Fighting to Win: A Course for Community and Union Acitivists

Unions and social movements today are operating under incredibly dire circumstances. There is great economic uncertainty and we confront the worsening impact of climate change as well as a global situation marked by the growing threat of conflict and war. When workers strike or communities under attack take to the streets, it seems that victories are much harder to win and past gains more difficult to defend.

This course will grapple with these questions by looking at the forms of exploitation and oppression that exist in society and the means by which the power structure acts to limit and contain our struggles. The course will move towards a discussion of how our movements can overcome the factors that hold them back and to fight to win!

This is not a ‘how to organize’ course, as important as these are. It is intended for activists who realize that the methods of struggle that were developed at an earlier time need to give way to more powerful and effective forms of social resistance.

Instead of lengthy lectures, each session will involve in-depth and participatory group discussions of the issues under consideration. The knowledge and lived experiences of those participating will be a vital part of the course. This will be true both for longtime organizers and for those just now dipping their toes in the world of activism.

When - Thursday November 12, weekly until December. All classes 6-8pm

Where -Downtown Toronto - Venue shared with registrants

How - Advance registration required

Cost - Free/recommended donation $20

This edition of the course has been condensed from its original 12 session form, into a new 4-week condensed course. Previous Fighting to Win students are welcome to take part, though space is limited and selections may be made to ensure a group with a variety of experiences is present.

Fighting to Win is presented by the Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education. The School emerged in 2023, at a moment when popular frustrations surged over inequality, the narrowing of democracy, the squandering of human potential, and the reality of impending environmental catastrophe. It’s in this context that we strive to provide radical, accessible, and practical educational programming for those seeking to better understand and address the crisis of our current times.

Accessibility

The venue for this event is wheelchair accessible via an elevator that is available upon request. It features multiple gender neutral washrooms. We ask that participants refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products. Please contact us with any accessibility concerns.

Course Outline