For any group to progress in its liberation from oppression it is necessary that it (1) formulate a correct, workable program of liberation; (2) unite its members around that program; and (3) win allies for the group’s liberation among individuals and organizations that are outside the group itself.


Acquiring allies is usually the last and the least understood part of a liberation struggle. RC discussions of liberation theory in the past have often tried to emphasize this winning of allies. At other times we have stressed the exchange of mutual support between two or more liberation groups who agree to support each other’s programs. 


These are not the only viewpoints from which alliances can arise. As the notion of “one for all and all for one” continues to slowly permeate our attitudes, we have tended to put forward certain initiatives to be taken by ourselves as allies to other groups. Such initiatives represent an important break with the “what’s in it for me?” posture toward which the oppressive society has influenced us. To organize those of us who are outside a particular group to take initiative and become supportive allies for members of that group can be very effective. It is a sharp contradiction to the general selfishness and isolation that has been modeled for us and imposed upon us in the past by the oppressive societies.