I'm forming a radical group on my campus. Suggestions?

[CynicalIdealist]

Comrades, I would like to form a radical group on campus for reading radical literature and possibly participating in different activism both on campus and in Portland. Suggestions? Also, I have a lot of influence in my "anti-genocide" group STAND. Any suggestions for "radicalizing" that group?

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

1. Free coffee and muffins.
2. Fucking shit up.

[genstrike]

burn the fucker down

But seriously, with groups like STAND, there is very little to no possibility of radicalizing these kinds of liberal, do-gooder NGO groups on campus.

Basically, you can go about this one of two ways: you can start some sort of socialist group on campus, in which case it is about identifying a few solid lefties on campus, and dragging them to meetings and figuring out what you're going to do.

Or, you can start up some issue-based group like an anti-war or Palestine solidarity coalition on campus. Again, identify your sympathizers, get an email list in order, have meetings, do something.

But either way, you're going to have to start by casting out a line and hoping to get some good people on board.

[ContrarianLemming]

don't let hipsters join

and make sure to not let to many people you're not sure about joining, try be atleast a mild friend with most of the members, it's all about loyalty.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

don't let hipsters join

and make sure to not let to many people you're not sure about joining, try be atleast a mild friend with most of the members, it's all about loyalty.


Arguably, hipsters are the only ones not still enthused with some stale ideology. If you're interesting or exciting in the least, hipsters will seek you out - the trick is to weed out the desperate would-be hipsters - the kids who pay for clothing at American Apparel instead of stealing it, who listen to Lady Gaga but have never been to an orgy, etc.

Arguably, it's also about disloyalty.

[The Douche]

Arguably, hipsters are the only ones not still enthused with some stale ideology. If you're interesting or exciting in the least, hipsters will seek you out - the trick is to weed out the desperate would-be hipsters - the kids who pay for clothing at American Apparel instead of stealing it, who listen to Lady Gaga but have never been to an orgy, etc.

Arguably, it's also about disloyalty.

I love this dude.

[ellipsis]

Free pizza is always a hit with college kids, also maybe free beer or Franzia-based sangria. I dunno I had problems getting things going with a new group in college but some advice revleftarian-in-exhile reclaimeddasein gave me is that you HAVE TO HAVE REGULAR MEETINGS, AND MEET EVERY week or month or full moon. that way you have a reference/contact means for potential new members/allies/etc.

[Q]

Free pizza is always a hit with college kids, also maybe free beer or Franzia-based sangria. I dunno I had problems getting things going with a new group in college but some advice revleftarian-in-exhile reclaimeddasein gave me is that you HAVE TO HAVE REGULAR MEETINGS, AND MEET EVERY week or month or full moon. that way you have a reference/contact means for potential new members/allies/etc.

Yes, having regular meetings is vital in building up a group. Even if you start out completely blank otherwise, this is your starting point. While not getting a big attendance at the first few (or many) meetings, you will build up a solid reference point for outsiders so they may pop in some time and see what this is all about.

[Quail]

You should also do stalls outside uni and try to talk to passers-by. You could try having some "social" type events as well to get people interested and get to know newer members better.

[Reznov]

1. Free coffee and muffins.
2. Fucking shit up.

Just include number 1 for every meeting/gathering etc... and you will have people attend.

As far as becoming a "radical" group? Well, I dont know, just give the poeple cookies and other yummy fatty foods and see what happens.

[GPDP]

Speaking from experience working with an anti-war group in my university, the one event I remember drawing a lot of people was when the organization's president and I spread fliers promoting the discussion panel (IIRC it was about Obama's escalation of the Afghan war) all over the place. We didn't even offer free pizza or anything. All we did was post fliers, enough to cover nearly the entirety of the Communications building and the Social Sciences building (both of which house the students most receptive to political, social, and cultural issues). I've yet to see that many people attend a panel. It must have been about 80 people.

[cenv]

You could also find something on your campus to fight for, even if it's something small. This will help show people how your group is relevant to their community/lives. Plus, if your campus has lots of student-run groups, getting people fired up over something will help prevent you from being pushed to the side as yet another student organization.

