £5,000.
FAILURES
Still to come.
FUTURE PLANS
During 1985 we hope to expand local groups in the UK and to extend
contacts overseas. To organise ten Peace and Friendship tours to the Soviet Union, three
to Rumania and one to Prague/Dresden. To produce a newsletter in braille and cassettes for
the blind. To organise Picnics for Peace at air bases all over the UK.
In 1986 our plans are to expand the 1985 programme plus undertake Peace
and Friendship tours to the USA and Canada. We would like to give hospitality to Soviet
citizens in our homes for special Year of Peace effort. To hold a referendum to resolve
the conundrum. The Russian Threat, Myth or Reality’.
HELP NEEDED
To lift the heads of more and more pensioners from the sands of bingo and bunfights.
There is no fixed membership charge. We rely on commission earned through Peace and
Friendship tours and the sales of books and pamphlets. Pensioners comprise 29 per cent of
the potential vote for Peace and Disarmament.
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Raw Materials Group
P 0 Box 5195
S-102 44 Stockholm
Sweden
Tel: 46-8 62 72 89
AIMS
To alert general opinion worldwide of the economic, political and
military implications of the present struggle for raw materials. To introduce and analyze
existing viable alternatives to the exploitation of world resources by transnational
corporations and the imperialist states.
METHODS
We work in three major areas: research, publishing and contract
projects.
Our research efforts are directed into two projects: The dynamics of
corporate control in the minerals industry and developing a computerised system for
monitoring the locus of control and power in the international minerals industry. Minerals
in the economical and political development of southem Africa and the influence of the
South African mining industry on this process.
We publish the international quarterly the Raw Materials Report on the
political economy of natural resources (in English). This gives us a possibility to
communicate our results and is also an alternative for radical researchers. Our contract
projects have been carried out in co-operation with trade unions and international
organizations to give specially compiled information on resources related topics.
SUCCESSES
Reaching readers in more than 50 countries interested in the importance
of natural resources. Starting to build an international network providing information on
corporate structure and power.
FAILURES
We have not been able to reach as many readers as necessary in order
for us to have a sound economic situation
FUTURE PLANS
Consolidating the activities as mentioned above. Developing the network
of people interested in sharing their knowledge and creating better methods for
co-ordinating their activities.
HELP NEEDED
We need papers and articles concerning all aspects of natural
resources. We would also appreciate help with publicity. Anyone interested should contact
us to exchange mailing lists or distribute brochures in your organization.
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Trade Aid Movement
PO Box 11-345
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: Wellington 851-909
AIMS
An alternative trading organisation, which aims to work for a just
world by trading fairly with the powerless and using this ass vehicle to locate the
inequalities in current trading patterns. By educating ourselves and other New Zealanders
about trading injustices and their causes. By fighting against these injustices and
working toward removing them, wherever they occur. By establishing that there is a fairer
way to trade. By establishing real partnerships with producer groups and to assist them in
achieving self-reliance.
METHODS
We consist of an importing organisation and 25 autonomous retail shops
throughout New Zealand. All goods carry a five per cent education levy, which is used to
produce information on trading partners, research on international trading issues from a
New Zealand perspective and to finance campaigns to change trading policy. We trade mainly
in handcrafts, but also in commodities such as tea and jute, which we use to highlight
international trading injustices. Each shop has its own education outreach, talking to
groups, schools, churches, local media etc.
SUCCESSES
We have helped increase access to the New Zealand market for handcrafts
and some commodities. We have built up a network of people prepared to focus on trading
issues and to campaign for a fairer system. We still exist.
FAILURES
Most shops are not economically viable, which lays us open to the
charge that we are a charity organisation rather than a trading organisation. The economic
recession has caused a downturn in orders, which has hit our producers hardest.
FUTURE PLANS
To ensure that all parts of the Trade Aid Movement become economically
viable. To increase awareness of general public of trading injustices through higher media
profile.
HELP NEEDED
In New Zealand: people to help in the education work and in the shops.
Internationally: networking with other trading organisations, particularly those
campaigning on tea and jute and other commodities.
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