In Los Angeles this summer, the Party for Socialism and Liberation conducted a “Summer Classes on Socialism” series. The goal was to respond to the growing awareness of the failure of capitalism as evidenced by the current economic crisis and its destructive impact on the lives of working-class people. The purpose of the classes was to develop working-class consciousness and get people involved in the struggle.
Every Tuesday during the summer, PSL members led classes on topics that included: “What is socialism? Why is it the only alternative?”; “Imperialism and war: U.S. out of the Middle East!”; and “Racism, neoliberalism and immigration,” just to name a few. Materials studied were based on theoretical writings from Lenin, Marx, and Engels as well as PSL publications.
Over 50 people registered for the classes, most of whom attended regularly. Attendees were predominantly young women of color, an indication that women’s role in leading the struggle is becoming greater and more apparent. One regular attendee, expressed, “I liked the fact that the PSL members were not talking at us. We were collectively educating ourselves about socialism. It was a great experience.”
In the classes, PSL members also pointed to the concrete work and organizing that is being carried out by the PSL so that participants understood that there can never be a divorce between theory and practice.
The discussion in the final class, “Is a revolution possible in the U.S.?” proved that the classes were successful and enjoyed by all. One woman who also attended the classes regularly, told PSLweb.org, “It was very informative, I am ready to get involved, and I intend on joining the PSL.” Another participant, declared that night that she was joining the PSL. Evaluations distributed at the end of the series allowed participants to discuss how the PSL can further improve the classes. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and shows the demand for more socialism classes in the future.