[Wanted Man]

Start a student union.

[ContrarianLemming]

Arguably, hipsters are the only ones not still enthused with some stale ideology. If you're interesting or exciting in the least, hipsters will seek you out - the trick is to weed out the desperate would-be hipsters - the kids who pay for clothing at American Apparel instead of stealing it, who listen to Lady Gaga but have never been to an orgy, etc.



*sits cross legged at his feet*

tell me more

[Pawn Power]

Comrades, I would like to form a radical group on campus for reading radical literature and possibly participating in different activism both on campus and in Portland. Suggestions? Also, I have a lot of influence in my "anti-genocide" group STAND. Any suggestions for "radicalizing" that group?

The most effective organizing on campuses I have seen in recent years is when organizations focus on issues affect students- like budget cuts, tuition increases, student debt, etc. There was just a national day of action of few days ago to defend public education: http://defendcapubliceducation.wordpress.com/

Obviously, solidarity work is also important- with anti-imperialist struggles, workers, and communities. And this should be integrated into the groups larger vision. However, focusing on issues which affect your peers building your base and a personal understanding with struggle.

What are students concerned about on your campus? Go from there.

[Pawn Power]

don't let hipsters join

and make sure to not let to many people you're not sure about joining, try be atleast a mild friend with most of the members, it's all about loyalty.

Not this.

A non-inclusive model like this usually turns into a bunch of white dudes arguing about 1917 (at least in the US). Our goal is to politicize our peers and build a movement to overcome capitalism- I don't see the strategy in the above statement towards that goal.

[CynicalIdealist]

The most effective organizing on campuses I have seen in recent years is when organizations focus on issues affect students- like budget cuts, tuition increases, student debt, etc. There was just a national day of action of few days ago to defend public education:

Obviously, solidarity work is also important- with anti-imperialist struggles, workers, and communities. And this should be integrated into the groups larger vision. However, focusing on issues which affect your peers building your base and a personal understanding with struggle.

What are students concerned about on your campus? Go from there.

My campus is a private liberal arts college. :(

[fa2991]

Start with something local or universal and work your way up to more serious and radical topics.

[Die Rote Fahne]

Start a student union.

They made a movie about that. Called it "The Trotsky"...I cannot find it anywhere. Want to watch it so badly.

Also, a movie worth watching as it will probably related to what you're doing.

Tips:

- Create pamphlets and posters with information such as basic ideals the group supports (workers rights, civil liberties, anti-fascism, etc.).

- Focus, not only on wider social issues, but on the issues of the students - tuition, student debt, student loans, etc.

- Do not exclude. Liberals, progressives and others who join who may not hold the same view as the majority within the group. However, this will create debate, and may even create a more leftist student populace.

- Hold activities both serious and fun: organize protests, fund-raisers, walk-outs, etc. Hold game nights, bowling, mini-golf, etc.

[ellipsis]

- Do not exclude. Liberals, progressives and others who join who may not hold the same view as the majority within the group. However, this will create debate, and may even create a more leftist student populace.

i second this motion. a lively debate and a discourse will only serve to both strengthen your movement but also add to its legitimacy in the broader progressive movement, which is not necessary but i think would be good for what you are proposing.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

- Create pamphlets and posters with information such as basic ideals the group supports (workers rights, civil liberties, anti-fascism, etc.).
I'd add that, rather than cheesy socialist recruitment brochures, yr outreach to people should be on the basis of trying to reach common understandings (What is this and why is it fucked?) and making proposals for actions (How do we fuck this shit up?). My experience is that nobody likes recruiters, but, often, people are stoked on calls to self-organization.


-Focus, not only on wider social issues, but on the issues of the students - tuition, student debt, student loans, etc.
If you feel you need to address "the issues of The Students" (fucking gag me), it's more valuable to raise them in a context of the totality of everyday capitalism. Student loans are a drag, but so is becoming a highly trained technician/ideologist of capital. Being a student needs to be problematized in-and-of-itself, or you end up dealing with single-issue liberal bullshit.


