The 21 participants in the meeting contributed more than $1,000 after hearing how the fund is needed to cover daily costs of the two publications—including paying for rent and electricity, maintenance and upgrades for computer and other equipment, and printer and shipping bills—along with reporting trips and the costs of subsidizing the Militant’s rapidly expanding subscribers’ base. Mike Taber, a local fund organizer, said that after the successful meeting, total pledges now exceed the local goal.

The March 20-May 17 $85,000 international fund runs in step with the international sales drive aimed at doubling new readers for the Militant compared to last year.

The audience paid close attention as Malapanis, the Militant’s editor, presented a slide show based on a recent reporting trip to Venezuela. Afterward, a number asked questions as they grappled with the class contradictions there and the determination by millions of working people to prevent capitalists and their backers in Washington from turning back the clock by toppling the elected government headed by President Hugo Chávez.

Such fundraising meetings are scheduled in about 10 cities over the April 30-May 2 weekend. They will give a needed boost to the fund, which slipped a little further behind last week.

With three weeks left, 39 percent of the goal has been collected—some 24 percent and $20,000 behind the mark. Supporters need to send in contributions totaling an average of $20,000 per week to bring in all the pledges.

To make a contribution, send a check or money order payable to “The Militant,” and mail it to 306 W. 37th Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10018.

See fund drive chart  
 
 
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