By Peter Robson
BRISBANE — Resistance high school members initiated Resistance clubs on two schools, Brisbane State High and Coorparoo State High, on November 5. Called RAGE (Resistance AGitate Educate), the Resistance clubs are the result of large-scale secondary school political activity against racism.
"We've realised that to defeat racism, we have to organise our friends, not just ourselves, and the best place to start is at school", said Resistance member Kieran Swann. "A classroom was allocated to us by a school teacher, and we held the meeting at lunchtime."
Swann reports that eight people attended the first meeting on Brisbane State after leaflets advertising the event were distributed earlier in the week.
A lively discussion on the recent Reclaim the Night rally focused on male attendance. "It's really good that we get to decide for ourselves what we want to talk about instead of just sitting there being fed stuff", said Emma Mallory, who has only recently joined Resistance.
Six people attended the RAGE club meeting on Coorparoo State High. Students asked questions about Resistance and discussed socialist politics.
"We need to get better at explaining our ideas to students wanting to get to the bottom of the issue of racism", said meeting organiser Amy Coolwell. "These clubs are a good way for students to learn about politics through action."
Both meetings planned ongoing activities, including poster runs advertising up-and-coming Resistance events. Through these activities, the clubs have managed to recruit more high school students to socialist politics and activity.
"We want all young people concerned about the future of society to get involved in these clubs", said Swann. "Our message is — don't just get angry, get active!"