Starting a Student Organisation

[The Guy]

I'm thinking of starting a small students' organisation which focuses on tackling capitalism, getting more people involved with the left-wing and possible attending demonstrations in the very near future. However, I'm unsure as to how I should go about creating the group and where I can hold organisations. It's only a small cause, but 50% of something is better than 100% of nothing.

Does anyone have any advice they can give me, please?

[BeerShaman]

It's a very nice thought you have. Actually, I am a student myself and I participate in a students' organization. We are mostly antiauthoritarian and anarchist students.
So you live in Germany? What school? Mine is lyceaum (Greece).
What's your ideology in short terms? What kind of organisation are you thinking of creating (explain one or two things you want).

It is very important that you talk to people who are generally creative. People that get bored easily might destroy your start.
You must also be careful not to gather up people who do not really want to. Do not force people. Just talk to as much as you can and always specify why you want to create this organisation. It's good if you make people feel comfortable, because you know a lot of people are prejudicious about things. (excuse me if I make mistakes while typing).
In my opinion, stay out of bureaucratic ways. Try to create an organisation that all of its members can participate in a discussion/assembly, and that it is open to all people to come and watch or explain their views and participate. (That's why you must know that the people you are inviting are generally cool and eager, so that no retarded scum comes in and destroys your meetings and stuff.
Take everyone's sayings and actions under serious consideration.
Don't try to be chief of it. Even if the others want.
Vote for a decision, do not let percentages pass like 51% win over 49%, but talk about things and explain your views etc and people's actions and decisions may change for what's better. If something is about to happen, MOST people must agree. Do not let half be like that and half others be like that while there happens what the 1st or the 2nd half wants, because yout team will possible be divided in two.
If there are no ranks, people will be free and every person will just be counted for his/her abilities. That's justice.:thumbup1:
Find a place for your meetings/assemblies and meet there in a regular basis and find dates that serve most people's needs and abilities.
Do not speak more than the others. Don't shut up, but encourage everyone to talk more. Be protective to new members.
Share an atmosphere of tolerance and thoughtfulness.

[BeerShaman]

Hah! I've written too much. I love it that you came up with this idea. I feel great!:D

[BeerShaman]

Try to protect the team from people who want to harm it, without being paranoid!:lol:

[Q]

Hold frequent meetings, like once every two weeks. Even if no one shows up, it creates a solid point of reference for people. So while they might not join in the first, second or third time, they might give it a shot the fourth.

Discuss about what your group (that includes you) wants to discuss. If you have a feeling for theoretical issues, discuss them. If you want to keep things more casual and concrete, just discuss actions and things to do (which should be a standard agenda point anyhow).

Thirdly, if your group is going to last, maybe it makes sense for you to join a wider organisation. Discuss about that after the tenth or so meeting, I'm sure many people will have their opinion on it. Many organisations on the far left though are operated as sectlets with a complete sterile intellectual climate, I'd suggest to avoid these. You can make sure you avoid these by working together with said organisation(s) for a time: invite speakers to your discussions and see how they respond to disagreement, go to their rallies/demonstrations/meetings and get a feeling of how they are, etc. If they are ok with a healthy degree of autonomy for your group, then that's a good indicator. Take your time, there is no rush.

[Wanted Man]

If it's explicitly a student organisation, surely the interest of students would have to take centre stage? Or is it just supposed to be a political organisation that consists of students? That is an interesting question to deal with.

Also, it's probably worth looking at what is already there. Is there a student union? If yes, what can you do with them? If no, would it be worthwhile to try and start one?

These are just some very basic considerations that you should go through. I think the tips above are also useful, but more specific.

[Greaser]

Do you know of anyone else who s definitely interested? it is useful to have at least a couple of others who will definitely get involved.

If not you need to get leafletting and collecting email adresses and phone numbers of people who are interested. If there is a freshers fayre or something similar than the easiest way to meet contacts will be at this.


Hold frequent meetings, like once every two weeks. Even if no one shows up, it creates a solid point of reference for people.

This is definitely the most important piece of advice. id even say once a week if possible. continuity is very important. Weekly meeting, weekly email, weekly activity. Setting up a facebook group and advertising it is useful. Also going for a drink (or something else sociable) after meetings will help to make others and yourself feel more comfortable.

Good luck.:thumbup1:

[BeerShaman]

And if there is a union of students with which you disagree, you may start doing interventions peacefully. But, don't do this too early. You'll firstly surely need one or half a year of work and at least 10 mates.

[Q]

And if there is a union of students with which you disagree, you may start doing interventions peacefully. But, don't do this too early. You'll firstly surely need one or half a year of work and at least 10 mates.

From here on you'll have to solve a contradiction: How does a local group affect a national union? Buildings links with other likeminded local groups will be vital and the help of some socialist group will be a plus for you too (given this socialist group actually offers you something that enriches your group, instead of jut expecting that you paydues and attend their meetings, see my previous post).