- Do not exclude. Liberals, progressives and others who join who may not hold the same view as the majority within the group. However, this will create debate, and may even create a more leftist student populace.
I'd actually disagree with this - trying to include everyone is a shitty way of accomplishing anything other than having a lot of people on your mailing list (your consequently shitty mailing list at that). Try to include lots of people who find themselves drawn to your specific projects/campaigns/whatever, but you're better off limiting your core group to people who you can act decisively with. If the shit you're doing resonates with the student populace, then they'll get down. Keep yr eye on the prize - not having the biggest club, but actually getting shit done.


- Hold activities both serious and fun: organize protests, fund-raisers, walk-outs, etc. Hold game nights, bowling, mini-golf, etc.
This, however, I would agree with.
Also, make sure there's pancakes.

[Die Rote Fahne]

I'd add that, rather than cheesy socialist recruitment brochures, yr outreach to people should be on the basis of trying to reach common understandings (What is this and why is it fucked?) and making proposals for actions (How do we fuck this shit up?). My experience is that nobody likes recruiters, but, often, people are stoked on calls to self-organization.


If you feel you need to address "the issues of The Students" (fucking gag me), it's more valuable to raise them in a context of the totality of everyday capitalism. Student loans are a drag, but so is becoming a highly trained technician/ideologist of capital. Being a student needs to be problematized in-and-of-itself, or you end up dealing with single-issue liberal bullshit.


I'd actually disagree with this - trying to include everyone is a shitty way of accomplishing anything other than having a lot of people on your mailing list (your consequently shitty mailing list at that). Try to include lots of people who find themselves drawn to your specific projects/campaigns/whatever, but you're better off limiting your core group to people who you can act decisively with. If the shit you're doing resonates with the student populace, then they'll get down. Keep yr eye on the prize - not having the biggest club, but actually getting shit done.

Also, the pamphlets and posters aren't really about recruiting. They just let people know what the group is about.

You seem to forget this is a group made up OF students. Issues that relate to them will grab their attention. You can't honestly expect a leftist student organization to ignore issues that leftist students usually focus on.

Yes, they should focus on the wider issues, it's why I said it. But student debt is a major issue.

Also, you need to realize that there usually isn't a massively active socialist population at most schools. The idea is to tackle certain issues, progressives can help socialists in certain areas, and if you're educated enough about socialism, you'll be able to change some minds. Progressives aren't libertarians, they do tend to listen to reason.

[Die Rote Fahne]

New idea: if you want a purely radical group, then yes, exclude libs and progs.


However, your group should still work with the progressives on campus, as well as meet with them for discussion and debate.

[Wanted Man]

They made a movie about that. Called it "The Trotsky"...I cannot find it anywhere. Want to watch it so badly.

Also, a movie worth watching as it will probably related to what you're doing.

Haven't seen it yet. I don't know if that's really about what I'm saying, though. But if it portrays unionising one's workplace or university in a funny way, it sounds like it's worth watching.

Regarding who you want to "exclude":


New idea: if you want a purely radical group, then yes, exclude libs and progs.


However, your group should still work with the progressives on campus, as well as meet with them for discussion and debate.

I don't know the situation of the OP's institution. Is he the only "radical" on campus? If so, it's a bit funny to declare: "I am now forming a radical group. Angry anarchists only; a-political folks and regular progressive types need not apply." That's not really about excluding anyone, but about isolating oneself. Why would you want a "purely radical group"?


If you feel you need to address "the issues of The Students" (fucking gag me), it's more valuable to raise them in a context of the totality of everyday capitalism. Student loans are a drag, but so is becoming a highly trained technician/ideologist of capital. Being a student needs to be problematized in-and-of-itself, or you end up dealing with single-issue liberal bullshit.

I agree that it's necessary to avoid "single-issue liberal bullshit", but that doesn't mean that one can't do anything with those issues. They should certainly be tied to "the totality of everyday capitalism", but that won't be evident to every student from the start.

A student organisation should try to represent the body of students, and be "politically neutral" to the extent that it's not the toy of some party. But that doesn't mean it should be an opportunistic piece of shit that wants to please anyone, that liberal ideologues who support cuts and the like can also sympathise with. It should be "radical" in the sense that people like that do stay the fuck away because it works directly against their privileges.

