We are a network that draws from the best of the socialist, communist, revolutionary, feminist, environmentalist and other democratic movements in the developed and developing worlds. We are bold in our critique of the obvious shortcomings and failures of those movements and use those lessons to inform our vision and program. High on the list of shortcomings of the socialist world was the failure to fully utilize the positive aspects of the market place and to contend effectively with capital in that arena as well as in the struggle for the state. Equally high on the list was the failure to develop the democracy in society and in the struggle itself. We have equally learned from the strengths and advances of capitalist society as well as its cruel and destructive aspects.
The Importance of Study. We encourage deeper study among those in our Network, with a particular emphasis on including younger activists and leaders-the next generation. We need to use this study as a means to creating curriculum and resources materials that can be used by all members of our network in recruitment and leadership development.
Confidentiality and Security. We recognize the importance of confidentiality. Many of our members don't want to be individually known for professional, political, or personal reasons. To the degree we gain strength, the issue of confidentiality will become key in preserving the strength and capacity of the Network in face of the threats and actions of those we oppose. Discretion should be assumptions that underlie our culture. We need to be bold and creative to expand our network and influence, but also cautious and discreet to protect our network and to allow a broad range of leaders from all aspects of society to participate freely and actively in our work.
Financial Support. We expect each person in the network to contribute a minimum of $10 a month. For those making more than $50,000, we expect $20 a month, and for those making $100,000 or more, we expect a minimum level of support of $30 a month. This can be done in cash, through a bank draft, or any other regular means. Our future depends on the creation of a pool of resources that will permit staffing, technology, and broader communications.
Leading Body. We will develop an editorial board that will manage the web site and debate, providing the diversity and skill needed to sustain confidence in the quality of this effort. We will work for a balance on the board of theoretical and practical skills, of range of experience in various fronts of struggle, and of generations.
Time Frame. We see the Network developing over the next couple of years, measuring its strength in the breadth and depth of our political exchange, in the number of participants and the level of their engagement, in the material resources we can assemble and the success of the public web site. In that time, we should know whether or not we have the knowledge, skill, and capacity to consider a more advanced organizational form, or not.
- Conclusion
Our views, models, and connections are profoundly shaped by the international community; but our responsibility is to build a movement within the US that makes the appropriate contribution to the international struggle for social change. We really have no other choice except to make this effort. We can't be comfortable in our critique of the failings of others in this period or in other generations unless we are willing to step forward with our own creation. We are uniquely privileged in the distance from the dangers that threaten others in the world who share our values, dreams, and struggle. Continuing individual contributions without an effort to build collective strength is a luxury we can no longer justify to ourselves, our friends, our comrades, or the next generation.
Are you in?
For more information: democracynet@att.net
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