CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR A REVOLUTIONARY AUSTRALIA (ARA)

The purpose of ARA is to build up an independent political current of Australian Marxism-Leninism. We stand in opposition to both national chauvinism and neoliberal globalism in favour of genuine socialist internationalism and an Australian revolutionary patriotic tradition. We are in support of a
sovereign Australian republic with an industrial, military and political base under the control of the Australian working class rather than imperialist finance capital. We do this by aiming to expand both our reach & our understanding. This means engaging in theoretical and practical work. We will spread our message amongst the masses through propaganda and work to expand the quantity and quality of our cadre base.

LEADERSHIP OF ARA

ARA is led by a Central Committee (CC). The CC devises plans and strategies to be followed by chapters. They may command individual chapters directly or issue broad directives to be followed by the organisation as a whole. The CC is to hold regular meetings no less than once a month to discuss the plans and direction of ARA. These may be hold in person or over agreed upon digital platforms. CC members are expected to attend at least three quarters of meetings annually and provide a justification for failures to attend. The CC is required to keep minutes of these meetings and designate one of their number to store these meetings on a secure device or on paper.

Choosing the CC: To be qualified to be part of the CC, members must be held in good standing by the organisation and show a developed understanding of Marxism-Leninism, commitment to the goals of ARA and a broad outlook on contemporary political and economic developments. Leadership are expected to maintain good conduct in both their personal lives and political duties and hold themselves to a high standard of behaviour and achievement. The CC can elect to install another member into their ranks or expel one of their own through a two thirds majority vote. If a majority vote on inclusion/expulsion of a CC member is passed but a supermajority is not reached, then the CC is to hold a general public election in which all active members of ARA are allowed to vote. This vote is to last a period of one week.

STRUCTURE OF ARA

ARA is organised on the basis of chapters. Each chapter must be a group of individuals who are capable of meeting up in person at regular intervals. Each chapter must also maintain a basis of digital communication over a private groupchat.

Chapters have broad autonomy to act within the directives set by the CC and can organise themselves in any way they deem fit and within the bounds of the constitution. Initiative and experimentation by different chapters is encouraged. Chapters are to select a president from amongst themselves who will serve as the point of contact between the CC and the local chapters. The CC has the authority to remove chapter presidents on the basis of inactivity, incompetence or poor conduct and choose a new member to lead a branch.

Chapters must organise regular discussions and activities through which to expand and develop themselves. Chapters should organise public discussion groups to engage with and develop the program. Each chapter should partake in volunteer work either independently organised or in assistance to groups that have agreed to co-operate. Regular volunteer work is essential to maintain commitment, develop a spirit of ‘serving the people’ amongst members and to recruit cadre. Chapters may also run their own social media accounts with the permission of the CC, however they must be labelled as unofficial and abide by the code of conduct.

The minimum requirement to form a chapter is a group of two people that organises an in-person meetup no less than once a month.

MEMBERSHIP OF ARA

ARA members are defined as those who are organised in chapters and who maintain regular contact and activity. Chapter presidents and the CC have the authority to dismiss individual members who are inactive, show incompetence or violate the code of conduct. Members must adhere to the code of conduct and agree with the general outlook of the organisation as defined in the action program. Individuals who are not capable of joining chapters due to location may be approved as members by the CC, however they are encouraged to set up their own chapter when able.

ARA PROGRAM

ARA applies the concept of the Mass Line in developing its program. Rather than a list of policies that would befit a party aiming towards governance, ARA maintains a collection of essays on various issues in accordance with the project of developing an understanding of Marxism-Leninism as applied to Australia. ARA may create stances on any topic deemed to be of interest by the membership.

The program of ARA is to be reviewed, added upon and updated in regular discussion sessions held by chapters that are open to the public. These discussions serve the purpose of developing the theoretical understanding of members, providing a point of entry to the organisation, a means of engaging our ideas with the public and fostering a lively and democratic internal culture.

Members of the Central Committee are responsible for updating and adding to the program. Any member of the CC may update the program at any time provided they inform the other members of the committee, however these changes may be reverted by a majority vote of the central committee. CC members have a duty to actively listen to and take into account the contributions of members and to uphold the principle of democratic centralism.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Common sense is expected of all members. In the event of an edge case, it is better to discuss it with others first rather than go entirely off ones’ own
judgement.

I. ARA upholds democratic centralism: Freedom of debate, unity in action. This means that the freedom of expression of members within the organisation is protected, however criticism must be kept internal and members are required to adhere to directives given to them that have been
agreed upon in public.

II. Petty drama, bullying and disrespect of other members is not tolerated. Keep personal issues outside of the organization.

III. Members must be respectful and not discriminate based on gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.

IV. Sexual harassment and assault is not tolerated. Members are to report any incidents to the branch leadership or CC and should not feel dissuaded from seeking outside help if necessary.

V. Put on a good image when representing the organisation. Members are expected to take care of their personal hygiene and presentation when in public and to dress appropriately for the context. We also encourage our members to take care of their physical health and exercise regularly if possible.

VI. Members are encouraged to be polite, friendly and reasonable. Aggressive provocations should not be responded to and members should avoid adopting an arrogant attitude towards those who disagree with them.

VII. Do not discuss, plan or carry out illegal actions under the name of ARA. Do not make jokes or threats that could be interpreted as advocating criminal action.