Manchester – over 100 at first meeting
George, Manchester Socialist Students
We handed out a whole box of 4,000 Socialist Students flyers, proof of the growing interest in socialist ideas and getting organised among students. Many were eager to discuss socialism as a real alternative, spurred on by the crisis in mainstream politics and the launch of Your Party.
As a first-time campaigner, it was a great opportunity to gain confidence in listening to people, understanding their concerns, and linking those concerns to our fight for socialism. Manchester Socialist Students campaigning on issues relevant to students helped, for example Funding Not Fees and the University of Manchester rent strike. But it was the alarming economic situation many students face that brought them over to us.
That enthusiasm translated into real engagement at our Socialist Students campaign stall. Collecting sign-ups for Socialist Students meant longer conversations. But this made the experience even more valuable.
Over 100 students attending our first meeting of the year, was a testament to this momentum. It showed the potential we have to continue to grow a strong, active base amongst the students of Manchester and Salford.
The task now is to build on this energy – raising the profile of our society, channelling the enthusiasm of freshers week into lasting involvement and collective action.
Liverpool Hope – ‘we’ve already joined!’
Lizzie Ardrey, Liverpool Hope Socialist Students
With Socialist Students campaign stalls every day, we’ve seen positive reaction to our group, and openness to socialist ideas. We are the only socialist group on campus, meaning that we are the first exposure to socialist and Marxist ideas for many incoming students.
Many people told us that they had already signed up to our Socialist Students society. Our first meeting had 18 people.
We gave newcomers more understanding of socialism, and highlighted Liverpool’s socialist history. Talking to people outside of the meeting showed the importance of clear and upfront explanations, the importance of centring the working class in mass movements, and the power of collective action.
Discussion was on Your Party, and workers’ organisation to the history of socialism, and current socialist activity in Liverpool. Newcomers were engaged, showing enthusiasm Socialist Students activity at Hope.
Birmingham – new party resonates
James Taylor, Birmingham Socialist Students
The launch of Your Party has resonated with young people. Most of our conversations were about our approach to the new party.
The other issue most often raised was the rise of Reform. That Reform have made such gains under this weak Labour government has made it clear to people that socialist politics are the only way to beat the far right.
17 attended our first meeting. The new people there are representative of a wider layer of youth, who, following the announcement of Your Party, are becoming more aware of the role a socialist party can play in taking on Labour and Reform.
Southampton – Reform threat
James Gretton, Southampton Socialist Party
‘Your Party’ was among the most popular topics for people taking an interest in our Socialist Students campaign stall, particularly with the public fallout between Corbyn and Sultana. Those excited about the opportunity for a mass movement, posing an alternative to our failing system, were disappointed to see infighting. Students are fully aware of the threat of a Reform government.
Despite arbitrary obstacles, such as the student union’s prohibition on distributing leaflets, getting the word out about our weekly meetings, and our perspective on the new party was a massive success.
44 signed up to Socialist Students. Our first meeting discussed Your Party.
Southampton is grappling with far-right protests against a hotel in Portswood, near the university. But people can be won over by socialist policies. So, for next year’s local elections, the workers’ movement must be prepared and organised to take on Reform, and present an alternative to capitalism.
Reading – leaflets flying
Sara Gillman, Reading Socialist Party
Leaflets were flying out of our of hands. Student debt was the main concern.
Even a security guard, who had been told to move our Socialist Students campaign stall by the student union, said: “I need to kick you off, but before you go, can I buy a [Socialist] paper?”
Leeds – ‘yes!!!’
Iain Dalton, Leeds Socialist Party
“Yes!!!”, said students, seeing our posters advertising how Corbyn and Sultana’s Your Party could become a political voice for students.
In the wake of the public disagreements between them, many students wanted to discuss why that had happened, and the way forward. We stressed that the organised working class, particularly trade unions, should be involved.
Our campaign stall was repeatedly mobbed during three days of campaigning, with over 100 students leaving their details to find out more about Socialist Students. We sold out of Socialist Student magazines, with students buying 21 copies of the Socialist and we raised over £30 fighting fund on top.
Nuneaton walkout
Max McGee, West Midlands Socialist Party
King Edward IV College (Kegs) students in Nuneaton were inspired and enthused seeing the Socialist Students walkout against Trump on Wednesday 17 September. Students approached us, after attending our Socialist Party public meeting about Your Party.
They wanted to organise a walkout using our Socialist Students material. If you want to get involved, and aren’t sure of the impact you can have, be certain that all it takes is one leaflet passed around a classroom to strike a chord.
As was the case for many school and college walkouts, while some Kegs staff attempted to lock the main gate to prevent students from speaking to us, the students themselves asserted that they had a right to protest. On 19 September, there was a 30-strong student strike against Trump’s visit, Starmer’s belly crawling, racist division, and education cuts.
