New Year's Resolutions for the Tireless Socialist
Members of our People Before Profit ecosocialist network, RISE, contributed their New Year's resolutions for 2024. It's been a challenging year, especially in the last couple of months, as we struggled to struggle against oppression in its most heinous forms. Nonetheless, we have witnessed and experienced moments of solidarity, like the Ireland for All demonstration and the global demonstrations for a Free Palestine, that are important to acknowledge and be inspired by. We look to the new year with some optimism that our collective struggle matters. And even in the darkest moments, some lightheartedness mixed with a little sentimentality can carry us forward into another year of fighting. So, here are some serious and some much less serious resolutions for tireless socialists for the year 2024.
On readings, I will actually read the books I buy and the articles I bookmark. I will read the recommended texts for the meetings I attend - and I will read them in a timely manner.
On feelings, I will honor my anger and my joy and make room for all kinds of conflicting emotions.
I will be kind to myself when I cannot single handedly change things.
On organising, I will do more of the less flashy, but vital forms of activism like leafleting, canvassing, and calling no matter how many doors are slammed in my face or phones hung up on me.
On organising, I will sort and declutter my scattered collection of leaflets and magazines.
On activities, I will stop telling myself that marching and canvassing are more than enough and do some actual exercise. I will cut back on Twitter and doomscrolling as leisure activities.
On community, I will look to community and surround myself with people who share my beliefs. I will not isolate myself in a bubble of people who agree with me.
I will stop (cut back on) arguing with family members about capitalism at every gathering.
I will engage with comrades who have different opinions and different experiences.
On fighting, I will continue to fight against all forms of oppression and for all forms of liberation.
“Opportunities are for those that seize them. The coming year may be as bright as we choose to make it.” James Connolly, 1916