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rabble.ca series - New Politics Initiative

rabble.ca series - New Politics Initiative

November 2011 marks the 10th Anniversary of the New Politics Initiative, a coalition of individuals and organizations that called for the formation of a new and more activist progressive political party in Canada.

The NPI was concerned with the relationship between progressive social movements and progressive parties, trying to better understand and strengthen the links between electoral and extra-parliamentary left activism.

In light of the Occupy movement and the NDP leadership race, we at rabble thought this was a good time to review the themes and lessons of the NPI, and consider their relevance for the future directions of the left. On this special page, we re-post the NPI’s founding document, its Vision Statement. We have also invited several activists who were involved in the initiative to share their reflections with us. Additional contributions to this dialogue are also welcome. Please contact the editor.

 

 

The New Politics Initiative created space for real, open political debate
Dec 5 2011 | by Libby Davies | The NPI, like Occupy, was not about one big tent where everyone agreed, but meaningful relationships that produced effective and progressive change, especially in today's world of failed capitalism.
Occupy, the New Politics Initiative and reclaiming the commons
Nov 30 2011 | by Murray Dobbin | Imagine that a New New Politics Initiative reconstituted itself, examined the new political landscape, and perhaps engaged with the new Occupy forces -- or emerged out of it.
New Politics Initiative at 10: Time to look forward
Nov 30 2011 | by Mel Watkins | It is important to remember the NPI and Waffle, but looking forward this is arguably the time for those on the left to support the NDP and to hold it to the progressive politics of Jack Layton.
The history of the New Politics Initiative: Movement and party, then and now
Nov 29 2011 | by Jim Stanford | We argued the success of progressive political parties ultimately depends on whether we are winning that day-to-day battle of ideas in society, and connecting with those fighting for social change.
The New Politics Initiative: Ahead of its time?
Nov 29 2011 | by Judy Rebick | The NPI was actually just 10 years ahead of its time. In some ways, it was the last try in Canada to bring together social movements and a political party.
The New Politics Initiative: Reflections on the 10th anniversary
Nov 29 2011 | by Marc Lee | Re-reading the NPI's manifesto, the calls for a more fundamentally democratic society and for a new type of politics still ring true -- and have a huge resonance with the current political moment.
The New Politics Initiative vision statement of 2001: Open, sustainable, democratic
Nov 28 2011 | by The Cofounders of the New Politics Initiative | The original vision statement for NPI, published in June 2001, was comprehensive. It declared: 'Decades of pro-business policies have not delivered better life prospects or a healthier environment.'