If you have an hour or more to contribute to an important left project, read on ... Dear Friend Do you know about the New International Bookshop?=20 The NIB is a resource for the left and progressive movements. As well as stocking a range of left and progressive texts, we promote dialogue, debate and the coming together of members and the community who have similar ideals and vision. We provide information, noticeboards and events for activists, unionists, students, progressive academics and anyone interested in progressive social change. We write to ask you to consider putting some time into supporting our Bookshop and Caf=E9.=20 The contribution of volunteers is the most critical factor in the New International Bookshop's ongoing viability. Without the active involvement of volunteer staff, the bookshop would be unable to operate. People who contribute time, energy and skills to the Bookshop and Caf=E9 do= so because of their commitment to the aims of the Co-operative. Some volunteers would also like to develop or extend their skills, often as a step towards employment in a related field.=20 By getting involved in the bookshop, you can: =B7 Meet people from other parts of the left ... trade unionists, older comrades, younger comrades, activists, academics =B7 Get experience in the book trade or hospitality =B7 Contribute to a vital left project =B7 Be part of the renewal and revitalisation of Trades Hall =B7 Learn more about the past, present and future of the left here and internationally Some volunteers are able to make a regular commitment to the Bookshop, whilst others contribute on an ad hoc basis. Different volunteers have different skill levels and interests, and all volunteers' contributions are welcomed and valued. At the moment, virtually all of our activities are undertaken by a small group of volunteers. This means that we are not sharing the responsibility and rewards of involvement in the Co-operative. We need volunteers to do any of the following:=20 =B7 Assist customers to find and buy the books they want =B7 Enter our stock on the computer and get it on the shelves =B7 Make suggestions about what stock we need in specific areas and (with= the Coordinator) order it =B7 Make coffees and serve food, generally help out in the caf=E9 =B7 Help with administrative tasks (filing, photocopying etc) =B7 Act as administrative assistant to the Board of Directors =B7 Publicise our events (we need help with coordination and planning, as= well as day-to-day practical assistance in getting posters out etc) =B7 Help out on stalls at left events =B7 Just sit at the front desk in our quiet times so that the Coordinator= can do work out in the back room! To discuss volunteering - for an hour, a day or more - please call Elizabeth Wheeler on 9481 6414 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] We also welcome your suggestions about other areas in which volunteers could help to build the Bookshop into a thriving centre for left and progressive culture. Of course, you can also support the NIB by buying your new and second hand books from us. If we don't have it in stock, we can always order it in! We look forward to your support. New International Bookshop @ Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon Streets, Carlton 3053 Tel 03 9662-3744 Fax 03 9662-4755 E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 What is the New International Bookshop and why should I support it? The New International Bookshop is co-operatively owned and run by people who would like to see a fairer society. It brings together a range of people from different backgrounds, campaigns, and political groups. It caters to anyone who is looking for ideas and information about changing the current system for the better. We try to stock publications that are not often available in Melbourne. Most of these take a critical look at the way that our society is organised. They propose explanations for and alternatives to a world of poverty, hunger, environmental destruction, violence, oppression and repression. Many publications celebrate the creativity and strength that we all share, and show us ways of expressing ourselves and our humanity. These publications are not just non-fiction and theory - we have novels, poetry, journals, magazines and newspapers, and even children's books. All profits go back into the bookshop to make it even better. The New International Bookshop is also a place you can find out about campaigns, special events and different points of view. Lots of different groups and trade unions use the bookshop to distribute information. If you've ever been angry about something the Government or an employer has done, this is the place to meet up with others who want to take a stand. We hold a range of special events and meetings at the bookshop - talks, discussions and book launches. You can be put on the mailing list by calling the shop on 9662 3744 . We also have a coffee shop that's filled with natural light, cool in summer and warm in winter. This makes it a great meeting spot for meeting friends for a quick lunch or afternoon tea. As well as the coffee shop, we have a meeting room which comfortably seats 40 people. Organisations are welcome to use this space for special events or regular meetings during the day or in the evening, seven days a week. Bookings can be made by contacting the= shop. Come in and see how the New International Bookshop is helping us all to work towards a more just and humane world. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *= * *=20 -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink