WHAT IS THE PROGRESSIVE STUDENT NETWORK? The Progressive Student Network (PSN) is a national network of student groups working for progressive social and political change. Our objective is to promote the widest possible unity within the movement: to support and work with single and multi-issue groups, coalitions, and organizations fighting for the liberation of oppressed peoples. THE STUDENT MOVEMENT BASIS OF THE PSN Since the founding of the PSN at a conference at Kent State University in 1980, the student movement has grown and developed into a new mass movement of students, in motion around many issues, which has demonstrated the strength of students as a social force. No single issue or focus alone embodies the breadth and depth of student activism as we enter the 1990s. Campus activists are working around a multitude of issues, each representing components of a diverse and dynamic movement. However, three main organizational trends can be identified in general. One trend consists of campus groups that concentrate their efforts on a single issue, such as disarmament, the environment, or Central America. A second trend is those groups which represent sections of the student population such as the Black, Asian, and Latino student unions as well as Gay and Lesbian groups, Women's Centers, etc... These groups have been effective in working for the cultural and political interests of their membership and have been outspoken in opposing discrimination on campus and demanding access to a quality, relevant education. The third trend has been the formation of political groups which have a multi- issue focus. They usually consist of students who have had experience organizing around particular issues and who see the need for unity among progressives on campus. The PSN is primarily based among these multi-issue groups who seek to build greater unity between all of these trends on the basis of mutual respect and common work. We emphasize that we are a network, not an organization. We think a network is the best means of preserving the autonomy of local organizations and of working out the question of how to build broader multi- issue and multi-national unity. Though looking to the day when a strong, national student organization can be built, we feel a network preserves autonomy while uniting all to deal with common problems. EQUALITY WITHIN OUR MOVEMENT Integral to the functioning of the PSN are the caucuses of those activists oppressed by sexism, racism, and heterosexism. Our experience is that these caucuses provide much needed support and empowerment, for discussion of the experiences of oppressed people both inside and outside the Network. While the caucuses are in progress, alternative groups meet to discuss the politics of priviledge, to self-educate and learn to be good allies in the struggle against oppression. The PSN respects the independent character of caucuses and their necessity within the Network. WHY JOIN THE PSN? PSN brings students together: to share ideas, strategies and tactics for organizing and direct action, to privide continuity between old and new activists, and to arrive at a unified summation of our experience. We aim to provide a bridge between different struggles and to provide resources to the growing ranks of organizations and activists. Through our newspaper, PSN News, and work reports, the PSN provides a means of communication to each other and with the broader struggle of the people of this country and internationally. Through regional and national conferences and meetings, students exchange experience, develop strategy, and educate one another. Students have an important role to play in the movement for social change and the PSN is committed to developing that role. WORK OF THE PSN CONFERENCES are held every Fall. They are the primary means of introducing people to the PSN and considering the wide range of issues of interest to student activists. MEETINGS of the PSN include a National Membership Meeting each year during which PSN policies are set. Steering Committee meetings are held twice each year, composed of two representatives from each PSN chapter and outside observers. They are primarily task-oriented and carry out previously decided policies. CAUCUSES for People of Color, Women, and Lesbians/Gays/Bisexuals are a vital and important part of PSN. The Women's Caucus holds an independent meeting each summer and promotes the leadership of women in the PSN, supports and empowers women, and works to eradicate sexism within the PSN. NATIONAL and regional actions and demonstrations are important opportunities for PSN schools to work together. At the April 1989 March for Women's Lives PSN chapters worked to promote an anti-racist and broad view of reproductive freedom, while at the October 1988 Pentagon action, PSN worked to unite students in militant resistance to U.S. intervention in El Salvador. PUBLICATIONS of the PSN include the Progressive Student News, which is distributed to over 5,000 student activists nationwide, and various internal mailings which keep members updated on the activities of local PSN chapters and other national developments in the student movement. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ JOINING THE PROGRESSIVE STUDENT NETWORK If you or your campus group would like to join the PSN, or subscribe to the Progressive Student News, just send the following information to the address listed below, or contact us via email. NAME________________________________________________ SCHOOL_______________________________________________ ORGANIZATION________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP_______________________________________ PHONE________________________________________________ EMAIL________________________________________________ Please let us know if your campus group would like to get involved in the network. Also, write an article about what struggles your group is involved with, so people all over the country (and world) can hear about it. Send $7 for a 1-year subscription to PSN News, or inquire for a sample copy. STUDY AND STRUGGLE! PSN NATIONAL OFFICE: 2526 N. Fransisco #1 Chicago, IL 60647 (312) 278-5376 PSN via email: gwpsu@gwuvm.gwu.edu ------------------------------ Contact Progressive Student News at: PSNews 731 State Street Madison, WI 53703 (608) 257-7562 cbabiarz@macc.wisc.edu