Organizing Framework
From SP Boston
[edit] Socialist Party of Boston organizing framework
The purpose of this document is to outline the organizing priorities of the Socialist Party of Boston.
[edit] Participating in mass movements
The Socialist Party of Boston seeks to participate in local struggles that relate to national and international working class conflicts. We participate in coalitions that meet the following standards:
- We are welcome to participate as open socialists
- Decision making is transparent and democratic
- Demands are made that do not undermine our principles or long term goals
While all struggles that meet these standards are worthy of our support, we prioritize those that have the potential to elicit widespread participation among the working class of Greater Boston.
Currently we participate in three coalitions that meet these standards:
- The Greater Boston Stop the Wars Coalition focuses on the demand to bring US troops home from the middle east and prevent any further wars of aggression.
- The Boston May Day Committee focuses on immigrant rights and the historical tradition of International Workers' Day.
- The Mass-Care Coalition focuses on promoting single-payer health care at both the state and federal level.
[edit] Developing an anti-capitalist culture
In addition to mass movement building, we also seek to develop an explicitly anti-capitalist movement. We believe that sometimes it is necessary to stand apart from coalition partners in order to present an explicitly socialist perspective and take actions that point the way toward revolutionary change. We also recognize that this movement is larger than the Socialist Party and must be united in action. Sectarian and territorial behavior undermines the potential of both the Socialist Party and our movement.
One way we build an anti-capitalist culture is through regular calendar events such as International Women's Day, May Day, and the 4th of July Anti-Imperialist Picnic.
[edit] Party building
In addition to our work with others, we seek to build our own capacity to act wisely and effectively. This work is formulated under three categories: education, outreach, and fundraising. We host educational events to sharpen our ability to understand the world and how to intervene in it. We solicit the public to learn about socialism and join us in building a mass based socialist party. Furthermore, we host events, sell merchandise and solicit donations in order to gain access to the materials and resources we need.
Finally, we operate under the Principles and Constitution of the Socialist Party USA. We represent the SP in the greater Boston area and support the national organization in whatever manner we are called upon to do.