An Appeal!
Dear Friends,
As you all know our dear friend, comrade Ray Stevenson, the Associate Editor of NSC and executive member of the International Council for Friendship and Solidarity with Soviet People, passed away on August 24, 2004 after a long illness.
As always, comrade Stevenson had in the front of his mind, even as he must have surely known that his life was slowly flickering out, how he could contribute of the advance of the struggle of the international proletariat and world’s peoples.
Knowing the dire issue-to-issue existence of NSC, having put his last years into ensuring its success, and aware of the positive role that this journal has and continues to play in building anti-imperialist solidarity with the people of the former Soviet Union, comrade. Stevenson had for his last wish the setting up of a sustaining fund, in his name, the Ray Stevenson Sustaining Fund for the Future of Northstar Compass and for Working Class International Unity and Struggle. The purpose of this fund is to support the aims of Northstar Compass and to strengthen friendship forces everywhere in struggle against imperialism.
NSC, like most progressive publications and organizations, has no source of corporate or any government funds. The low subscription price of $25 per 12 issues per year does not cover the cost of the journal, and for overseas readers it does not cover even the cost of postage. Further more, NSC is sent free to many subscribers in the former Soviet Union and elsewhere, for whom subscription price is unaffordable.
Furthermore, in September of 2005, NSC will host the Second World Congress for Friendship and Solidarity with Soviet People in Toronto, Canada. Delegates from over 30 countries have already accepted invitation to attend. This Second World Congress is crucial to our work of solidarity, is expected to cost at least $30,000, including the cost of accommodation for delegates who cannot afford to pay their own.
Putting his money where his mouth was, comrade. Stevenson put $5,000 of his own money to seed the fund. It is his wish that this fund grow so that it can support the work of this journal. We hope that his voice not be a lone voice in the wilderness! We are appealing to all friends of the Soviet people, to all readers of this journal, and to all people of good will that they contribute to the Ray Stevenson Sustaining Fund for the Future of Northstar Compass and for Working Class International Unity and Struggle in whatever way they can. Whether your resources be large or small, we call upon you to make whatever contribution that you can. All will be appreciated. We are hoping that we can reach a target of $30,000. With your help, we are confident that this can be achieved.
Editorial Board of NSC and
International Council
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