When the WCCA was set up in 2023, we could not have imagined the positive response that we would receive. In three short years we grew to a membership spanning 26 countries across the Global North and Global South, and we have been genuinely blown away by the solidarity and camaraderie that has emerged between members and the broader public. We are heartened by it, and grateful for every one of you.
The challenging funding landscape means that we’ve had to make some difficult decisions in order to keep the WCCA going. After looking carefully at our options, we have taken the decision to close our membership and to step back from on-the-ground campaigning with grassroots collectives. This isn’t a decision that we have taken lightly. But the reality is that long-term operations on our current model simply would not be sustainable, something that is sadly also reality for a growing number of organisations and grassroots groups, given the economic pressures affecting virtually all of us right now.
But that does not mean that we’re disappearing entirely and for some of you, this change may actually mean that you will see more of us. Going forward, we will be concentrating our efforts in three areas that we’re already involved in; advocacy, skills training and education. This means doing in-person and online things such as writing articles, hosting panel discussions, reading groups and workshops, supporting vital events such as the Together Alliance march, as well as acting as consultants for organisations and institutions that hold the same values as us.
Just as they are now, our events will continue to be open to the general public. We will also look at hosting events that are just for working class people/those from working class backgrounds. We have valued these spaces as much as you have. Of course, we will continue to be an international organisation, and internationalism will remain at the heart of everything we do, because a strong working class is one that’s united across borders.
Are you closing down your campaign with UNISON?
Absolutely not! The funding has already been allocated to the campaign and we will carry it on for as long as they need us.
Will you be changing your name?
No. The name ‘Working Class Climate Alliance’ was never just a description of a global membership structure. It’s a statement of shared values with people across the world. The restructuring of the WCCA hasn’t resulted in a wavering of this solidarity. Our work continues – just in a different form.
When does this change come into effect?
This comes into effect immediately. We will be taking a short break to update the website and plan what comes next. We will be back in April and have already got plans in the works that we think you will like.
Thank you to everyone who’s been with us so far. We are sorry that we couldn’t get certain parts of the organisation going in the long term, we tried our hardest and we’ve genuinely loved getting to know so many of you along the way. We are still here if you need us – do not think that you cannot reach out to us if you fancy saying hi or ever have a question!
These are the changes we wanted to make, but they mean we can keep showing up, making noise about working class rights and needs in as many different spaces as possible, and helping others find their voice and use it.
THE WORKING CLASS CLIMATE ALLIANCE