Johanna Dind

Johanna Dind embodies the SSP’s spirit of internationalism – a real citizen of the world. She holds three nationalities – Finnish, Canadian and Swiss, the Finnish element making her an EU citizen – and speaks six languages.

Although an active trade unionist throughout her working life, including taking strike action as a teacher in Canada, the Scottish Socialist Party is the first political party Johanna has ever joined.

“I am involved in politics because I want to be part of the change, that we can change the ways things are done, the system that runs our world.

“But it needs to come from the people, from you and me, from the bottom up. I believe it is possible.”

When she made Scotland her home in 2006, Johanna sought out the Scottish Socialist Party. Our history of uniting different elements of the Scottish radical left was something she’d watched from abroad.

And our ideas, such as free, healthy school dinners for all, were appealing. “I liked the fact that they are practical, feasible, realistic solutions.

“I have always been interested in environmental issues. Our free public transport policy and the Social Forum on Climate Change, where SSP members are working with other environmental activists, are initiatives for which I feel a keen interest.”

Johanna also, naturally, has a strong involvement with our international campaigns.

“I am interested in creating links with the anti-capitalist movements in Europe. To beat capitalism and be able to do something relevant to tackle climate change, we can’t do it alone.

“We need to be united with other organisations that share the same views and objectives. Only together can we incite change and make it happen.”