United in Struggle

What will you learn?

This summer program is designed to combine the theory and practice of working class organizing. Participants will learn about and actively practice skills such as class analysis, agitation and organizing conversations, contact building, organizing with the committee system, thinking through long-term direction and strategy, and planning and leading combative campaigns that mobilize our mass base into struggle.

Are you:

• interested in or active in a United in Struggle Assembly?
• committed to the theory and practice of organizing?
• living in the Lower Mainland of BC?
• able to attend in person a minimum of four classroom sessions?
• committed to on-the-ground organizing between sessions?
• Did you answer yes? Apply today! Space is limited!

When?

• Wednesday evenings from July 23 – August 27
• 6:00 – 9:00 pm in East Vancouver
• Plus organizing sessions at various times

How to apply:

1. Complete the online application form by June 1. Space is limited, we recommend applying early.
2. Have a one-on-one follow up conversation with a UiS organizer.
3. Applicants will receive their acceptance notice on June 13.
4. Following acceptance, participants will receive location details and the school resource package.

Session Content:

July 23 – Crisis and Struggle

How we interpret crisis and struggle shapes the way we fight for change.  Learn to analyse crises in Canada from a Marxist historical materialist perspective. Apply what we learn about contradictions in Canada to concrete approaches to organizing.

July 30 – All Power to the Working Class

Grasp the basics of how capitalism works to understand the central role of workers in the struggle against the ruling class. Practice articulating what we learn in the language of conversation through agitation.

August 6 – Moving the Masses: Mass Line in Action

Mass line is the practice of agitating, organizing, and mobilizing a mass base into political action. Learn about the origins and practices of United in Struggle’s step-by-step approach to organizing. Learn to assess political consciousness. Practice creating materials that speak to the masses.

August 13 – Uniting the People: Leadership I 

Unity-struggle-unity is the objective of every individual and collective organizing conversation. Practice how to harness this process to move mass work forward.

August 20 – Fighting to Win: Leadership II 

Fighting to win! We can only get what we’re organized to take. Plot out how we harness the power of the people and mobilize toward concrete gains. Practice campaign planning steps for UiS campaigns!

August 27 – Toward a Revolutionary Horizon

Connect immediate economic struggles to revolutionary vision. Gain an understanding of the core objectives of mass work within a systematic approach to long-term organizing. Practice developing long-term vision and thinking through some concrete steps toward that vision.