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The New Socialist Group (NSG) is a group of socialists active in community, labour and campus organizing. We promote the politics of socialism from below. Capitalism is doing incredible harm to people all over the world. It has caused a global ecological crisis. Creating a genuinely democratic, free, ecologically-sustainable society without poverty and war requires the abolition of capitalism. We believe such an alternative -- socialism -- is possible. Only the mass struggles of workers can abolish capitalism and begin creating socialism. No government, radical elite or party can deliver liberation from above – it must be won by workers and oppressed people themselves, from below. For this reason the NSG rejects versions of socialism and ways of organizing that are undemocratic and authoritarian. Building Our Power Winning reforms within the capitalist system can help improve people's lives and strengthen our side. But capitalism cannot be abolished or tamed by reforms. To develop both the power to challenge capitalism itself and the understanding that capitalism must be replaced, we need militant and democratic movements fighting to defend past gains and win new ones. Socialist Renewal Socialist politics must be renewed for the 21st century. We can learn much from the past, but solutions to many of the challenges facing people who want to change the world today will not be found in any of the radical traditions of the past. The NSG is united around common principles and policies. Within this framework, we encourage a diverse range of views within our group, recognizing that diversity can enrich socialist politics. Our members come from different movements and several political traditions, including Marxism and anarchism. Liberation Politics We are internationalists who oppose the imperialist domination of the world by a few rich countries, including Canada. The NSG supports movements for national self-determination within Canada and internationally. We support the demand for Quebec independence and aboriginal demands for sovereignty. Our organization is committed to anti-oppression politics. We believe the struggle for socialism cannot be separate from struggles against racism, sexism, heterosexism and other forms of sexual oppression, and the oppression of people with disabilities. This means supporting the liberation movements of all oppressed people and linking the struggles against different kinds of oppression. It also means being aware of our own actions and constantly striving to challenge oppression in the organizing we do. We work in solidarity with people of colour who are organizing independently, fighting for dignity, power and self-determination. Our Activism NSG members make a commitment to being activists. Capitalism and systems of oppression gain much of their power by isolating us from others facing similar issues. In order to make positive change we believe we must work collectively to build organizations on militant and radically democratic terms. We also feel radicals are better able to assess prospects for change when they are involved in struggles. NSG members participate in many areas of activism. These include the labour, immigrant and refugee, anti-poverty, global justice, international solidarity, anti-war and student movements. We try to develop grassroots democracy within movements and develop solidarity between them. Getting Involved Joining the NSG does not mean giving up one's individual identity and ideas. In fact, the history of socialism from below has always been about the freedom of individuals. Ending war, environmental destruction, the drudgery of work, racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression only matter because human happiness matters. Our group offers important resources to help you learn and work with other experienced activists. We encourage members to help shape and remake the future of our organization as part of the practice of transforming society. If you like what you've read in this leaflet we encourage you to get in touch and find out more. We encourage you to join our organization or become a formal supporter so together we can strengthen the movement for socialism from below. How to Find Us
NSG branches and members are active in a number of cities across the country. If you want to find out more, join or work with the NSG, please contact our National Secretary:
Visit the New Socialist Group online at www.newsocialist.org On our website you'll find articles from our magazine New Socialist and lots more! |