WSM Points of Unity Explained: 4 - Platformism (2)

Ferd
Fri, 07 Apr 2017 08:00:00 +0000
Anarchist organisation, Basic Anarchism, Makhno, Platform, WSM Points of Unity, WSM, Anarchist movement, National, Position paper, Other type

'4. The core ideas of this tradition that we identify with are the need for anarchist political organisations that seek to develop:

1. Theoretical Unity

2. Tactical Unity

3. Collective Action and Discipline

4. Federalism’

Federalism is an organisational structure based on “the free agreement of individuals and organisations to work collectively towards a common objective”. It is finding the best balance between independence and coherence. This means, for example, that all decisions are made by those affected by them as opposed to centralism, where decisions are made by a central committee for those affected by them. Or that while all WSM branches are united under a common national policy, they can make their own local decisions. It also means that we have no leaders or officials with higher authority than others. Rather, we have 'officers' who are delegated temporary authority to perform certain tasks as mandated by the membership (for instance, to be treasurer).