The goal of socialism is collective ownership over the production of wealth and goods, although socialists often disagree over whether to bring this about through revolution, reform or the creation of small-scale socialist living and working arrangementsSocialism is a deep and complex philosophy, with many variations, and it may take a lot of reading and discussion to fully explore it.There are many actions you can take to advance socialism, even if you don't know much about it.
Step 1: Talk to people who are different from you.
There are many branches and philosophies within socialism, but the main focus is co-operation and opposition to many hierarchies, such as those based on money, social class, or race.People employed in low-paying jobs or struggling at the bottom of the hierarchy are more likely to be interested in meeting you.This doesn't make you a socialist, but it may teach you more about the social experiences socialism seeks to eliminate.Most socialists want to restructure society to eliminate this type of suffering, not just to alleviate it with private charity.
Step 2: A campaign against inequality.
Socialism has been associated with fighting oppression of all types, not just those based on economics or class divides.Consider learning about and involving yourself in movements that work to end discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexuality.The campaign against inhumane prison conditions has been championed by socialists for over a century.Consider joining an organization that teaches people about these topics and protests them.Speak out when you see discrimination.Follow the guidelines for the U.S. or the E.U. to file a discrimination charge against employers.
Step 3: You can make changes in your workplace.
If you work at a small business or are well-respected at your workplace, you may be in a position to argue for an equal payment structure, or for giving lower-status employees a chance to contribute ideas and assist in decision-making.Even if you are not in a position to do this, you may be able to file a lawsuit against oppressive management decisions.Small business owners may be persuaded to sell their business to their employees if they want to retire or move on.This can be a basis for a full worker co-operative, or at least a more equal system in which the current employees share the profits between them, depending on the legal path the owner decides to take.
Step 4: Unionize your workplace.
The relationship between trade unions and socialists has been controversial in the past.Even if you join an anti-socialist labor union, you may find allies for common goals, such as workers' rights.
Step 5: Work can be done from inside the union.
Many unions are not effective at defending their members' labour rights.If you demonstrate that you are a serious and effective union member, you may be able to change this situation.If you want to argue socialism is less effective than training all union members in union operations and encouraging them to involve themselves in meetings and strategy discussions.Working in the rank-and-file of the union staff for six months is recommended by some socialist organizations.
Step 6: Start a co-operative living arrangement.
The basic idea of a community that makes decisions and shares benefits on an equal basis is what co-ops are all about.A group of friends who distribute income and resources evenly, or a more worker co-operative in which all workers have equal decision making power in a business-like entity are possibilities.
Step 7: Become a socialist organization.
It is advisable to read about the philosophy and methods of several organizations before joining.There are many socialist organizations in the Progressive Alliance.The International Socialist Organization can be considered in the United States.In Canada, try the New Democratic Party, or the more radical Fightback, because socialist or socialist-sympathizing parties hold seats in national parliaments.There is a parliament.There are many socialist organizations in Latin America.The only current socialist state in the Americas is Cuba.There are many socialist movements in Asia and Africa.Several Maoist groups in India are currently engaged in guerrilla warfare.
Step 8: There is a campaign for socialism within another movement.
Moderate socialists like to support candidates for other parties or push non-socialists in power.It is possible to have a more far-reaching effect if you join or temporarily work with a progressive organization.In the United States, socialists rarely succeed in elections.
Step 9: Attend international socialist gatherings
You should consider going to see a socialist or progressive conference.You can discuss the topic and make connections with people from a wide variety of socialism.There are possible repeats of conferences such as Socialism, Marxism, and World Social Forum.The Left Forum is a convention with socialist roots.
Step 10: Read the first few paragraphs.
Many interpretations, courses of action, and related ideas have been inspired by socialism.If you're not familiar with its history or basic ideas, start with a book written as an introduction to the topic, such as the following: Introducing Marxism by Rius, an informative, humorous guide in comic book format.
Step 11: You can read Marx and Engels.
The texts which Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels collaborated on are considered to be fundamental to socialist philosophy.The Communist Manifesto is a good summary of their philosophy.There are many Marxist and socialist texts online for free.
Step 12: Read the other major figures.
Many socialist groups are grouped into umbrellas.Some of the most influential socialist movements follow the writings and actions of Leon Trotsky.Some of the figures are directly opposed to each other.
Step 13: There are other socialist authors that you can look for.
There are many other socialist authors who write from many different perspectives.Look for works by Castro, Brar, Rule, Jones, Luxemburg, and Singh, or read introductory works about them.
Step 14: There are socialist newspapers and magazines.
Socialist news sources have a more international focus than other media and can be a good place to find out about socialist perspectives on current effects.The Proletarian Online, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Massalijn, Lalkar, Liberation News, The Green Left Weekly, Indymedia, Red Pepper, Socialist Worker, and New Left Review are examples.