In our divisive and pessimistic age, it is a challenge to keep an organization afloat let alone build a new political organization. However, these challenges have not deterred the Center for Political Innovation (CPI) who recently had their founding meetup and conference.

Many complain about socialist and communist meetings being monotonous, and lost in jargon, but this does not seem to be an issue at CPI. As the dynamic musician Paul Shepard would put it:

“I would say it was a very memorable and successful weekend. I’m pleased to have made interesting connections with like-minded people with whom I’m sure to keep in touch. I was particularly happy that there was so much singing and creativity there, when the stereotype of communist political meetings figures them as dry to the point of soporific. There was a unique and thrilling energy here, and of course Caleb was on fire as usual. I think all who attended left with an immensely enriched understanding of the history of socialist and anti-imperialist politics in our country, and so excited about CPI and what it could mean for revitalizing our movement and fixing America’s problems.”

-Paul Shepard

With the left being known for accusations, denunciations, and infighting among niche groups, building solidarity and a communal spirit is at best uncommon and at worst finding a needle in a haystack. According to the attendees, it seems CPI may have found that needle.

“I have never felt more at home and welcomed than I did at the CPI retreat. The sense of community was unparalleled.”

-Lily Goldklang

“The CPI retreat brought together comrades…for a weekend of camaraderie, political organizing, and theoretical investigations that allowed us all to deepen our connections with one another. It was an amazing gathering and I look forward to the various comrades and their respective parties working more closely together on anti-imperialist solidarity and, most importantly, on building a socialist USA.”

-Chris Helali

“…And as many people said, forty radical leftists in one room and yet not one conflict!”

-Gavin Lockard

The tradition of building organizations whose goal is to win over the masses must be brought back to socialist politics. No more theory without practice or practice without theory, we must realize that we must synthesize both to combat a pessimistic age. We must realize that socialist optimism lights our future, for we believe we can create a better world by uniting all workers. This is the communist message!

We at CPI believe in this message. We are bringing back the tradition of building mass organizations! We believe in winning the masses to socialism! We do not just theorize, we practice what we preach! While we don’t know what the future holds, we dare to take up courage in the face of uncertainty. As Charlotte Forrester aptly put it:

“After the retreat, I am feeling more confident about getting America to socialism and it’s still gonna be hard as hell. We got this!”

-Charlotte Forrester

You’re damn right.