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Lebanese Communist Students Web Community |
Established on November, 16th 2002 |
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Provisional founding document and rules of the Leftist Platform |
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We the undersigned, call on all Leftists, whether groups,
parties or independents, to adopt this provisional document with the aim of urgently beginning the process of drawing together all those fighting for a just and equal society into a common organization. We accept that this document is only temporary and subject to discussion, alteration or approval at a national conference to be organized as soon as possible. Comrades, brothers and sisters, As we enter the 21st century we find the world in a dangerous and perilous state. The drums of war are sounding across the Middle East, Israel continues its oppression of the Palestinians and in every corner of the world ordinary people are suffering the ravages of oppression, poverty, misery and hunger. Our world is hurtling towards environmental disaster and the clock on our very future is ticking. Around the world neo-liberalism is running wild, trampling millions in the drive for profit. This drive benefits the few at the expense of the majority. There is, however a rising resistance in hundreds of demonstrations and struggles. This resistance is taking the form of anti-globalization, anti-war and anti-capitalist struggles. There are many different views and analysis within the left, but our basic principles are common: “A better world is necessary” Therefore we call on all like-minded people to join us in our common goal to bring collect our forces into one organization. We call for unity in action. A. Goals 1. We believe that the present system, internationally and locally does not meet the real needs of ordinary people. Instead this system serves only the interests of a minority. 2. We believe this system creates injustice, inequality, oppression and environmental damage. 3. We aim therefore to work for the creation of a society that provides for the needs of the majority, based on the democratic common ownership and democratic control of the key sectors on the economy. A system based on social and economic justice and ecological sustainability. B. Definition: 1. An organization is unity in practical work. We seek to create an organization that brings together all leftist groups and independents to work together for common gaols. 2. We recognize that the diversity of groups and individuals is part of a rich tradition of plurality of the left. We see this as a positive situation. Moreover we believe that all the diverse groups are better served if they were part of an organization that seeks to draw together all common positions, yet gives space for differences. 3. This organization is a platform model – it allows groups, organizations, independents, to maintain and campaign on their political positions, but also raise all common positions to a national and international level. 4. We recognize that all established political parties do not represent the real needs of the ordinary people. These parties have rejected all democratic means to alter their current direction from within. 5. We aim to build an alternative based of real democratic control and accountability that represents the wishes of the majority, and strive to build an organization that can truly represent the interests of the majority of the people. 6. The Platform, based on accepted principles, is open to all individuals and organizations who support the aims of the alliance and agree to join in working together in a non-sectarian (political & religious), co-operative and positive ways. C. Statement of Aims: 1. The paltform will work towards fundamental social, economic, political, ecological and cultural change: - To organize society in the most open, democratic, participative and accountable manner possible. - To campaign for the freedom of the individual commensurate with the freedom of others. - To campaign for the abolition of sexism, sectarianism, racism, homophobia, discrimination against people with disabilities and on the basis of age. - To campaign against all forms of economic exploitation and social oppression – and secure for people the distribution of the wealth in society by means of common ownership and democratic control. - To campaign for justice and against tyranny, prejudice, and the abuse of power. 2. This change can only be achieved through the ultimate involvement of the majority of people. 3. The Platform will campaign for change in every sector of society: communities, work place, colleges/schools 4. We aspire to support, encourage, initiate and organize all efforts to secure change – through every channel available to us. 5. We will also provide support and solidarity to those involved in opposition to any injustice and oppression – and also to support all genuine campaigns for social, political, cultural and economic justice. D. Meeting rules - members and committee meetings 1. All decisions of the organization shall be decided by a simple majority 2. Any member of the organization can put forward a subject or proposal to be considered by the meeting. The member simply has to instruct the Moderator before the meeting starts for the item to be included on the agenda 3. Meetings shall be run by a Moderator and Secretary (to take minutes) The Moderator has no voting rights or the right to contribute to the discussion. The role of the Moderator is to facilitate the running of the meeting and ensure a fair debate E. Provisional committee 1. The founding meeting will elect a Steering Committee, numbers to be decided, tasked with implementing the decisions of the meetings 2. Steering Committee members are officers of the organization and thus have no voting rights within general meetings 3. All officers are recallable 4. The Steering Committee has to be re-elected every month 5. Any member can propose themselves for the Steering Committee 6. The Steering Committee must represent the views and groups of the whole organization 7. The Steering Committee has no right to formulate policy independent of the meetings 8. Decisions within the Steering Committee are decided by majority voting 9. All Steering Committee meetings must take minutes and make these available for all members to see 10. The Steering Committee shall publish a regular information bulletin 11. The Steering Committee shall publish a discussion bulletin 12. The Steering Committee must appoint a Members Officer to adjudicate in any disputes between members that are non-political. The officer has no voting rights within the committee and is accountable to the Platform F. Members charter All members have the following rights: 1. The right to take part in the selection of candidates at all levels 2. The right to put themselves forward as candidates for selection 3. The right to take part in the formation of policy at all levels 4. The right to hold all officers or representatives to account through democratic mechanisms 5. The right to freedom of opinion and _expression 6. The right to write for, sell or distribute publications 7. The right to information about all activities and decisions 8. The right to establish short-term or long-term political platforms on whatever political basis members see fit G. The requirements of membership are: 1. Support the work of the organization 2. Behavior in a democratic and co-operative manner 3. No racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic or discriminatory behavior 4. Payment of the relevant membership fee – to be decided 5. Members must organize themselves into local groups wherever possible |
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