Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/1146/32994
From The Socialist newspaper, 8 September 2021
Why I joined the Socialist Party
Phoebe Cox, Mansfield Socialist Party
Mainstream politics can feel like an anchor to the chest. I once walked the streets, and delivered leaflets for the promise of a socialist government in 2019.
Many staunch socialists tried to do their best inside Labour, before either leaving of their own accord or being thrown out. There was only so much 'fighting from within Labour' talk that I could stand before I realised that nobody was fighting for our communities.
I was left with the question: what happens now?
Do we just call it a day? Do we think: "Socialism isn't happening anytime soon, and the Tories will stay in power for years, so what is the point in doing anything?"
I did not want to jump into anything new straight away, and it took me a few months to even consider joining the Socialist Party. I was apprehensive about falling into yet another toxic and disheartening environment.
However, joining the Socialist Party was the best decision I have made. It has enabled me to harness all the energy and passion that I had before.
Fighting spirit
I have not lost my fighting spirit or my interest to know and do more. I just found a place where it was represented and appreciated.
In the Socialist Party, I found an accessible group of like-minded people. I am part of a growing conversation, actively learn about national and international issues, and have mutual respect with people from all walks of life.
It is so refreshing to be in a safe and supportive environment, that simply allows you to just be, listen and learn. Your energy is reciprocated in abundance.
There is no pressure or expectation. You just give what you can, and you find how you fit.
Whether you want to contribute to the Socialist paper, make a donation - according to your financial means - to the fighting fund, join the local campaign stalls, or just call in and listen to the meetings. There is no contribution too big or too small.
Your presence alone is enough, and your involvement is invaluable. To me, that is the most refreshing and rewarding part of being a Socialist Party member.
The Socialist Party does not have all of the answers, and neither does it profess to. But it offers a space to mobilise, organise, inform and educate - providing helpful resources about ways to support our communities from the ground up. There is a level of authenticity and awareness that is exactly how politics should be.
The Socialist Party is accessible, self-aware, and constantly adapting to real issues that people face every day, whether happening on our doorstep or across the ocean.
It could be for you too. Socialism is the solution that we seek, and it is within reach.
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Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- We must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 8 September 2021:
NHS and social care
NHS and social care - make the rich pay, not the workers
Workers shouldn't pay for health and social care plans
End service cuts and care charges
Families demand rights for care home residents
Whipps Cross hospital workers reject the 3%
What we think
A pivotal moment for the trade union movement
Socialist Party news and campaigns
Socialist Party national council - members enthused by excellent in-person meeting
Why I joined the Socialist Party
Education
Union action needed to make schools Covid safe
Fighting NEU leadership needed to tackle school funding crisis
Schools funding crisis fails vulnerable children
University bosses push through pension cuts proposal
9/11 twenty years on
9/11 and the 'War on Terror' twenty years on
Workplace news
Bexley bin workers win big gains after six-week strike
Equity protest to save arts centre forces talks from Newham Council
DWP: Demand safe working and more jobs
DHL workers to strike against wage theft
Youth Fight for Jobs
Organising to defend our future: 9 October- Youth fight for jobs day of action
Building Youth Fight for Jobs in the South West
International news
Libya - ten years after Gaddafi's overthrow
US Supreme Court refuses to challenge Texas abortion ban
Keep fascists out of Portland: Build a mass movement to fight the right
Readers' opinion
Socialist change, not climate change
Vigil: A nuclear sub murder mystery
Obituary
Obituary: Roger Henshaw, comrade and class fighter
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