Update #6
A lot has been done since our last announcement. Here is a summary of what has been going on and the future of this project.
Fundraising Phase Two
Today marks the start of the Comrade Center's second round of fundraising efforts. We took a break from crowdfunding four months ago for two main reasons.
The first reason is that we were exploring the possibilities and implications of larger donations from organizations. While crowdfunding is a powerful tool that shows direct support from the people, we were beginning to grow uneasy about the fact that we are asking workers to give us a portion of their wages. We wanted to try and limit the amount of our fundraising that relies on someone deciding to donate instead of eating out this weekend. Unfortunately, our options on who to approach for these larger donations were limited based on our refusal to take money from organizations that don't share our values and vision. While like-minded organizations do exist, they are also not in financial situations where large donations are possible. As such, we will continue to explore these large donation possibilities, but also know that our best way to ensure this project succeeds will be to continue to rely on the generosity of the people.
The second reason was due to a much needed regrouping on our parts. With so much of our limited organizing efforts tied up in external fundraising, we failed to give enough focus to the background questions that needed to be answered. Luckily, our exploration of the above paragraph also gave us time to take a step back and refine our plans and hopes for the Comrade Center. Which leads us to:
Broadening our Vision
When this project was in the very early stages of planning, it was entirely an initiative of members of the Socialist Rifle Association to create an inclusive shooting range. While we always wanted to have other educational offerings beyond firearms, it was first and foremost a shooting range. From the discussions we have had internally and externally this year, it is clear that we have developed a vision beyond this initial goal and organization. While members of the SRA are still heavily involved, we want the Comrade Center to be a place where many organizations and their members can feel welcome to get involved as equal participants.
The Comrade Center will be much more than a shooting range. The historical suppression of anticapitalism in the United States has created an atmosphere where organizations struggle to find space for their needs. Just as there is an immense need for a truly inclusive space in firearms, there are many other needs various leftist organizations have that we intend to satisfy. From educational space to outdoor events, the Comrade Center will be a place where we can continue to develop ourselves, our organizations, and our communities.
We also want to be abundantly clear that our first priority is still the construction and operation of the shooting range and firearm education. This is what our current organizing group has the most experience with, and it is what donors were initially promised. Once we have the land, other groups will inevitably get involved and help develop a broader range of services and facilities as we intend.
Website and Merchandise Launch
We are very excited to announce that the official Comrade Center website is now live at https://comradecenter.org. This site will be a centralized location for all up-to-date information about ongoing work, future plans, and intended educational offerings and services. We look forward to hearing how we can improve the site's design and experience going forward, so don't be a stranger!
This website will also be where all official Comrade Center merchandise will be sold. Any and all profits from our shop will go directly back into the project account to be used on purchasing land and developing our facilities. To celebrate the launch of our second wave of fundraising, we have three vintage patch designs on sale at https://comradecenter.org/shop
Thanks again to everyone that has been donating and working with us! Always remember one of the most important truths of organizing: it's a marathon, not a sprint. Please continue helping us make this vision into a reality by donating, telling your friends and family, and following us on social media to keep as up-to-date as possible.