Getting active in protesting and activism

[MustCrushCapitalism]

The OWS protests as of recent, have really got me thinking. Although I am ideologically part of the revolutionary left wing, the most I've really done for the Socialist cause is occasionally dispel incorrect propaganda against the left. Beyond that, though, I haven't been to any protests or anything. Really, I don't even leave the area I live in very often, which isn't part of a large city or anything. I'm 15 though, so I suppose I have some time for this... when did you originally begin getting active in left wing protests and/or activism?

[thesadmafioso]

Don't rush yourself into things, at 15 you've plenty of time ahead of you to get sucked into this shit. The revolution isn't happening tomorrow and it certainly isn't going to come out of the OWS movement.

[The Idler]

Don't feel pressured. Don't rush into anything you might regret. Stick to meetings.

[Ele'ill]

The OWS protests as of recent, have really got me thinking. Although I am ideologically part of the revolutionary left wing, the most I've really done for the Socialist cause is occasionally dispel incorrect propaganda against the left. Beyond that, though, I haven't been to any protests or anything. Really, I don't even leave the area I live in very often, which isn't part of a large city or anything. I'm 15 though, so I suppose I have some time for this...

You totally have time to figure things out. Read, attend meetings and speeches when you can, converse on here and elsewhere. Network- with the stuff going on in NY right now it is an excellent time to get involved and gain experience. If you can- go to every single event possible and if nothing else WATCH what happens.





when did you originally begin getting active in left wing protests and/or activism?

I have been interested and reading into leftist stuff since I was pretty young- 15ish I think. I got involved in work place organizing when I was 18 although it was sloppy and non-productive. I became more competent as I gained experience. I got further involved when I was 24 and have been doing my best since. Just a bit of perspective, I don't see myself being fully operational until I'm in my 30's. That's going by the pace I've been at.

[Ele'ill]

I encourage you to ask questions here on the forum about everything.

[Ocean Seal]

The OWS protests as of recent, have really got me thinking. Although I am ideologically part of the revolutionary left wing, the most I've really done for the Socialist cause is occasionally dispel incorrect propaganda against the left. Beyond that, though, I haven't been to any protests or anything. Really, I don't even leave the area I live in very often, which isn't part of a large city or anything. I'm 15 though, so I suppose I have some time for this... when did you originally begin getting active in left wing protests and/or activism?

Since your 15 you have plenty of time to explore. Try to do some light reading into Marxism and look into the various trends on this site. After that try considering joining an organization to your liking. The PSL or ISO might be good places to start with some light activism. They'll teach you the basics, but don't feel pressured to join either. Just spend some time checking out multiple organizations.

[Binh]

I was 16: http://planetanarchy.net/howsoc.htm

Skammunist started a club in his high school (I gave him some advice based on my own organizing in high school over a decade ago). Here's the thread about it: http://www.revleft.com/vb/high-school-socialist-t153427/index.html

Getting active at that age was the best decision I ever made.

[Sentinel]

My mother joined a socialist/communist party (well at least a youth federation) the same day she turned 15. I did the day I turned 30. Besides a weird coincidence, it's telling of the difference at which pace people mature and become ready for that kind of thing.

I was a (not that active) member of a syndicalist union and took part in different random protests, activities etc for a few years before that, though. But I wasn't a proper 'activist' as I see it in retrospect, really.

[Commissar Rykov]

Take your time and feel out the waters some of the local Occupy movements are rather reactionary or contain good sized reactionary elements. Like mine for example has a portion who feel an affinity with the Tea Party which means I am going to keep my distance but still participate and help with protests and actions I agree with even if I won't commit to the group as a whole as they are spending too much time coddling the reactionaries and less time doing what needs to be done in the community.

[Rusty Shackleford]

I didnt get 'active' until fall 2009. Joined the PSL in the spring/summer of 2010. Since then, its been like a rocket taking off. i guess you could say :lol: