Building a Socialist Party through a National United Front

Whereas:

  • Socialists both within and outside DSA want to build a party for the working class;

  • Rhode Island DSA’s independent political project is fragile as long as it’s confined to our chapter and state;

  • RI DSA’s August party-building event drew notable attendance and participation from several socialist groups across the country, and there was significant desire to continue discussions past the event time;

  • Most groups agreed that united front defense work, for the Minneapolis 15 and other victims of repression, is a viable area for short-term collaboration;

Be it resolved:

  • RI DSA will reach out to the groups and individuals who participated in our event and propose to coordinate on defense campaigns for the Minneapolis 15 and others;

  • RI DSA will plan a follow-up party-building event to continue discussion and collaboration;

  • RI DSA will propose launching a national publication or discussion platform for socialists both within and outside DSA who are fighting for class independence, if there is sufficient volunteer interest.

Impact Statement: Building a Socialist Party through a National United Front

Criteria

Expiration: This resolution will be considered void if not implemented within three months of passage.

Pass criteria: Within three months, the Communications Chair will have reached out to past event cosponsors and planned a follow-up party-building event, and likewise communicated with local and national allies to propose joining a defense committee for the Minneapolis 15.

Fail criteria: If, more than three months after this resolution passes, none of the above pass criteria have been completed, this resolution is void.

Guidance

To be implemented or delegated by: Communications Chair


Plan: 

  • Within three weeks of adoption: Communications Chair will present the above proposals to allies who have collaborated with RI DSA on recent events, including ISG, Left Voice, Workers’ Voice, Workers Resist, Worcester DSA, PGA, and CounterPower. Communications Chair will also speak to the local and national organizers of Minneapolis 15 defense work to determine possible next steps for forming a committee.

  • Within three months: Communications Chair will present the RI DSA Executive Committee and general body with the following information:

    • Options for coalition work in a Minneapolis 15 defense committee

    • The feasibility of starting a national publication/discussion platform for socialists interested in party-building within and without DSA

      • “Sufficient interest” will mean at least three dedicated bottom-liners outside RI DSA, and at least one Communications Committee member who can lead the work

  • Within three months: Communications Chair will have planned, in collaboration with the chapter Co-Chairs and Political Education Committee, a follow-up coalition event on party-building (at minimum: will have determined guests, program, date, and event space).

Anticipated labor: 

  • Multiple emails, meetings, and phone conversations with allies

    • Roughly 10-15 hours over three months

  • Arranging food, space, program, and guests for follow-up event

    • Roughly 10 hours, to be delegated as necessary by Co-chairs and Communications Chair

Total Cost:

$300-$400 for event space and food