Oi, what do you want?

Hi,

I'm currently compiling the Jan newsletter so if anyone has anything they'd like included, please let me know before 5 Jan.

I'd also like to have your views on what would make meetings more appealing. If we were to get some speakers to come along and, well, speak, what sort of person would you find interesting? A journalist/political person/author/local celebrity (Jordan anyone?!)? Any suggestions would be great.

We were thinking of holding a debate at some point in the next year, so are there any topics that would grab you? Would you be willing to join in?

We need ideas on what you want us to do, otherwise we will just keep on guessing and possibly getting it horribly wrong, so any input would be fabulous.

On a more mundane note, are Tuesday or Wednesday evenings better for meetings? And what time would suit?

All replies welcomed, even if it's to tell us what we are doing wrong.

Thanks,

Rachael

Fancy a drink?

Okay, so it's short notice, but there are drinks tonight (Weds 20 Dec) at the Black Horse pub from 8pm. It's organised by Matt Weston of Brighton Cluster, www.businessbricks.co.uk, with Brighton Farm, www.brightonfarm.com.

While it is aimed at freelancers, small business owners and inventors, anyone reading this is welcome to come along for a Christmas beverage or three. Please RVSP to Matt, matt@businessbricks.co.uk.

The Black Horse is on Church St, just down the hill from the Mash Tun and Wagon & Horses, or use this map if you don't know where that is http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=BN1+1UD.

We're going to be in the back room: go into pub and the door at the other end of the room is the door to the back room.

With directions like that there's no excuse for not turning up.

NO2ID

The National Union of Journalists has voted overwhelmingly to affiliate to NO2ID, the UK-wide campaign opposing the government's planned ID card and National Identity Register. Members wishing to take part in the campaign can visit http://www.no2id/index.php

Christmas party

This is upstairs at the Western Front pub next to Churchill Square in Brighton on Wednesday December 13.

We will be there from 7.30pm. We have a budget of about £300 for the night!

Searchlight

Copy of December's Searchlight mag available, detailing latest activities of world's right-wingers and analysing the aftermath of the Nick Griffin trial. Email us nujbrighton@gmail.com and we can chuck it in the post.

ADM delegates

We have broken the 250 membership barrier and that means we can send three people to next year's Annual Delegate Meeting in Birmingham. In the past we've sent two people every year.

If you are interested in being one of those delegates then you need to be nominated and accepted at next month's meeting. In effect it comes down to voting on the night, though of course if there are only three nominations, they all go and there is no vote. So step forward if you fancy the job. The ADM is in mid-April.

Only restriction is that you can't be more than three calendar months in arrears with your subs. I will check but it may be that temporary members are ineligible to serve as delegates.

Journalism Matters

With the new state opening of Parliament the NUJ has re-launched the Journalism Matters campaign. 44 MPs representing all political parties have already signed up to support the campaign. Click here to read the Early Day Motion: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/284/. If your MP has not signed up then write to them and ask for their support. To email your MP visit http://www.writetothem.com and encourage them to sign EDM 284. Journalism Matters MP postcards, leaflets, mousemats and pens are still available, email campaigns@nuj.org.uk

NUJ training Jan-March timetable

NUJ's courses for January to March are online now. Topics range from podcasting to subediting to pitch and deal workshops.

Find out more at http://www.nujtraining.org.uk/show_courses.phtml?category=calendar. NUJ members are entitled to reduced fees.

If you wish to book on any of these courses, email Tracy Trickett at training@nuj.org.uk or telephone 020 7843 3717.

All courses take place at the NUJ head office, Headland House, 308-312 Grays Inn Road, London. Bookings are treated on a first-come, first-served basis.