Counterfire’s fightback appeal is launched, Alex Snowdon makes the case why you should donate and spread the word

Counterfire’s ambitious new fundraising appeal is geared to expanding the influence of the radical left. The money raised will enable Counterfire to build on previous breakthroughs and go further in creating a serious, non-sectarian left in a world that desperately needs it.  

Every amount helps, give what you can and share widely.

Counterfire plays an indispensable role in a number of ways. It is dedicated to building wider movements of resistance. The organisation continues to play a major role in the Palestine solidarity and anti-war movements, fusing sharp anti-imperialist analysis with activism geared towards mass popular resistance.

This has been evident through the numerous huge national demonstrations against genocide in Gaza since October 2023. Counterfire members have built the demonstrations, organised coaches to them, and arranged local protests. They have also responded swiftly to the US and Israeli military assault on Iran, playing a central role through initiating protests and helping strengthen the Stop the War Coalition in many local areas.

Counterfire has opposed the rising state authoritarianism that has been deployed against Palestine solidarity activism. It has promoted campaigns and protests against racism and the far right, which includes mobilising for the Together Alliance national demonstration on 28 March.

The organisation consistently links opposition to war and militarism with investing in public services and infrastructure. The international anti-war conference in June is a key priority for advancing the ‘wages not weapons, welfare not warfare’ agenda, especially in the trade unions.

Counterfire is also dedicated to popularising socialist ideas. The monthly Counterfire paper is the only free regular publication on the left. Its expansion from 8 to 12 pages depended on previous fundraising efforts. Increasing its print run, so that socialist arguments can reach a wider audience, will require more money.

Political education and the renewal of the Marxist tradition – as a living, dynamic source of fresh analysis – are urgent priorities for the months and years ahead. Counterfire’s new theoretical journal, The Marxist Review, is launched.

The ‘Revolution!’ events provide much-needed space for discussion of radical ideas in the contemporary world.

The Counterfire website, educational webinars and a range of published books and pamphlets all contribute to raising the level of political understanding on the left. Local branches organise political and educational meetings.

All of this, and more, depends on organisation. And organisation requires money. Every contribution to the fundraising appeal helps us create the kind of radical, active, outward-looking left we sorely need.

Every amount helps, give what you can and share widely.