WE asked you for reports on what your Yes group has been doing in 2018 and first out of the traps was that kenspeckle and busy organisation, the Aberdeen Independence Movement.
Alan Petrie wrote to tell us what has been happening and about an exciting project that is planned for the new year – and you needn’t have worried about the grammar and spelling, Alan, it was fine.
He wrote: “It’s been a hell of a busy first year for Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) since it had its first formative meetings in November last year, before launching in January.
“AIM has put on something like 16 different events and built links with many groups, who share its belief that a professional and pragmatic approach is needed.
“Plans for 2019 are now well advanced and will see a major stepping up of activity in the new year. We are grateful to the Scottish Independence Foundation, who has helped us move forward.
“But our plans are much more ambitious, and we want to run a successful professional and pragmatic campaign aiming at the unconvinced. Aberdeen is no socialist hot bed. A referendum will be won on stability and the economy and, with the right campaign, we can win in the north east. But we will need serious funding.
"A professional campaign does not come cheap. So we will be launching a crowdfunder in the new year. If we win in the north east, we win independence. So please back us. Now in conjunction with Dundee Angus group, we are working on our biggest project yet. It’s called ‘Forward, building a north east plan for independence’.
“This will be a one day conference with fantastic speakers [and] leaders in the independence movement.”
READ MORE: Now Yes Monifieth's turn to spread The National's indy message
Maggie Chapman (pcitured above), Professor Iain Black, councillor Ashley Graczyk and Gregg Brain are the confirmed speakers so far.
Petrie added: “We will have panel discussions and practical workshops. Our aim for the day is to put on an event which is truly interactive, with delegates being the real voices in it. We will tackle some difficult issues. This will be a ‘must go to’ event for any one who seriously wants to get active.
“Early ticket sales will allow us to expand this conference, even more , so please come join us.”
The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 24, at the Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen Hotel. You can find out out more and book tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forward-building-a-north-east-plan-for-independence-tickets-53496913709
AIM has shown the way for all Yes groups to make contributions to the Yes DIY cause. If any other Yes group wants to tell us what they are doing please e-mail community@thenational.scot.
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