Went along to the protest today in Cambridge. From a cynical perspective, it went like this:
1) Gathered at point A
2) Speeches as point A on how 'orrible the Government is
3) Marched towards point B
4) Loud people with louder speakers chanting repetitive stuff
5) Fluffy people handing out fliers
6) Arrive at point B - the Guildhall
7) More chanting, and loudspeaker messages about sending a message to the Council (despite it being the weekend when no one is there)
8) Move into the main hall
9) ELEVEN speeches from various people about how 'orrible the Government is and what we must do
10) Everyone goes home
From a cynical perspective, the usual suspects were there:
"Would you like to buy a copy of...
- The Socialist Worker?
- Socialist Resistance?
- The Socialist?
- The Weekly Worker?"
"Would you like to join...
- The Socialist Workers' Party?
- The Socialist Party?
- The University's Marxist Society?
- The University's Socialist Society?"
Sorry chaps - I thought I came along to a protest, not a paper sale.
What was nice to see was:
- The number of different unions represented
- The diversity of people who were there - including non-usual suspects
- The number of people who turned out at short notice
- A couple of the speakers who were very good at public speaking and/or made the case for alternatives
Now...what next?
Now, part of me was thinking: "Meh...it's Party for Communistic Socialism vs the Socialistic Party for Communism vs the Communistic Socialist Party on what we should do in order to create the ideal conditions for the overthrow of the imperialistic capitalistic classes responsible for this disgraceful, disgusting, diabolical assault on the historical hard won rights and freedoms of the working classes."
But another part of me was thinking:
"Actually, this is quite a good start. Although I may not agree with a number of people on a variety of things, or may be critical of their past actions, they are still going to get screwed over by these cuts as I am."
The number and diversity of people who might be inclined to get involved I think is a huge opportunity for trade unions in particular to bring in the wealth of skills and talents of their membership (i.e. not just their regular activists) to help things along. Some will have strengths in different places than others. For example some will be excellent public speakers, others will be very good at face-to-face persuasion. Some may be very talented artists (good for banners and placards) while others may have a way with words. Some may be computer wizards who can get websites up and running - and maintained, while others will be very good at ensuring the logistics of meetings, workshops and events are sorted so everything runs smoothly. Others may be able to put on alternative events - music sessions, pub quizzes, comedy nights - if we are going to get out and about, lets have some fun at the same time!
This is where guides such as
http://libcom.org/organise,
http://www.campaignstrategy.org/index.php or
http://www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide/idiotsguidetomeetings.htm can be useful for those of us not familiar with campaigning.
So...that's a little flavour of the constructive suggestions I'm going to be looking to contribute in the "how do we do the stuff we need to do" sessions that are going to be taking place in my neck of the woods in the near future. What other ideas do others have?