Dear Member of the Convention,

During the plenary session of 7-8 November, the Convention will debate the values and principles of the European social model, and consider a proposal to create a Working Group on social issues. I would like to call upon you to support this proposal, so that social aspects of the EU can be properly considered by the Convention.

NGOs have from the beginning supported the Convention process as a unique opportunity to create a European Union according to the needs and aspirations of its citizens. A huge European-wide alliance of NGOs and trade unionists - under the heading act4europe - is now calling upon the Convention to listen to the voices coming from civil society.

Eurobarometer surveys have shown that a majority of people consider that the fight against social exclusion and unemployment should be a priority for the EU. However the Convention has not yet found a way to reflect this in its work, even though the Laeken Declaration emphasises citizens' demands in these areas.

As a member of the Convention you have the opportunity to design a political project that will improve the lives of millions of Europeans. This cannot be done without guaranteeing the European social model - promoting full employment, social inclusion, sustainable development, quality services of general interest and a discrimination-free society - within the revised Treaties.

The creation of a working group on social issues would send out an important signal that the Convention's members recognise the need to create a Future for Europe which matches the aspirations of its peoples. I hope that you will be able to support this initiative and to be our voice during the Convention's plenary of 7/8 November 2002.

Yours,

[Organizations under the umbrella act4europe]