It should be a union in that it helps people organise themselves for their own interests, rather than the kind of union that merely acts like their "business representative" (as a trade union federation here referred to itself in the past). In the case of higher education, it should have founding principles about demanding free education for all, about the many different rights that students should have, etc.

I understand Molotov's objection to the kind of liberal single-issue activism that's pervasive within student activism, but there can be no doubt that there are some "student issues" (without capital letters to avoid gagging :)) are directly tied to more radical demands, and dealing with them can lead to a broader struggle. They may be different in the States, but for instance, there is the demand for free education for all, housing for all, etc. I'd say a campus organisation that fails to address them because they're not "radical" enough is doomed to failure.

[Decolonize The Left]

Comrades, I would like to form a radical group on campus for reading radical literature and possibly participating in different activism both on campus and in Portland. Suggestions? Also, I have a lot of influence in my "anti-genocide" group STAND. Any suggestions for "radicalizing" that group?

To get people to come to your first meeting(s):
1. If you're relatively poor, free coffee and muffins.
2. If you've got more funds, free pizza (this is a pure gold. I attended way to many random meetings in college simply due to the free pizza.)
3. Have a clear agenda. If your meeting lingers on with nothing being said/done, you won't have a second one. Keep it short, concise, and to the point.

To get people to keep coming:
1. More free coffee, muffins/cookies, and pizza.
2. Have a clear goal of, say, 10-15 members and a published paper. This is an admirable start and very attainable.
3. Host events: debates, twister parties?, night flashlight tag extravaganzas, etc... In regards to debates, be sure they happen consistently (say, once a month). Then publish the happenings in your paper and let folks comment on it.
4. Make sure your 'group positions' are on topics which are meaningful to the students - happenings on campus, hot-button issues, etc... No one wants to hear what your group thinks about Kronstadt. If you can tie the student issues in the overall issue of anti-capitalism, all the better, but do not kill your group because you want to discuss 1917 when you can do that here quite easily.
5. If you can, choose to critique/debate larger, more established groups on campus (the campus dems/republicans are the easiest targets). Critique their publications in yours and you will be noticed faster than you think.
6. Be very precise and safe with your publications and events. Do not, I repeat, do not admit to committing illegal actions/conspiring against the school. Know your rights and use them.

Good luck.
- August

[timbaly]

I haven't read all the suggestions so forgive me if I repeat things.

At your first few meetings you should emphasize action. Your organization should be one that takes action and leads campaigns. If you have a handful of dependable people you can do this. Campaigns allow people to interact and feel as though they are a part of something greater. As a leftist group you could campaign on many different issues. For example : help security guards unionize, ally with staff and faculty when their contracts are up to help prevent further creeping of free market economics into academia of higher education, get dining services to buy local foods that are not controlled by agro-business, prevent the administration from going into contracts with corporations with many human rights abuses and very unfriendly behavior towards workers.

Pizza is also good and building coalitions with other groups is often helpful. Also make sure you're officially recognized by the university if you want funding, but be careful because this may lead to other restrictions.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

help security guards get bear-maced

Or, y'know, convince them to quit some other way.

[pastradamus]

Pardon the Pun, but what does STAND, stand for?

[timbaly]

Or, y'know, convince them to quit some other way.


what? I never typed that nor did anyone else in this thread...

[timbaly]

Pardon the Pun, but what does STAND, stand for?


Are you referring to this?

http://www.standnow.org/

[Reznov]

So, how is that radical group coming along?

[Quail]

If you're Britihs, I'd say now is an awesome time to start organising - with the threat of the new proposals and all.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

what? I never typed that nor did anyone else in this thread...

You're right, you didn't!
Point being, though, that security guards shouldn't be organized, they should be smashed. Their function is, for all intents and purposes, indistinguishable from that of the police. The idea of unionizing them could only come from the worst sort of leftist dead-end, and a total lack of historical memory (Pinkertons?). Hell, for that matter, do some research, see what companies are still hired to break strikes . . . security guards aren't allies, they're targets.

