WRI Organisational Update

1.Appeals

The December 1998 Appeal distributed the revised "Statement of Principles" agreed at Carmaux, 1997, and asked for financial support for WRIs continuing work, explaining the nature of the strategic plan for the next 3 years. It raised £3591.39 after costs, primarily from British donors. Donations are still coming in for the May 1999 appeal. It distributed the WRI statement on the Kosov@ crisis and NATO bombing, and asked for support for WRIs anti-war networking on this issue. At the time of writing, £3074.80 has been raised after costs.

2.Fund-raising

WRIs Treasurer, Andreas Speck and WRI German affiliate Patchwork are co-ordinating the fundraising for the WRI seminar "The Changing Face of the Military" and Council 99. Contact them at:patchwork@oln.comlink.apc.org to offer sponsorship for individual speakers or towards the general fund.

Desperately Seeking Delegates to the WRI Fund-raising Committee! WRI urgently needs input from the wider network to develop fund-raising for every aspect of WRIs projects and core costs. A meeting will be hosted by Andreas and Lucia Brandi (WRI staff) at Council - please consider coming forward.

3.Merchandise and Publications

WRI has two new T-shirt designs, please place orders with the office for your groups to sell (£10 / $16 / each, or £75 / $120 for ten). The office would like to compile a catalogue of merchandise from WRI affiliates in time for Christmas - please get in touch if you produce goods you would like included.

4.Membership Communications / Outreach

The WRI office is looking for a long-term computer-literate volunteer to work on membership communications and outreach. No stipend can be paid, but local travel is reimbursed, and we would try to help you to find low-cost housing.

5.Equipment and Resources

The office needs the following items, if anyone can help - portable computer, portable printer, high quality fax machine, scanner, camera.

6.Executive Committee

Minutes of the May meeting are available from the office if required. The next meetings are on August 14th in Germany after Council and on October 29th - 31st at the WRI office. Howard Clark will be standing down from the Executive at Council 99.