This is a guide for more vertically inclined activists to work with more horizontal activism, for an active fluffy/spiky debate to become a part of communities of action.

1. Pursue an Education

  • Technical Focus: Aim for education with a technical edge. History shows that post-revolutionary societies often face a “brain drain” where technical specialists are in short supply. Your expertise in fields like engineering, data management, or medical professions can significantly contribute to building and sustaining socialist structures.

2. Read Theory

  • Start with the Classics: Familiarize yourself with foundational texts. This provides a grounding in revolutionary theory, essential for understanding and contributing to socialist movements.
  • Expand Your Scope: Include the wider ideological views and analyses to understand broader socio-political contexts and avoid the pitfalls of blinded dogmatic thinking.
  • Keep Updated: Marxism is a good place to start, as this should evolve with material conditions. Engage with contemporary economic analyses and critiques to stay informed and engaged.

3. Join an Organization

  • Collective Action: Alone, your impact is limited. Joining an affective organized affinity group and more formalised structures allows for effective mass work, community organizing, and political activism.
  • Emulate Successful Models: Look to historical “spiky” examples like the #BlackPanthers, #climatecamp, #indymedia for strategies in organization and community support. Build from this working past rather than what is transitory #fahernista agenda of the moment.
  • Be Theoretically Grounded: Having a solid theoretical understanding ensures you maintain a coherent line to avoid the sway of #fahernista and less radical, “fluffy” groups.

4. keep fit

  • Practical Skill: Learn affective on the ground direct action skills. This isn’t about lifestyle aggressive posturing but understanding the practicalities and being able to act affectively when the need arises.
  • Productive Hobby: Engaging in activities like climbing and outdoor skills can be both fun and provide a basic understanding of tactics and having the ability to actually fallow through.

5. Tone Down the Zeal

  • Stay Calm and Reasoned: Activism’s power lies in its reasonable analysis of capitalism. Be a good representative by engaging calmly and constructively.
  • Avoid Overzealousness: Focus on productive activities, grassroots alternatives, focus on reading and community work rather than getting into the “deaf” heated debates that will alienate potential allies.

6. Left Unity

  • Critical Approach: Unity isn’t always feasible or desirable. Avoid “blindly” uniting with groups like social democrats who aim to reform rather than dismantle capitalism.
  • Strategic Alliances: Work with groups sharing fundamental goals (e.g., Marxist, anarchists) on common issues, but recognize and respect theoretical differences.
  • Class Unity: Emphasize class consciousness and solidarity over broad political unity. Focus on practical collaboration on issues like green alternatives, aiding the homeless, fighting fascism, and exposing corruption ect.

Conclusion

The journey of a new leftist involves continuous education, practical engagement, and strategic organization. Balancing zeal with reasonableness and focusing on class unity help effective contributing to the activist and socialist movement. Always be prepared to adapt and learn, as the struggle for a fairer world is complex and ever-evolving.

A good thing to remember is “don’t be a prat” and you should be able to hold to an affective path.