[timbaly]

You're right, you didn't!
Point being, though, that security guards shouldn't be organized, they should be smashed. Their function is, for all intents and purposes, indistinguishable from that of the police. The idea of unionizing them could only come from the worst sort of leftist dead-end, and a total lack of historical memory (Pinkertons?). Hell, for that matter, do some research, see what companies are still hired to break strikes . . . security guards aren't allies, they're targets.


Ahhhh, I see what you mean. At the same time they are often being taken advantage of too. The securities guards at the University I intended were all poor people from some of the most depressed parts of the area. They did not have paid sick leave, vacation days, and had a very minimal health care package. Though they are "enemies" in a sense they are also suffering. This isn't the case with all security guards but I think sometimes it's ok to bend on this one.

[Quail]

When one of our lecture theatres was occupied, some of the security guards were quite cooperative with us, but the head of security is/was a bit of an arsehole.

[timbaly]

When one of our lecture theatres was occupied, some of the security guards were quite cooperative with us, but the head of security is/was a bit of an arsehole.


I bet he has better benefits.

[Ravachol]

The problem is that their sole function is one of maintaining 'security', that is, being the strong-arm of the powers that be. Their sole reason for existence is to enforce the rules of the realm (be that a company, university or otherwise).

Whilst some might be sympathetic (I've met a few), the security guard as a social function is rather anathema to our projects.

[timbaly]

The problem is that their sole function is one of maintaining 'security', that is, being the strong-arm of the powers that be. Their sole reason for existence is to enforce the rules of the realm (be that a company, university or otherwise).

Whilst some might be sympathetic (I've met a few), the security guard as a social function is rather anathema to our projects.

True. They've chosen the wrong side, though many of them are in the underclass or proletariat. If trying to unionize security guards is an ideological dilemma there are other group like secretaries, office workers, groundskeepers, and dining services employees that might be more tolerable to help out.

[Ravachol]

True. They've chosen the wrong side, though many of them are in the underclass or proletariat. If trying to unionize security guards is an ideological dilemma there are other group like secretaries, office workers, groundskeepers, and dining services employees that might be more tolerable to help out.

Obviously... since dining service employees, office workers and secretaries are working class and security guards are not. I understand people don't become security guards out of idealist reasons but solemnly out of material reasons but that doesn't change anything about their social function. Desertation (or sabotage perhaps?) is always a good thing though...

[CynicalIdealist]

I had my first meeting, and it was a solid one of about seven people. (Keep in mind that I go to a relatively small liberal arts college.) One of the people who attended was a member of Portland's ISO branch, so I'm glad to have some experience among us.

Anyway, I'm definitely interested in working with my group to coordinate direct action with regard to tuition, unionization, buying local, etc. The problem is that I'm not really in the loop with that information so to speak, and my college isn't entirely transparent about who it receives corporate funds from.

So far, our main plans are to read/discuss different radical literature on a monthly basis, watch left-wing movies every few weeks and engage in direct action... somehow. To be honest, I've only really opened myself up to radical politics in the last year or so, and I definitely lack experience regarding both direct action and getting/holding people's interest on the meetings front. Honestly I'd rather appreciate some kind of step-by-step process for getting shit done.

Do my comrades think that it's worth it to become an official school group, or are there benefits to not being one? Also, we have a somewhat public Facebook group and we email each other using school emails at the moment. Should we change that for the sake of being less track-able?

[Q]

I had my first meeting, and it was a solid one of about seven people. (Keep in mind that I go to a relatively small liberal arts college.)
Congratulations! :) Now the art is to keep meeting.


One of the people who attended was a member of Portland's ISO branch, so I'm glad to have some experience among us.
Of course this depends from member to member, but it is safe to expect an influx from ISO material and a push to join the ISO from here on. If you want to join the ISO, fine, but not everyone is going to want to and it would be good not to push people away by continually trying to recruit.


Anyway, I'm definitely interested in working with my group to coordinate direct action with regard to tuition, unionization, buying local, etc. The problem is that I'm not really in the loop with that information so to speak, and my college isn't entirely transparent about who it receives corporate funds from.
Maybe your first mini-project? "Who is paying our schoolbooks?" could make some impact.


