Independence meeting with Jim Sillars & Carmen Pieraccini

 

We are delighted to announce the details of the first in our 2014 series of Yes Provan Independence meetings. Our speakers will be Former Labour MP turned SNP MP turned Independence campaigner Jim Sillars and, making her political speaking debut, River City star Carmen Pieraccini.

7pmMonday 2nd June 2014High Carntyne Church, Carntynehall StreetALL WELCOME

It's not all hard work

The thing about Yes Provan is that we all like each other. And every time we get a new campaigner, we like them too. We're a friendly welcoming lot. And we like socialising. We obviously don't do it all the time, not even every week (although every campaign day is pretty sociable). But every few weeks or so we'll go for a drink after campaigning just to relax and have a chat.

And it's not about alcohol - plenty of us don't drink and some folk are driving so not drinking. Sometimes it's not the pub we go to but a coffee shop. 

Last night there was an open invitation to Yes Provan people to join Scots Zimbabweans celebrating 34 years of Zimbabwean Independence at Calabash, the African Bar and Restaurant in Glasgow. Graham Campbell is a member of Yes Provan and also Convener of Africans for an Independent Scotland so of course we didn't just enjoy ourselves, we signed up 15 new people and gave out badges.

See! You can mix politics and pleasure.

Today I tried canvassing for the first time - and loved it!

My name is Garry MacDonald and I'm one of the Yes Provan Co-ordinators but I, myself, had until today never canvassed. I would leaflet or work on the street stalls but I had my doubts about canvassing. However, I was convinced by Anne McLaughlin (another of the co-ordinators) to come along on Saturday 19^th April to one of the canvass training days in Robroyston.

There was no pressure as you are ‘teamed up’ with one of the experienced canvassers and go to the doors in pairs. We moved around each canvasser in turn, so that we could learn the various approaches used when speaking to people at the door.

Well, after an hour or so (and because we had an odd number out), I decided to ‘go it alone’ for the remaining hour and I am so glad I did.

It was a fantastic experience and it really built up my confidence in canvassing. It really isn’t frightening at all. Just look at the happy smiling face (I'm front left). Kirsten, second from the right is 17 and she loves it.

So come on, all those of you still swithering about speaking to people, come out to one of the canvass training sessions (or book yourself on one of the workshops - next one Tuesday 13th May) and give it a go, you will be surprised at just how enjoyable it is!!

Robin McAlpine from Jimmy Reid Foundation to speak at Yes Provan

We would strongly encourage everyone to come along on Monday night to the monthly Yes Provan meeting. At each meeting we have a speaker and a Q&A session followed by a local campaign update and a training session so you have the facts you need when talking to friends, family, workmates etc about Independence. Our speaker this month is Robin McAlpine from the Jimmy Reid Foundation - http://reidfoundation.org/ - you will not want to miss him so whatever you do make sure you’re there. You do not have to live in Provan to attend, ALL Yes supporters are welcome.

Venue - The Everlasting Arms Ministry, 9 Whitehill Street, Dennistoun. 

Time - 7pm to 9pm

Date - Monday 10th March 2014

Come and get involved this week

Below are the details of this week’s campaign activities in Glasgow Provan. If you can make just ONE of these you will be making a difference. If you want to come along to more than one we would be very happy to welcome you.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped last week (including today) – 5 of you came out for the first time which is great. If you want to know how it feels to get involved in the campaign for the first time, why not read Louisa’s account of last Wednesday night by clicking here.

NB For all campaign workdays and worknights, please note we will meet OUTSIDE the meeting place. And we will wait 12 minutes after the meeting time for latecomers. 

Monday 13^th January

If daytime suits you better than evenings we will be meeting at 10am at the corner of Smithycroft Rd  and Lethamhill Rd. outside William Hills betting shop. Contact is Bill Davidson and you will be leafleting low level front doors.

Wednesday 15^th January

Come along and join the growing team of local people delivering Yes leaflets – we’ll be doing easy back and front doors (no stairs to climb). Meeting 6.30pm OUTSIDE Tibo’s on corner of Duke St and Hillfoot St. Contact is Anne McLaughlin.

Thursday 16th January

Meeting at 6.30pm OUTSIDE Tibo's on the corner of Duke Street and Hillfoot Street. We will be leafleting tenements in Dennistoun. Great exercise! Contact is Mary McCabe.

Saturday 18^th January

Meeting at 11am OUTSIDE Tibo’s corner of Duke St and Hillfoot St. Whether you’re experienced in door to door campaigning or not, we have a role for you in this ‘on the job’ training session. Working as a team, you can simply accompany and observe an experienced campaigner who will explain our approach to this kind of work. If you feel up to trying it, you’ll be supported at all times. Contact is Anne McLaughlin.

Sunday 19th January

Meeting at 1.30pm outside the Duke Street Post Office in Dennistoun (bottom of Westercraigs). We'll be finishing off canvassing the front doors of Dennistoun Conservation Area. Accompany, train, support or do – it’s up to you. Contact is Mary McCabe.

Monday 20th January

The monthly Yes political discussion meeting will be held at the Everlasting Arms Ministry, 12 Whitehill Street, Dennistoun, G31 2LH. Speaker this month is still to be confirmed but at every meeting we discuss campaigning ideas and training needs for campaigners. This meeting is for Yes members / supporters. Details here.

Finally, if you can, in your own time, deliver leaflets, do telephone canvassing, fold leaflets, or any one of the multitude of tasks that help us to campaign, please get in touch by emailing yesprovan@gmail.com and we’ll drop work off to you.

Best wishes,

Anne McLaughlin

One of your Yes Provan Campaign Co-ordinators