Thread by @labourpains

Just joined @UKLabour because you're sick and tired of a good man being maligned? Welcome! Here's a thread with a few tips from someone 3 years in. I'm fresh enough to remember being a newbie, but enough experience to pass on: #socialistsunday #wearecorbyn

6. Get to know who your MP is, and elected representatives, so: councillors, AM's in Wales, MSP's in Scotland. You'll be meeting these people, more than likely, at CLP. Be measured if you disagree with them online, especially before meeting them!

7. Go to a CLP meeting. The CLP organises the party in your area, including selecting candidates and sending delegates to conference. The meeting will be run by a Chair, assisted by a Secretary, Treasurer and other elected volunteers. Use your first few meetings to learn.

8. Unsure about terminology? Don't try and read the rule book yet, it's almost as long as the Bible (and as open to interpretation 🤣). Download this and read it: labourpartymarxists.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

9. Be aware that meetings can sometimes be fractious. The party should operate in a spirit of 'comradeship'-debate can get fiery, and sometimes tempers fray. Be prepared for this.

10. The best thing about meetings? A potential drinkie afterwards. Do go to these: the informal setting will give you a chance to meet comrades and get to know people from across the party, who might not be the biggest fans of Corbyn, but it's important to get on with everyone.

11. Door-knocking. At some point, there will be an election of some kind. Don't be afraid of this, once you've knocked a couple of doors, you'll be fine. It's just a chat with people, who open up surprisingly quickly if you're nice and listen to them.

12. Door-knocking (2). Don't let anyone guilt-trip you into campaigning: it's often used as a currency by some people who live for the party. Just do what you can; fit it around your life, not the other way around. Don't 'burn out'.

13. Social Media and Telephone canvassing: also very valid ways of helping the party. You might be surprised at how something you find easy, might be considered a 'skill' the party can use.

14. There are two kinds of member, in my experience:

1. The party loyalist: has been in the party since the dawn of time. Knocked a million doors. Never questions the party line (regardless of it).

2. Pragmatic members: People who stick to their principles and challenge.

15. You're probably number 2. Handle #1 with care.

16. Raffles/ Fundraisers. You'll be tapped for cash all the time. ALL THE TIME. Develop evasive manoeuvres for avoiding people holding raffle books.

17. Make friends. I've made some truly awesome trusted friends since being in the party. Just take your time in giving your trust out, and earn the trust of others, and it will happen.

18. FACEBOOK: I recommend only adding people you've met in person. Once you get in Labour networks, randoms will start to add you. It's odd. Avoid. Don't start making every post political: you'll bore people shitless. Make it every other post. 🤣

19. TWITTER: Set a time limit. Really. Mine was 1pm today. It's now....shit, 7.30.

20. Enjoy it, don't let it take over your life, but be content with the knowledge that you're a part of a movement which is trying to make this country better for everyone. Be proud of that.

Over and out. #JC4PM (any more tips? please add👇)