ISR conference: Get Organised And Fight For Socialism

International Socialist Resistance (ISR) and Socialist Students' members have, in the last few weeks, spoken to thousands of young people throughout the country at university Freshers' Fairs, schools, colleges and workplaces.

Clare James, ISR national organiser

Most of the young people we speak to are angry at the occupation of Iraq and are fed up with relentless cuts in education and sick of low paying jobs. Many want to get organised to fight for a socialist society.

Come to ISR conference and discuss socialist ideas and how to fight back. One of the main speakers is a young activist from the German 'Youth Action Committee against social cuts' movement, Nico Weinmann, who helped to organise apprentices' strikes and is involved in the organising of regular demonstrations against the massive social cuts that the German government are trying to push through.

Kat Fletcher, the first NUS president not to be backed by the Labour Party for more than 20 years, has also agreed to speak.

There will also be workshops (see right) which will give everyone the chance to ask questions and discuss the campaigns and successes in their area.

International Socialist Resistance (ISR) is an international organisation run by and for young people which was initiated by young members of the Socialist Party in 2001 following a founding conference in Brussels of over 500 young people from across Europe.

Socialist Students has societies in over 25 universities in England and Wales and campaigns against education cuts, top-up fees and the low pay and casual work most students are forced into to pay for their study and living costs.

At last year's conference (November 2003) we voted to launch and build the 'Fight for your rights at work' campaign. We have produced leaflets, 'Know your rights' cards, petitions and a Young workers' information pack.

ISR members have outed Scrooge bosses in town and city centres throughout the country, using 'name and shame your boss' boards, with the aim of forcing them to put their wages up to decent levels.

At the November 2002 conference we discussed and voted to initiate and build for the massive school student strikes which took place against the war on Iraq on 'Day X' (the first day of the war).

This year's conference will be bigger and even better than the last two years. Book your place now.

"The first two ISR conferences reminded me that I'm not on my own in wanting to fight against exploitation - both in Britain and world-wide. This year will be an excellent opportunity not just to talk about the evils of capitalism but to turn our anger into action by fighting for a socialist alternative, from young workers' rights to a free and decent education."

Bob Severn, 3rd year student, Sheffield Hallam University

1. What is socialism?

How can socialism be achieved, and would it last? Can we be sure socialism would be democratic?

2. Fight for your rights at work.

How can we get organised in the workplace? What is a trade union and why should you join? What can young workers do to help build the trade union movement?

3. No to racism - stop the far-right

How can we combat racism and the ideas of the far-right? What role have the media and the mainstream parties played in whipping up racism and prejudice? How can we build a positive alternative to both the far-right and the mainstream parties?

4. Campaigning in schools and colleges

End the occupation of Iraq. No more blood for oil! Can we stop war without defeating capitalism?

5., Which way now for the anti-war movement?

How can US imperialism be defeated? How can we get rid of Blair, and who do we want instead?

6. Socialist Students - building in the universities.

How can we defeat tuition fees? Can we stop private companies making profits from our education? How to build campaigns which unite students, trade unions, communities and parents against privatisation and education cuts?

Saturday 20 November 2004, 11am-6pm. Upper Hall, University of London Union, Malet Street, London WC1 (nearest tubes: Euston, Tottenham Court Road).

A conference run by and for young people organised by International Socialist Resistance (ISR) and Socialist Students. Tickets: £4 waged/£2 unwaged