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what can i do? what does it actually mean to organize? (hexbear.net)

submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by mudpuppy@hexbear.net to c/askchapo@hexbear.net

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every leftist is constantly saying "organize". i want to do this, but i have no idea how. at one point i joined the Revolutionary Communists of America, and got the sense that all they wanted from me was money, when i signed up they just said they'd send me a newsletter, and that membership requires "dues" which i think is kind of a gross way to phrase it since they're not a union, i left quickly. i have absolutely no money to give, just time, and being functionally rejected from an ostensibly communist organization for being poor left a bad taste in my mouth. rn im looking at CPUSA, i clicked "resist" and every single thing they want me to do is calling my representatives. that's lib slop, right? i'll do it if it's actually gonna change anything but i get the feeling that's barely better than "get out and vote". it's also all about trump, it says right at the top it's about resisting "project 2025", i dont think there was a single thing on that page that kamala wouldn't fw. what organization can i engage with, or how can i spend my time, to work towards achieving leftist goals in amerikkka?

edit, applied to psl

edit, i am in a small town

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[–] happybadger@hexbear.net 21 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If you don't have a local PSL chapter, DSA/Democratic Socialists of America usually has ones in smaller cities. They've been radicalising in recent years and do a lot of local activism/mutual aid. SRA/Socialist Rifle Association is also a decent national group with local chapters, providing a mutual self-defense network for vulnerable groups and teaching gun safety.

Food not Bombs is also poised to become more of a dual structure as the economy gets worse. Here food banks are overwhelmed and shutting out people who don't live in the specific counties. It's fun to cook a big dish to distribute and at least have some weekly ritual that connects you to other leftists in the area.

[–] mudpuppy@hexbear.net 10 points 6 days ago (2 children)

got it, i'll look into all of those. applied to PSL, i'll see how it goes.

[–] Chana@hexbear.net 9 points 6 days ago

Keep in mind that PSL is kind of notorious for not getting back to people about applications (this varies locally, it seems). You may have better luck using in-person strategies like attending their events. The ANSWER Coalition is basically PSL, you could find one of their protests nearby and ask around, something like that.

[–] da_gay_pussy_eatah@hexbear.net 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Depending where you live, how far you are from an established branch, etc your experience can be very different with PSL. It takes a lot of hard work to start organizing in a new place. But with time and effort you can make it happen, and you will have comrades to support you along the way.

[–] mudpuppy@hexbear.net 3 points 6 days ago

tbh my first thought was to organize some of my friends, i posted asking because i figured there was something established i should join rather than creating a smaller separate group. but if theres nothing in my town, maybe thats the move, there are two socialists in my life irl i trust a lot