Over the past year, the Bristol district of the RCP has undergone a monumental transformation. From a thin layer of experienced members, we now have four branches full of eager and enthusiastic comrades. Here’s a glimpse of how we got there, through our student work!
Last year, we turned our focus to student organising, reorienting all our comrades for a big freshers’ offensive. We launched an ambitious campaign: weekly open meetings, hundreds of posters, and tri-weekly paper stalls.
Our goal was simple: to make the RCP unavoidable on campus. This year, we’re aiming even higher – to become the largest political force on campus! Our target is to recruit over 20 new students.
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The only way we can achieve this is by carrying forward the lessons we’ve learned, raising up a new generation of leaders, and turning Bristol into a stronghold of revolutionary communism.
We have the comrades determined to do this, as one said to me: “I’m upset that I’ve found my life’s calling so soon. I could be travelling the world, enjoying my twenties. But I need to do this.”
Another new recruit told us, “Once capitalism has been overthrown, my life’s mission will be complete.”
A party of ideas
We are pairing our revolutionary class anger with a thorough Marxist education.
Last year, our open meetings were electric. Held in the back room of a local pub, we packed the space week after week, so much so that we had to steal chairs from the restaurant!
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What stood out most was the breadth of ideas discussed. Everyone, from newcomers to the most experienced comrades, felt drawn in to ask questions and contribute. We are, first and foremost, a party of ideas.
Áine, one of the Paper Officers, explained why she joined:
“In a sea of ‘identity politics’ mess, communism was the only alternative. I was desperate for answers. It was so exciting – ‘these guys know so much!’ I felt like I’d never know as much, but it was inspiring just to be around people who knew what the f*** they were talking about!”
This sense of community has been central to our success. A strong social culture strengthens our political work. After our meetings, discussions carry late into the night at the pub. Willow, a new secretary who joined last September, put it like this:
“We can’t help it – we’re always discussing Marxism. Whether things are going well or not, you can always turn to your comrades. When I feel down or fall behind, new comrades inspire me, and in turn, I inspire them. I feel the motivation from these comrades.”
From recruits to leaders
From day one, new recruits are educated collectively by the whole branch. Danny, who joined just five months ago and already stepped up as paper officer, explained how he developed so quickly:
“Early on, paper selling was terrifying, but having someone to bounce off made it easier. The more I read, the better the stalls became. Each challenge pushed me to go back and learn more.”
As we’ve grown, comrades with over a year’s experience have stepped up as leaders. Áine reflected on how her role has changed:
“I still don’t know everything, but now new recruits look up to me just as I once looked up to others. People see me, they see what I do. I can’t hide. I know I need to set an example. I have to plan my week around the RCP. I can’t afford to be disorganised. If I want to lead, I have a responsibility to develop myself.”
Our aim is to inspire young people and give them the tools to pursue a political education. Ashley, the president of our Marxist Society, explained:
“Raising up new comrades, training your replacement has freed me to strengthen my own knowledge of Marxism. I’ve studied philosophy over the summer, and now I’m diving into economics. I love that I’ve been able to take on more of a political leadership role, especially in the student work.”
Join the communists on campus!
We are building leaders, training young people to understand the world, to find real answers, and to change it. To take this beautiful life and, in the words of Trotsky, “cleanse it of all evil, oppression, and violence, and enjoy it to the full.”
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So if you’re reading this, and you share our fury at capitalism, know that you’re not alone. Wherever you are, the communists are coming, and we need YOU to join us!
