THLP — For the Many Not the Few

Puru Miah
Puru Miah
Jul 24, 2017 · 3 min read

Discussion Paper on Transforming the Tower Hamlets Labour Party into an institution that harnesses the energy of the new membership, transforming the Party into a dynamic and inclusive institution.

Making it a beating heart of the communities that make up the vibrant East End.

A General Committee (GC) meeting of the Tower Hamlets Labour Party

A Grass-root Democratic Organisation has a system of organisation based on freedom, instead of fear and control. The THLP should be amplifying members potential — as well as the organisation as a whole.The concept of democracy comes from the Greek words “demos” and “kratein” which mean “the people rule”.

The governing principle of the THLP should be to allow where possible members to self govern and determine their own destiny. How can we make the Tower Hamlets Labour Party (THLP) more democratic and inclusive?

Principle: Purpose

A democratic organization is clear about why it exists (its purpose) and where it is headed and what it hopes to achieve (its vision). These act as its true North, offering guidance and discipline to the organization’s direction.

Question: What should be the purpose of the THLP?

Principle: Transparency

Say goodbye to the “secret society” mentality. Democratic organizations are transparent and open with members about the financial health, strategy, and agenda of the organization.

Question: Harnessing the latest technology, how can we make the workings of the THLP transparent to all members?

Principle: Communications

Instead of the top-down monologue or dysfunctional silence that characterizes the the current THLP, democratic organizations are committed to having conversations that bring out new levels of meaning and connection.

Question: How can we facilitate better communications, between officers and members as well as between members?

Principle: Equality and Diversity

Question: Democratic organizations are committed to fairness and dignity, not treating some people like “somebodies” and other people like “nobodies.”

How can we make all members feel that they have ownership and responsibility of the THLP?

Principle: Accountability

Democratic organizations point fingers, not in a blaming way but in a liberating way. They are crystal clear about who is accountable to whom and for what.

Question: How can we communicate and facilitate better the lines of accountability?

Principle: Members Powers

In democratic organizations, the individual is just as important as the whole, meaning members are valued for their individual contribution as well as for what they do to help achieve the collective goals of the organization.

Question: How can the THLP as an organisation empower it’s members?

Principle: Members Rights

Democratic organizations thrive on giving members meaningful choices.

Question: How can we incorporate members views in every part of the decision making process of the THLP?

Principle: Integrity

Integrity is the name of the game, and democratic organisations have a lot of it. They understand that freedom takes discipline and also doing what is morally and ethically right.

Question: How do we incorporate integrity in all decision making processes of the THLP?

Principle: Empowering the Grassroots

Democratic organizations make sure power is appropriately shared and distributed among people throughout the organization.

Question: How do we distribute power equitably between the members and the officers of the THLP?

Principle: Reflection, Evaluation and Grievances

Democratic organizations are committed to continuous feedback and development and are willing to learn from the past and apply lessons to improve the future.

Question: How does the THLP incorporate feedback from members in terms of its decisions and activities?

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