So far, our main plans are to read/discuss different radical literature on a monthly basis, watch left-wing movies every few weeks and engage in direct action... somehow. To be honest, I've only really opened myself up to radical politics in the last year or so, and I definitely lack experience regarding both direct action and getting/holding people's interest on the meetings front. Honestly I'd rather appreciate some kind of step-by-step process for getting shit done.
This sounds like a decent start.


Do my comrades think that it's worth it to become an official school group, or are there benefits to not being one? Also, we have a somewhat public Facebook group and we email each other using school emails at the moment. Should we change that for the sake of being less track-able?
Only organise outside school structures if you face opposition from the school structures. It might be good to start your own mailinglist when your group gets settled, but doing that from day 1 seems a little much. It should be a consequence of organisation I believe, not of paranoia.

[timbaly]

I had my first meeting, and it was a solid one of about seven people. (Keep in mind that I go to a relatively small liberal arts college.) One of the people who attended was a member of Portland's ISO branch, so I'm glad to have some experience among us.

That's not a bad start. Don't forget to send out meeting reminders.


Anyway, I'm definitely interested in working with my group to coordinate direct action with regard to tuition, unionization, buying local, etc. The problem is that I'm not really in the loop with that information so to speak, and my college isn't entirely transparent about who it receives corporate funds from.

You should find out what members of other groups know. Perhaps the environmental group(s) or peace group(s) would have some intel. Also try talking to the employees of the school and its contractors, find out if they have greviances.



So far, our main plans are to read/discuss different radical literature on a monthly basis, watch left-wing movies every few weeks and engage in direct action... somehow. To be honest, I've only really opened myself up to radical politics in the last year or so, and I definitely lack experience regarding both direct action and getting/holding people's interest on the meetings front. Honestly I'd rather appreciate some kind of step-by-step process for getting shit done.

Try to use these tips from Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) and the United States Student Association (USSA)

SSC - http://ssc.sierraclub.org/get-involved/training/summer-environmental-leader-training-program/sprog-training-0015.html

USSA - Check out the how to fight budget cut section on the right side.
http://www.usstudents.org/get-involved

USSA and SSC have some very good training guides for grassroots organizing and their tips are excellent for student organizing and student groups. I could not find their campaign guides but I suggest you look for them. If I find them later I will post them here.


Do my comrades think that it's worth it to become an official school group, or are there benefits to not being one? Also, we have a somewhat public Facebook group and we email each other using school emails at the moment. Should we change that for the sake of being less track-able?

It's hard to say. If you do become an official group you can probably get more money from the school. You should check the guidelines for groups and weigh the costs and benefits. If you are a register group it will probably be easier for you to advertise and recruit. You may be able to set up a info table on campus or post flyers if you're registered. As for being public I think there are benefits - you can certainly have a facebook page to keep a public profile but it might be better to keep your organizing and more confidential info within a google document for members only.

[lines]

I suggest reading Sartre

[Tower of Bebel]

Student representation should be one of your targets. If your school, campus or uni has organs of representation you should join them. Use them as a platform for your ideas and make sure students can read and hear about your actions via various means of communication.

NGO's are basically a no-go. Student societies that are not political are (generally!) futile platforms for action too.

Make sure you read a lot about politics and don't fall for the easiest option. Food and drinks f.e. are more popular than politics. But that doesn't mean that you can get students organized with festivals only. The least you could do is a combination of both, let's say fund raising while keeping your political message visible at all times.

I guess attendance from other political organizations could help. If for example some ISO members get involved, even though you disagree with them, the fact that both of you start thinking about organizing youth could have a possitive effect. I know this because where I used to study there was a large sectarian devide between leftist organizations, but at least maby students were interested in politics. Where I study at the moment no organization is politically active and this make it hard for me to get even the leftist but unorganized students moving.

[Decolonize The Left]

I had my first meeting, and it was a solid one of about seven people. (Keep in mind that I go to a relatively small liberal arts college.) One of the people who attended was a member of Portland's ISO branch, so I'm glad to have some experience among us.

