Communist Club at a High School

[Heathen Communist]

I'm trying to organize a "Communist Club" at my school, partially to oppose the "Democrat" and "Conservative" clubs already present, but mostly to help other students learn about the communism they don't teach you in class.
Any suggestions for how to get this thing started?

[comradecommie]

Ah, good Idea Comrade! I personally have thought of establishing the same thing at my learning facility. I would also like to know if you have read the "Soft Revolution" by Neil Postman. It discusses Student Rights and "School Organizing" in a labor like manor. It is a very good book, a quick read of only 183 pages. I recommend it.

[Decolonize The Left]

I'm trying to organize a "Communist Club" at my school, partially to oppose the "Democrat" and "Conservative" clubs already present, but mostly to help other students learn about the communism they don't teach you in class.
Any suggestions for how to get this thing started?

The first thing you should know is that it's organizational suicide to call your group "communist club." You're much better off calling it "A Third Party" than communist club, and I'm sure you can come up with better names than that. Remember that any overt radical activity will most likely alienate support in high school. You're more likely to garner support by keeping your group radical but using terms like "left" and "radical" rather than communist, anarchist, etc..

Secondly, you'll need some people to support your group, and activities for your group to do. A reading group is a good idea with scheduled books and sessions to discuss the literature. Be sure you have at least 5 people in the beginning, 10+ is better (and depending on how big your school is, maybe more).

Thirdly, seek out teacher support if possible. Appeal to the social sciences teachers and if you can get 2-3 of them to support your group you'll be doing much better than without their help.

- August

[Sensible Socialist]

I'm trying to organize a "Communist Club" at my school, partially to oppose the "Democrat" and "Conservative" clubs already present, but mostly to help other students learn about the communism they don't teach you in class.
Any suggestions for how to get this thing started?
Depending on club rules in your school, you'll have to alter your approach. But make sure you have several things ready.

1) A stable base. At least five to ten people need to be ready to commit to the club and to spread the word. The more people in the begining, the less likely the club is going to stall and disappear, and the more likely people will become interested in it.

2) A supportive staff member. Most clubs need a staff advisor. Before you go head over heels making the club, contact a friendly staff member you think would be supportive of your club and see if they are interested. They don't have to completely support your ideology, but they must be receptive to the needs and growth of the club.

3) Resources. In order to attract new members, you are going to need things to give them. Let's face it: most people haven't the slightest clue what communism is. You're going to need pamphlets, online sites, books, and videos for prospective members to look at and decide if it is for them. Don't toss Das Kapital in their face; try for simpler language and the basics of socialism in order to expose the flaws of capitalism.

4) A less frightening name. I'm not going to mince words: whether we like it or not, most people associate communism with violent and evil dictators and poverty. It may not be the best thing, regardless of how much you want to end that stereotype, to name your club the Communist Club.

Good luck. I hope you manage to educate your peers. :thumbup1:

[GallowsBird]

Yes, it is a shame though many would be frightened off by the title "Communist Club" and the previous posters have rightfully said. However a problem is by not calling it something along the lines of "Communist", "Marxist" et cetera may pander to those who'll accuse you of having a weak position, being covert with your beliefs and trying to hide them or disguise them as something else. Likewise if there are actual Communists in the school they may be put off by something they see as being too conformist or afraid to be confrontational. You have to proceed with care in my opinion. Try to find the right balance, don't call it anything with "Soviet" though as even many Communists would be put of by that (I wouldn't be but there you go) but I wouldn't go too far trying to sanitise things. Just my opinion.

[Q]

I also don't agree that using the word "communist" will automatically put off people. I would rather argue that young people aren't put off at all, since they only know about the USSR from history books. So you could get a "commie club" (revleft context: tee hee :D) and get a few people interested in far leftist ideas together, discuss subjects. And, perhaps most importantly, pro-actively seek discussion and debate with other students and teachers. So, organise a stand during a break for example, do a "speakers corner" in the canteen if you can pull it off. If there are debates organised by the school, participate in them. Etc.

Many people will disagree with you at first, that is a given. This is mostly due to ignorance. So the task of a communist is to argue the case for radical democracy, workers unity and internationalism at its most basic level.

[Agent Ducky]

Why not call it "Rage Against Capitalism Club"?

[Agent Ducky]

I say that because I wanna have a communist club too but have it have a more anti-capitalist focus to include all leftists ^_^

[Heathen Communist]

Thanks Comrades for the advice.
It will still be called the "Communist Club," rather than some less straightforward name ("The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims...")
My Comrades and I are beginning to schedule our first meetings, although we are yet to attain any support from the school's faculty.
But we will persevere.

[Skammunist]

Hello comrade. I've made a thread just like this yesterday. I too am making a leftist club in my high school. Mine would be called the "Socialist Club". I have a few questions though. It seems as though we have opposite problems. You say you have people already interested in joining your club? That's my problem, I'm really the only one who is a socialist in my classes. Although I do have a few friends that will join. However, my AP Euro History teacher, the club sponsor, is a Marxist and very supportive of my club. So for me, faculty support isn't a problem. How would you reccommend getting members and keeping them in the club?

[Heathen Communist]

It really wasn't that hard for me. You really just have to calmly, rationally, but also confidently and strongly explain socialism to other students. Try discussing it with the more intellectual students; they'll latch on more willingly. Try not to appear preachy or overly zealous. That's pretty much all I can think of right now.