Laura Hullah, Leeds Socialist Party
Lots of different types of people read the Socialist. Socialist Party members, people who are sympathetic to our aims, even members of other political parties.
Some buy a copy regularly. Others may not think of themselves as explicitly ‘political’, but will buy the Socialist if there is an article in it that is of interest, or something that is personally relevant to them – young people, students, and workers.
Often on a Socialist Party campaign stall, we set a table up, and lay out our campaign material. But I also carry copies of the Socialist on me wherever I go.
I have sold the paper whilst sat in my own garden, at live events, at work, and even whilst on holiday. I strike up a conversation wherever I go, because there is always talk of politics. People may not be ‘political’, but bread-and-butter issues matter to people – everything is political.
Carry the Socialist with you everywhere, and read it everywhere too. Read the Socialist at the bus stop, whilst eating your lunch on a bench in the local park, on the train, in your workplace, and in the pub.
People are naturally curious. They will ask what you are reading.
They may even buy a copy from you there and then. So make sure you carry spare copies!
I know from experience how important accessibility and inclusion is. You do not gain supporters by excluding a group of people for who liberation from capitalist oppression is a matter of life or death.
The Socialist Party is a revolutionary party. We always remember when writing for and selling the Socialist, ‘if it is not accessible, it is neither radical nor revolutionary’.
Help fund us
I am sight impaired. Ideally, the Socialist should be printed in alternative and accessible formats, such as braille or large print. So help us sell the Socialist, and raise fighting fund on top, so we have the resources to reach as many different people with socialist ideas.
A few people now buy the Socialist regularly from me. After they have bought so many issues on a regular basis, then I raise whether they would be interested in taking out a subscription. That way Socialist supporters can help fund, shape, and promote its publication, and the Socialist Party behind it.
There are so many ways to follow the Socialist, listen to the audio version – socialistparty.org.uk/the-socialist-audio
Life on the Doncaster Socialist Party campaign stall
Charmain Smuts, South Yorkshire Socialist Party
Every Friday and Saturday, the streets of Doncaster come alive with conversation, debate, and community spirit at the Socialist Party campaign stalls. These stalls offer a space where ordinary people can engage with the issues that affect their daily lives.
At the heart of our work are petitions that give people a direct voice. Whether it’s to save our NHS and rebuild Doncaster Royal Infirmary; stop the energy price rip-off; demand the nationalisation of the water industry; fund welfare not warfare, saying no to Trump’s oil plunder; for working-class unity not division by demanding jobs, homes, and services for all to fight racism; yes to self-identity for LGBTQ+ people. The public are eager to stand up and be counted.
Alongside petitions, we distribute leaflets explaining what the Socialist Party stands for, and how our policies relate to the current challenges facing working people. Our socialist material often sparks meaningful conversations, as people share their concerns, frustrations, and hopes for change.
Working-class perspective
We also sell the Socialist newspaper, which provides in-depth analysis and reporting from a working-class perspective. Many people choose to support our work further by making a voluntary donation to our ‘fighting fund’, which helps sustain and grow our campaigning efforts.
But perhaps the most valuable aspect of the stalls is the discussion. There are countless honest, thoughtful exchanges with people from all walks of life. Some come with questions, others with strong opinions. Many simply appreciate someone willing to listen.
Over time, the stalls have become a recognised and trusted part of the local community. Regular passersby now stop to chat, sign petitions, or pick up a Socialist paper. The positive feedback and encouragement we receive reflects a growing awareness and appreciation of the work we do.