Congratulations.


Anyway, I'm definitely interested in working with my group to coordinate direct action with regard to tuition, unionization, buying local, etc. The problem is that I'm not really in the loop with that information so to speak, and my college isn't entirely transparent about who it receives corporate funds from.

So far, our main plans are to read/discuss different radical literature on a monthly basis, watch left-wing movies every few weeks and engage in direct action... somehow. To be honest, I've only really opened myself up to radical politics in the last year or so, and I definitely lack experience regarding both direct action and getting/holding people's interest on the meetings front. Honestly I'd rather appreciate some kind of step-by-step process for getting shit done.

Do my comrades think that it's worth it to become an official school group, or are there benefits to not being one? Also, we have a somewhat public Facebook group and we email each other using school emails at the moment. Should we change that for the sake of being less track-able?

Here are your two options:
1) You become an official school group. This means you should get some funding (you'll have to give them a list of what you intend to spend it on such as movies, food, etc...) and you'll get some exposure from the school.
2) You don't become official. This means you'll have to fund your group either by donations/contributions, or bake sales, or something.

I suggest you opt for the former. Free money is, after all, free money. Make a list of all the events, movies, food, that you'll need (don't be stingy, the more you ask for the more you'll get) and when it comes time to apply for a group do so - but make sure you play your cards right. You will need to explain how this group benefits the school so you may want to get a list of signatures of folks who support your group. If you can get 50-100 signatures at a small liberal arts school, and you have a solid group with a set list of goals and events, you'll get funding.

Then you need to meet and discuss what to do in terms of direct action. Rakunin makes a great point above that student representation is important. You may also consider appealing to the Political Science department, or any other teachers who are favorable to Marxism, and having them support you via a written letter, or a signature. This will greatly increase your representative power.

As for this ISO person, having experience is great but unless you plan to start an ISO chapter on campus be aware of other organizations speaking through yours.

- August

[bretty]

I will give two suggestions that I encountered on my campus. Don't randomly hand out flyers, they will end up wasted and on the ground in most cases, give them to people who actually show interest. Also do lots of outreach with a table and some information and have any members who want to volunteer to hang out at the table, come do so. It's also a social group, and it's nice to approach a table with information and talk with people. I worked this way with several groups on my campus, and I formed a lot of relationships by tabling.

[MellowViper]

I'd just start a socialist club where everyone studies leftist literature and starts collective projects. I'd start a leftist soup kitchen or something, bent on radicalizing the growing poor. I'd try working closely with social gospel preachers or something. I don't know if you'd be able to radicalize the anti-genocide group, but you may be able to attract people from that into the socialist group. I'd keep the socialist message very non-factional. The point should simply be ownership of the means of production by the working class.

[Manic Impressive]

don't let hipsters join

and make sure to not let to many people you're not sure about joining, try be atleast a mild friend with most of the members, it's all about loyalty.

I know this is an old post and the user is banned so can't respond but does this smell of Blanquism to anyone else?

attract as many people as possible and share ideas and literature this is how people learn about socialism not by telling them to fuck off because they haven't got the relevant education already. It seems some people think that being open will turn your campus group into a wretched hive of revisionism :rolleyes:

[timbaly]

I know this is an old post and the user is banned so can't respond but does this smell of Blanquism to anyone else?

attract as many people as possible and share ideas and literature this is how people learn about socialism not by telling them to fuck off because they haven't got the relevant education already. It seems some people think that being open will turn your campus group into a wretched hive of revisionism :rolleyes:


It's also probably illegal by University policy. The main goal should be to educate and take action.

[El Rojo]

im trying also to start a radical group on campus. Im having real trouble making real headway w apolitical folks, the only people ive really got involved with are the pre-existing political activists, but they dont really get up to much. I think the key think is dedication, i.e putting in a lot of time on a weekly basis, regular meetings, and distro sessions. once you have a group doing stuff often, you establish a regular presence, and can gather some momentum.

and the main thing ive learned; rome was not built in a day, neither will revolution :D