Founder membership is a special category for those people who want to play an active part in shaping the FSU. As a founder member, you will be consulted by the directors when it comes to big, strategic decisions and be invited to meet up with them, as well as members of the advisory councils, at least once a year. You’ll also be invited to all our social gatherings (“Speakeasies”) and receive free tickets to the FSU’s regular debates, where you’ll be given lanyards identifying you as a founder member so you can answer questions about the FSU from the other attendees.
This is in addition to all the benefits of full membership. So founder members will be defended by the FSU if they are penalised for exercising their legal right to free speech. If you’re targeted by an outrage mob on social media, we’ll mobilise an army of supporters. If a petition is launched calling for you to be fired, we’ll launch a counter-petition. We’re also in discussions with lawyers and insurance experts about setting up a fully-underwritten insurance scheme that will provide all members with access to specialist lawyers and will completely cover any costs associated with legal action—unlike most other no win, no fee arrangements. As a full member, you’ll also have access to specialist legal and media/PR support, and if you do end up going to law we may help you crowdfund to pay your legal costs. Founder membership is restricted to those aged 16 and over, and because Founder Members will play an active part in shaping the Free Speech Union, their membership status is subject to Board approval. You will be notified about that in due course and if your application isn’t approved your membership fee will be returned in full. Legal assistance is only available in the UK.
