As one of my resolutions, I wanted to try to be more organized with my courses. Since the classes I’m taking this quarter don’t have homework, I have to hold myself accountable. So, I created this spread which was loosely based off of this YouTube video by Caitlin’s Corner.
I like using it in conjunction with my weekly spreads because it lets me just refer to “week x reading(s)” rather than having to always pull up the online syllabus each time I need to know my assignments. Now, it’s all just a few pages away from all my weekly tasks.
Syndicalism is an international trade union movement. Syndicalism emphasizes the economic and social interests that unite us workers, rather than the religious, political and national affiliations that divide us. We organize ourselves in a union because we have a common interest in improving everyday life for everyone. We do not organize and come together because we have the same opinion on every issue. Union organizing has the potential to unite workers in every workplace, within and across industries.
Common to all workers is a subordinate position in the production of goods and services. We are employees, not bosses or employers. This makes us the largest and potentially strongest social class. The interests of all workers are essentially the same. Therefore, SAC is a class organization for all, not a political organization for this or that set of opinions.
What characterizes political organizations? Of course, they show a great variety, from parties to extra-parliamentary groups. But political organizations have a typical characteristic: they recruit people who all adhere to a certain package of opinions (regardless of which social class they belong to). SAC, on the other hand, welcomes anyone with a subordinate position in production. SAC does not require everyone to accept certain opinions. The important thing is to act in solidarity at work and in the union.
SAC is an interest organization for sellers of labour power. All employees except the bosses are welcome. SAC also welcomes those in the working class who are not wage earners (unemployed, people on sick leave, pensioners, etc.). Each Local (LS) of SAC strives to unite the working class locally.
The primary guiding star of syndicalism is class solidarity. This does not mean that all workers must belong to the same trade union. What is needed is a common organization or alliance between workers in different organizations. This is emphasized in the bylaws for all Locals of SAC. Class solidarity requires that a feminist and anti-racist perspective is integrated into workplace organizing. Otherwise it will primarily be a solidarity between male workers of a certain ethnicity. This was addressed in Part 1 of the book (questions 8, 11 and 18). See also questions 41 and 47.
Even though SAC welcomes workers in general, organizing requires prioritizing. Some workplaces have a greater potential than others. Our human and financial resources are limited. If one tried to recruit, organize and fight everywhere at the same time, it would probably not yield success anywhere.
At the level of our Locals, to prioritize might mean for example targeting a specific industry in the organizing efforts for a period of time. An industrial branch can invest in one workplace at a time. A section can focus on a specific occupation or department within the company and so on.
Syndicalist organizers are looking for organizing opportunities. These arise when syndicalists meet with other members but also when reaching out to non-members. Meetings can be arranged both in workplaces and other social contexts where a prioritized group resides. The purpose of targeted initiatives is to promote self-organization in larger and larger parts of the working class.
Here's my best advice on staying organized specifically in class:
Get some basic school supplies. I mean, that should be obvious, but you want to make sure you are fully stocked in everything you'll need for class.
Organize for each class. Have a a binder/notebook/folder for each of your classes and make sure they are labled so you don't get confused. If you do get a binder for each class make sure they ARE NOT huge. Stick with a simple 1 inch. You're going to want to keep the professor in mind as well. Some professors may know exactly what they want you to have for their class. Some may just let you get what you want.
Make sure your binders/notebooks/folders have pockets for everything you'll need to have handy or hold on to.
KEEP YOUR SYLLABUS for each class easily accessible in its matching binder/notebook/folder. You are in charge of knowing what's due and when, now. It's ALL on the syllabus! Make copies to have in your room as well in case one gets lost.
Keep everything for your classes in your backpack/bookbag or at your desk. Don't let your classwork get tossed around in your room or you'll begin to lose things.
Pencil pouches are still okay to use in college. Don't think you're too cool for them and GET ONE. Always have extra lead/pens in said pencil pouch.
Come to class prepared ALWAYS. A good way to keep this up is packing your backpack at night [before you go to bed] for the next day so you're not running out the door stuffing what you think you need early the next morning.
Keep your binders/notebooks/folders CLEAN. Go through them every month and throw away handouts and things that you'll never need again.
