Approved by the First Ordinary National Conference ofMovement for Socialism (BfS), 29.02.2004.
Movementfor Socialism (BfS) unite and organize people to spread information aboutsocialism, democratic rights, peace and solidarity. Our aim is to build anon-parlamentary, inclusive and influencial organisation in Norway. Theorganisation is untraditionally modelled, having the following as its two mainobjectives.
BfSoperates as a forum for political thought. We are inspired by the basicprinciples of marxism, and work to renew and further develop these. Weacknowledge no dogma, but seek a free and inclusive debate with a open mindregarding theory, method and political interaction. We wish to include avariety of opinions as a tool for political developement. Because realityconstantly is changing, the further developement of socialist theory will be acontinuous process. We will work to highlight and promote the humanist and democraticcharacter of socialism. Striving for absolute openness and dialogue withindividuals and groups outside of our organisation, this becomes a dialougethat enrich the political debate outwith of our ranks. In this manner, theprocess influence the political parties of the left and wider sections ofsociety. Our organisation will function as a catalyst for the Norwegian left.Our contribution is modest, but important. We are reraising faith in socialismand the possibility of obtaining a new and just world through collectivestruggle.
Today, weare witnessing a process of brutalisation of society and working life. Marketfundamentalism, repeated attacks on organised labour and social rights resultfrom the weak position of the left, allowing the right and capitalist forces toaggressively promote their agenda. If we are to turn this developement, andhave the possibility to realise a better and more just world we need to givepeople the courage to believe in change. The first step towards a new societybased on peace, liberty and social justice is to win the battle of ideas.
BfS works tobuild a broad, nonparlamentary movement with the goal of a socialist Norway.This movement will unite and activate people to spread information onsocialism, democratic rights, peace, enviromental issues and solidarity. Theorganisation is based on a political and ideological platform focusing on coreissues. There is broad agreement within the organisation on these issues. Itseeks to promote positive aspects of different socialist traditions and usethis as a basis for left unity on democratic and revolutionary ground. Whilstalways looking towards the future, we also wish to learn from previous attemptsto construct socialist societies. From this, one can understand that we arefocusing on what we see as the most central issues peace, enviromentalism andsocial justice and we are striving towards broad concensus and unity inaction whenever possible. At the same time we are giving members and localbranches a large degree of independence when it comes to working with politicalissues. With these common principles in mind, our activities take differentforms, whilst they are generally oriented outwards and focused on grassrootactivity. The role of the central board of BfS is to make it possible formembers to engage in individual and collective activities. It produces printedmaterials, engage with outside organisations and activists, spread informationthrough the use of the Internet, organise conferences and participate in otheractivities that promote the goals and objectives of BfS. Together our aim is topromote socialistic ideas to the widest possible areas of the population, andestablish a new progressive hegemony.
The center ofour activity is nonparliamentary work. This includes practical cooperation withestablished groups and parties of the left. It is our opinion that BfS can onlycomplement these existing socialist organisations.
National andInternational Cooperation
BfS strivestowards cooperation with progressive forces both internationally and in Norway.The constant expansion of international monopoly capital, the globalisation ofthe economy, makes it ever more necessary to strengthen internationalsolidarity. The solution to our challenges we will not find in nationalism, butrather, internationalism.
BfS seeks toencourage its members to actively participate in social movements in Norway.Membership of BfS combines well with membership in a socialist political party.BfS wish to create practical community solutions as alternatives to thedestructive competition based society of today, which places profits abovepeople. We wish to eradicate poverty, unemployment, racism and oppression onbasis of gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity.
A HealthyEnvironment for Political Development
Often resultsreflect the methods that was utilised to get there. In a capitalist society weare marked by capitalistic ideas and thinking, and we might not mastercollective organisatorical processes as well as we would have liked to. Still,it is a priority for BfS to build a constructive and fraternal social climate,in which open and inclusive debate can flourish. We believe this offers a solidbasis for a united community of action and provides a glimps of things we canachieve in a new society. BfS will to the best of our ability utilise newinformation and communication technology to further advance our political andorganisational activity.
We welcomeeveryone who shares our visions and fundamental principles as members ofMovement for socialism - to fight for a better future!