ML, Philadelphia, PA
Each week at my cell’s paper sale, rain or shine, I watched comrades fervently approaching workers and young people with bold communist ideas. But at first, I used a copy of The Communist as a mini-shield to hide behind.
This time I followed the example set by my fellow comrades … and I sold four papers!
I approached a worker and asked: “Are you sick and tired of capitalism?” She replied that she’s been tired of the system for some time. In our brief dialogue, I learned about her struggles and her desire to fight oppression. She left with a paper.
When I called her later that day, she was glad to hear from me. I was able to answer most of her burning questions, despite being new to the party myself. We arranged to meet in person to discuss the paper, and I invited her to our cell meeting. She was impressed by the political discussion—so much so that she joined the party!
But the recruitment process isn’t over. The end goal isn’t adding a new name to the books. It’s training a cadre who can contribute to building the party herself.