Political donations. They're all the rage these days, aren't they? The last few years have seen the Scottish Green Party arrive in a strong position of influence in the Scottish Government. The Green MSPs at Holyrood hold a position of pivotal influence, while strong councillor groups in Glasgow and Edinburgh show the Greens making the difference locally as well as nationally. The next big challenge is this year’s Holyrood election, where we will be looking to increase our representation in the Scottish Parliament. We need money for deposits and funds for these campaigns. Unlike other parties, we practise sustainable financial management, so we will not go into debt to fund our campaigns. Despite our successes we are still the little party fighting against the giants of Scottish and UK politics - giant political machines and giant political budgets. We are up against parties bankrolled by billionaires, and unlike our political rivals we receive no funding from big business and vested interests. Figures released by the Electoral Commission show that in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, the Scottish Greens spent just 108,162. Not only was our budget a fraction of the sums spent by Labour (over £1.1 million) and the SNP (almost £1.4 million), but we had less at our disposal that the Christian Party (£178,594) and Scottish Voice (who lost £187,520 finding no- one wanted to listen). Last year registered donations to the Scottish Green Party amounted to £25,618.72, about a twentieth of what the SNP received, or 0.1% of what the Tories get from UK donors. While we don't have the financial resources to match other parties, we do make what we have go a very long way! Your donations are vital in helping us get our message across in the Stirling and Clackmannanshire area, whether you are a member or just someone who is sympathetic to our aims and objectives. Only the Scottish Green Party voices all our concerns about global warming, pollution, poverty and exploitation. To donate, please send a cheque made payable to "Stirling and Clackmannanshire Green Party" to: Stirling and Clackmannanshire Green Party 1 Riverside Cottages Deanston Doune FK16 6AH Please note, all donations of £200 or more must be from registered UK voters and so we also require your name and address. This information will of course be kept strictly confidential. Donations that do not meet our legal obligations will be returned. Thank you for your support! Stirling and Clackmannanshire Greens Support your local branch