WW Supporter Program reaches milestone

For 30 years, a small army of people has made sure Workers World newspaper gets into the hands of the workers and oppressed by providing an indispensable weapon: money.

These financers of the paper are members of the Workers World Supporter Program. Launched in June 1977, the program was intended to give friends who respected the paper a way to help it thrive. And they have done so. With their assistance, the newspaper staff has been able to invest in new technology and reach a vast audience on the Internet. And its reporters have been able to travel to Cuba, Venezuela, Palestine, North Korea, Iraq and other countries around the world to provide a unique perspective on the global struggle against imperialism.

Sue Davis, who has single-handedly run the program since its inception, says members have contributed about $12,000 per year for the past 15 years, or close to a quarter of a million dollars over the last three decades. The contributions vary, as people contribute what they can. The basic rate is $75 per year, the sponsor rate $100 per year and the sustainer level is $300 per year. Davis said some give much more while others give the minimum of $6 per month. Some have also given a special contribution to honor the death of someone they love.

“We value each contribution because it’s voluntary,” Davis said. “Supporters are a phenomenal resource for the paper.”

The program has also enriched the supporters themselves. Davis said it has inspired some to become activists. One supporter in Tucson, Ariz., is now involved in the immigrant rights struggle. And some have become members of Workers World Party. When the program celebrated its 25th anniversary, supporters proclaimed the importance of the newspaper.

“My wholehearted support for the Workers World Supporter Program is due to Workers World’s international solidarity for such countries as Palestine, Cuba and the Democratic Republic of Korea,” said Yoon Bokdong of Honolulu, Hawaii. “The just struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia and imperialist wars is what makes Workers World a powerful tool in the hands of the working class and the oppressed peoples throughout the world.”

Vikki Chenette of Buffalo, Wyo., said that as an educator, she contributes to the Supporter Program to help get vital information to so many people who might not have equal access to alternative media sources.

And Joan Marquardt, a long-time member of the party, based in San Francisco, said that being a member of the Supporter Program for the past 30 years has given her the opportunity to remain linked to the paper. “During long periods of time when I am unable, for health reasons, to participate in a lot of activities, I can at least keep the paper’s heartbeat pumping.” she said.

Davis, who has done a mailing to the supporters every month for the past 30 years, says that once people join the program they tend to become lifelong members unless their financial situation becomes difficult. She sends supporters educational material and tokens of appreciation through the year, such as brochures, buttons, bumper stickers and position papers.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of great people through the program,” she says.