Tom Roud provides a contribution explaining the broad model and philosophy of the NZFSS. Written for 'The Commonweal Special Edition: What is to be done?' in March 2025.
Socialism is based on mutual respect and support among working people - the essence of a socialist system. Antagonism to the capitalists will never suffice as a unifying principle, even among those who reject capitalism. If we can keep that in mind we will not go awry.
Inviting the full range of socialist groups to offer their ideas on the way forward, as you have done here, is a positive move. I believe that the focus should be on a constructive dialogue rather than a contrived unity. Agreement may follow later, so long as the dialogue is conducted with mutual respect. In the meantime the collaborative approach could be normalized and formalized within the broader left community. If there is a single forum for discussion among the left, if all opinions are fairly represented, and if the tone is positive and cooperative then a wider range of the public will tune in and take notice.
Yeah that was part of our thinking to invite groups to comment as far as possible, as being the larger group still operating it makes the most sense for us to take some of that burden.
That said, of course, the Federation has it's own business to get on with and probably doesn't have the resources/time to entirely pivot to some effort at unity/dialogue building without neglecting our core activities. So it's baby steps, in order to be sustainable.
Socialism is based on mutual respect and support among working people - the essence of a socialist system. Antagonism to the capitalists will never suffice as a unifying principle, even among those who reject capitalism. If we can keep that in mind we will not go awry.
Inviting the full range of socialist groups to offer their ideas on the way forward, as you have done here, is a positive move. I believe that the focus should be on a constructive dialogue rather than a contrived unity. Agreement may follow later, so long as the dialogue is conducted with mutual respect. In the meantime the collaborative approach could be normalized and formalized within the broader left community. If there is a single forum for discussion among the left, if all opinions are fairly represented, and if the tone is positive and cooperative then a wider range of the public will tune in and take notice.
Yeah that was part of our thinking to invite groups to comment as far as possible, as being the larger group still operating it makes the most sense for us to take some of that burden.
That said, of course, the Federation has it's own business to get on with and probably doesn't have the resources/time to entirely pivot to some effort at unity/dialogue building without neglecting our core activities. So it's baby steps, in order to be sustainable.