What we’re about
Welcome to the London Communalist Study Group!
Are you passionate about social and political change? Are you curious about exploring the ideas of great thinkers like Murray Bookchin and David Graeber, delving into social theory, and unraveling the history of ideas? If so, our meetup is the perfect platform for you to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in thought-provoking discussions that go beyond the surface.
Communalism is centered on creating direct democracy through confederated popular assemblies and ecological ethics. You can find out more about the political philosophy of Communalism by reading Murray Bookchin's essays The Communalist Project and Toward a Communalist Approach.
We don't collect membership dues, and all events are free for the time being, although future events might have a charge if we need to book a venue or host a guest speaker.
Group Goal:
At the London Communalists, our primary goal is to foster an intellectually stimulating and inclusive community where individuals interested in social and political change can come together to explore and develop their knowledge. We aim to create an environment that encourages critical thinking, empowers participants to become fully competent individuals and potential leaders, and promotes a municipalist approach to democracy and social change.
Who We Hope to Meet:
We welcome anyone who is genuinely enthusiastic about engaging in deep conversations and exploring a wide spectrum of ideas. Whether you are well-versed in social theory or just starting to dip your toes into this vast ocean of knowledge, you'll find a warm and supportive atmosphere at our gatherings. All backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected.
What to Expect at Our Events:
Our meetings are informal yet enriching gatherings where we sit over coffee (or tea!) to discuss various topics. Here's what you can expect:
Discussions: Engage in discussions that offer new perspectives on social theory, philosophy, history, and current affairs. We encourage open dialogue and welcome diverse viewpoints.
Exploring Ideas: Delve into the ideas of Murray Bookchin and other prominent thinkers, as well as the great intellectual traditions of the past, to deepen our understanding of social and political concepts.
Current Affairs: Stay up-to-date with relevant current affairs and how they relate to the broader context of social and political change.
Future Events: While we're starting with discussions, we have exciting plans for the future! Look forward to hangouts, tours, workshops, and guest speakers to expand our horizons even further.
Hosted with Real Human Connections in Mind:
We believe in creating authentic connections, and our meetup is not just about superficial interactions. We strive to provide experiences that add genuine value for all attendees, leaving you inspired and more connected to your community.
Rules of Participation in the London Communalist Study Group
- Respectful Engagement: Treat all members with respect and courtesy. Engage in discussions constructively, embracing diverse viewpoints without resorting to personal attacks or offensive language.
- Stay On Topic: Keep discussions focused on political philosophy, particularly Communalism and related subjects. Avoid straying into unrelated topics or excessive promotion of personal agendas.
- No Spam or Self-Promotion: Refrain from posting promotional content, advertisements, or unrelated links. This group is dedicated to meaningful discussions, not self-promotion.
- Value Privacy: Protect the privacy of fellow members. Do not share sensitive or personal information about others without their consent.
- Maintain a Safe Environment: Create a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of harmful behavior will not be tolerated.
- Cite Sources: When sharing information or referencing external materials, provide accurate citations to support your claims and foster informed discussions.
- Be Active and Respectful: Participate actively in discussions and events while being mindful of other members' time and perspectives.
- Report Concerns: If you encounter any issues or witness inappropriate behavior, promptly report it to the group organizers for resolution.
- Observe Group Decisions: Respect group decisions made through collaborative processes and refrain from disrupting the harmony of the community.
- Follow Meetup Guidelines: Adhere to Meetup's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines while interacting on the platform.
By following these rules, we can cultivate a vibrant and respectful community that encourages intellectual growth and fosters camaraderie among members.
One last rule (though really more of a policy): to RSVP means to confirm attendance, not merely to register an interest in attending. If you change you're mind about attending, that's no problem! Just please update your status vis-a-vis your confirmation of going. For a variety of reasons I'm sure you can guess — and also hopefully sympathise with — any affirmative RSVPs that turn out to be no-shows will result in the immediate removal of the member from the group. On our end, with time permitting, everyone who RSVP'd to say they're going will recieve a DM reminding them of the event ahead of time.
Now with that out of the way (phew!)...
We can't wait for you to join us at the London Communalist Study Group and be part of an intellectually stimulating journey toward positive social and political change! Let's explore ideas, challenge our perspectives, and grow together!
