Building the Socialist Party among youth

TJ Diniz Mota, Leeds Socialist Party

I attended the Socialist Party ‘youth and student bureau’ – a national event to bring together members leading our campaigning among young people and students.

A consistent theme was growing youth struggle. Climate action, Palestine solidarity, anti-racist campaigns, anti-austerity efforts – each draws new layers of young people into activity. But too often, these issues are treated as separate. The role of socialists is to expose the common thread – they all stem from capitalism’s decay.

I listened, learned, took notes, and felt the weight of the room – young socialists stepping up to be leaders in the struggles of young people and workers.

Discussions took place on the new era of Trumpism, and what this represents for capitalism. We reanalysed what we discussed at our Socialist Party congress in March, including how we fight for our demand for a new mass workers’ party.

I made my own contribution. I spoke on the importance of uniting student campaigns with campus trade union links, referencing a recent meeting I had with Unison in Leeds, promoting the Funding not Fees campaign.

I also touched on the role of the Socialist paper. It’s a tool for analysis, and a living bridge between ideas and organisation, a vital instrument in meeting new members, and increasing their understanding.

The ’Funding not Fees’ campaign initiated by Socialist Students, building a youth walkout against Trump’s visit, the Socialist Party’s efforts to build among young workers and trade unionists – these are essential to building an organised revolutionary force.

There were reports from the Merseyside independents rally, where our young member presented former Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey with the petition for the trade unions to take the lead in forming a new workers’ party. McCluskey signed, and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was asked to as well.

There were reports on the youth-led fight for decent, affordable student housing in Manchester, headed by Socialist Students, and many more campaigns around the country.

Rising youth anger

We are entering a period of increasing volatility and opportunity. With the collapse of the main capitalist parties, and rising anger among young people, new ‘left-wing’ efforts need a socialist programme, and to be based on the working class.

What sets our party apart? We analyse events seriously, and organise seriously.

We define the change we want to see. A socialist change – jobs, homes, and services for all.

Young people play a vital role in the fight for our future.