The Yes DIY page is happy to publish this special appeal by National columnist George Kerevan on behalf of Now Scotland.

IT is barely 50 days till the Holyrood election that will determine the course of Scotland’s political and economic future. More than four million Scots are registered to vote. But casting a ballot once every few years is only a small part of democracy. The people of Scotland deserve the chance to participate directly in discussion and decision-making – not just turn up every four years to put a cross on a piece of paper.

That’s why Now Scotland – the new, non-partisan umbrella body for all indy supporters and activists – is holding its first National Assembly this Sunday. Our Assembly, online due to the pandemic, is a chance for pro-indy Scots to discuss … well, anything political they want to put on the agenda.

We have already polled our membership and boiled down a host of ideas into a series of workshops and debates. They include combatting Unionist propaganda, building unity across the movement – a vital necessity – our collective vision for a new Scotland, and reframing the arguments for independence.

We expect our members will have a lot to say about the strategy for securing a second independence referendum. Alternatively, some will want to argue for a Plan B option that transforms the May 6 election into a plebiscite for going immediately to negotiating independence. However, our Assembly is not aimed at disagreeing with any particular party line. Yet we also believe our movement has grown beyond the boundaries of a single political party. Now Scotland’s National Assembly provides a forum – the only major forum – to discuss every constitutional option.

But don’t imagine this National Assembly is only a talking shop. Above everything, Now Scotland is a campaigning body. The Now Scotland Steering Committee will be putting forward a proposal to the National Assembly to hold a Day of Action for Independence on Saturday, May 1 – May Day.

If accepted, Now Scotland will approach other indy organisations to join in to maximise activity on that day, the last Saturday before the election.

Now Scotland is controlled by its collective membership and only by its collective membership. Any major decisions taken at the National Assembly will be put to an online poll of our entire affiliation. We believe that democracy is the fuel the independence movement runs on. Democracy is never an option extra.

You still have time to join Now Scotland on www.nowscotland.scot and sign up for Sunday’s National Assembly, starting 12pm.

Check the Now Scotland website for more details.