Why we exist
Connections is a network that exists to build collaborative practice with socialists, no matter their affiliation.
We aim to provide a space for local progressive socialist groups whether they are a “proto branch” of Your Party or an independent community group, to speak, share and learn from each other.
This is a dangerous idea: even on the left of politics, many are content to follow great leaders, while those with power never really let it go. We shouldn’t need nor seek permission to organise with fellow activists.
Connections is about encouraging the growth of independent self-organisation and campaigning at the grass roots. Connections isn’t a sectarian platform, and we don’t seek office or power for ourselves. It’s a space for all progressive minded groups to collaborate and discuss how to build together, and how to hold those in power to account.
We provide opportunities to learn new skills and to network via social media, meetings, conventions, workshops, talks and friendly advice.
In addition to this we discuss and organise around issues that most need addressing within the socialist movement.
There is a variety of opinions on how we move forward. Some will argue to stay with Your Party, others may argue to leave, some may suggest joining the Greens, and so on.
Connections does not hold a view, or seek to impose one. We provide a space, so that voices that are so often silenced can be heard.
Our story
Connections came about from a wish to encourage the growth of independent self-organisation. Our foundations were laid before Your Party came into being, but we acted in the belief that strong local organisation would be integral to the success of any new socialist party. Nothing that has happened since has shaken this belief.
Connections is many things:
- A network connecting groups and individuals on the left regardless of political affiliation, one that enables us to share, and learn from one another
- A forum for discussion and ideas on how we can build together, where constructive and comradely dissenting views are welcome
- A place that nurtures the flame of self-empowerment and that amplifies the voices of the silenced
- The home of famous Monday evening Zooms, of engaging political education events, of inspiring face-to-face conventions
- An organising hub for socialists who don’t seek office or power for ourselves, but are committed to building unity on the left and laying down local roots that we hope will feed into a genuinely member-led mass movement.
What we’ve been doing
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Connections Network Eastbourne
By Carol Mills After a promising start, the divisive, factional nature of Your Party soon began impacting Eastbourne effectively placing a pause on our developing into a functional, albeit informal, branch. There are a few Eastbourne Party members who are in a strictly waiting mode having indicated that it will ONLY BE once a formal…
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Connections Celebrates Convention Success
By Linda Wall? We had a very successful convention in Sheffield on Saturday 6th June. Our venue was rich in character and symbolism. SADACCA is both a cultural hub and an organising space serving the many needs of Sheffield’s African Caribbean communities and for the benefit of others who wish to use it. It was…
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Connections Convention in Sheffield
On Saturday 6th June, Connections will be hosting a one day convention at Sheffield SADACCA. The event is open to people of any political affiliation who want to be part of the conversation on ‘Where next for the Left’. Please see the Eventbrite page for more information and tickets. There will be guest speakers who we’ll be…
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What is Connections Network?
By Anwarul Khan Part of our success is that there are lots of rumours about what Connections is. Different people have had different experiences of it, whether they have heard of it, or been a representative, or taken part in one of the many events we have held or projects we started. Connections exists to…
Join us
If you’re a local activist who wants to be part of this project, you’re invited to join our network today.