Methods and Principles of Student Organization – El Pueblo
Methods and Principles of Student Organization 1
El Pueblo Newspaper
August 2025
Bases of Discussion about the principles and methods of work and direction
IT IS RIGHT TO REBEL!
“How should we judge whether a youth is a revolutionary? How can we tell? There can only be one criterion, namely, whether or not he is willing to integrate himself with the broad masses of workers and peasants and does so in practice. If he is willing to do so and actually does so, he is a revolutionary; otherwise, he is a nonrevolutionary or a counter-revolutionary. If today he integrates himself with the masses of workers and peasants, then today he is a revolutionary; if tomorrow he ceases to do so or turns round to oppress the common people, then he becomes a nonrevolutionary or a counter revolutionary.”
– Chairman Mao, The Orientation of the Youth Movement (1939)
“A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.”
– Chairman Mao, Report on an Investigation of the Peasant Movement in Hunan (1927)
A New Student Movement Is Growing!
Education in Chile is in service of the wealthy classes. Schools for the rich have resources and luxury, versus precarious public high schools; municipal and privately subsidized high schools are falling apart, while private schools have Olympic-size swimming pools. Expensive university degrees; principals who override student rights. The current model produces cheap labor and does not respond to the needs of the people or national development. The [Local Public Education Services] SLEPs do not solve the crisis and generate discontent. But this must change: struggle will be the path to transforming reality!
Principles of the Student Movement
There are four principles that should guide the student movement: class-conscious, combative, independent, and for the people. These principles are what should guide every federation, student union, mass organization, and movement.
1- Class Consciousness
Take the side of working people—workers, peasants, seasonal workers, street vendors, fishermen, etc.—and not the big bourgeoisie or large landowners. Join workers’ and popular struggles through active support (strikes, occupations, propaganda).
2- Independence
Directed and financed by the students themselves, without intervention from university administrations, municipalities, or political parties.
3- Combativeness
Fight in an organized manner, don’t get discouraged, mobilize the grassroots and politicize in practice. Remember: Every right is won through struggle. Nothing falls from the sky; you have to fight to win.
4- For the people
That all student organizations connect with the people and their emancipation.
Central Demands
We must fight for free, scientific, national education that serves the people.
Free education: The right to study should not be a commodity; remove the control of banks and capital over education.
Scientific: Combining theory and practice, breaking with dogma, and promoting real knowledge.
National: Education at the service of the country’s development and its resources, not imperialist interests.
Serving the people: Democratizing educational institutions, putting them at the service of the oppressed majority.
Direction of the Movement
Revolutionary: Prepare an organization that aims to transform the system from the ground up, combating opportunism and reformism. The old must be demolished and we must build the new. Where there is oppression, there is rebellion. It is Right to Rebel!
Anti-imperialist: Fighting against foreign imperialist interference and meddling in education and all aspects of national life.
Anti-electoral: Unmask the electoral circus and constitutional illusions; real change does not come from the ballot box but from organized struggle. Students should not be used to promote electoral campaigns. It is not enough to abstain from voting; we must boycott the electoral circus and disillusion the masses about elections.
Method for Action: The Five Steps
Step 1 – Define Objective(s): First, we must establish what we want to achieve. Defining one or more objectives will draw the line we must follow.
Step 2 – Investigation: This involves finding out who we can count on to carry out the action, who might oppose or fight us, and what materials we will need.
Step 3 – Plan: Here, the plan is developed taking into account the above. Deadlines, goals, and responsible parties must be established.
Step 4 – Execute: It’s time to take action. Those responsible are the ones who must strive to ensure that the plan is carried out.
Step 5 – Evaluate: After the activity has been carried out, a meeting should be held to evaluate and assess both the positive and negative aspects and draw lessons for the future.
INVITE OTHERS TO ORGANIZE AND FIGHT!
Direct dissemination:
Overcome your fears. Dare to talk to your acquaintances and explain to them the importance of getting organized. Use word of mouth as your main tool to spread the message.
Active call to action:
Invite your colleagues to participate in the movement’s actions and activities. Organize yourselves into groups that can spread the word.
Network expansion:
Encourage your classmates, friends, and neighbors to join the fight. Prioritize community work to strengthen the organization.
Democratic work style:
Respect each person’s wishes and understand their pace. Be patient, consistent, and maintain an enthusiastic attitude to motivate others.
Method of Direction: Democratic Centralism
It combines two opposing aspects:
centralism and democracy.
– Our foundation will always be conversation and discussion of problems and ideas, where everyone can express their opinions and contribute. They can also express their differences and disagreements. This is democracy.
– Once a decision has been made, whether unanimously or by majority vote, everyone must abide by it, even if they disagree. To ensure that tasks are carried out, those responsible and in charge will be designated. This is centralism.
What to do in case of arrest?
– You have the right to remain silent. SAYING NOTHING to the police will always be our best weapon.
– You have the right to be informed of the reason for your arrest and the charges against you.
– You can never be subjected to cruel treatment, such as torture or unlawful coercion. If this happens, identify the perpetrators so that action can be taken.
– It is mandatory that injuries be verified before being taken to the police station. If you were assaulted, have them verified again once you are released.
– You have the right to see a lawyer you trust.
1 Footnotes
