FAQ
What is Courage?
Courage is a membership-based socialist organization that believes the economy should be run by and for working people—not multimillionaire CEOs. We are building a base in communities across the country, advocating for socialist politics, and organizing to advance them both within and outside the New Democratic Party.
How can I get involved?
You can start by subscribing to our email list or following us on social media to get in the loop. In the coming weeks, we will launch our membership portal. If you choose to become a member, you’ll get access to our online organizing space, be able to participate in our all-member meetings, and we’ll introduce you to other Courage members in your area to join or begin building a local chapter.
How do I become a member?
In the coming weeks, we will be launching our membership drive. Membership will be open to anyone who agrees to our Basis of Unity and pays the annual membership dues (sliding scale, starting at $15 annually, with exemptions available).
What does being a member involve?
Becoming a member of Courage can mean different things to different people. Everyone has something valuable to contribute. It can mean hosting or attending a meeting, social, or community event. Participating in a reading group, political discussion, or film screening. Knocking on doors and talking to your neighbours. Developing your organizing skills. Gathering signatures on a petition. Organizing a town hall event. Building a local chapter of Courage. Bringing snacks to a chapter meeting. No one person is necessary, but everyone is needed!
Do I need organizing experience?
Not at all. There’s a deep shared sense that the status quo is not working for the majority of people. Many are stepping into political action for the first time with a feeling of ‘I just have to do something’—whether you are experienced or new to organizing, Courage has a place for you.
Courage is committed to providing political education, mentorship, training, and leadership development. When we organize together we reclaim our sense of agency to write our own future.
Do I have to be a member of the NDP to be involved?
No. (But many of us are).
Is Avi Lewis behind this?
He’s pretty busy at the moment. (But no, he’s not behind Courage and has not been involved). Courage is independent of the NDP’s leadership. It was first founded in 2017, and is being revived in 2026.
Does Courage want the NDP to win office?
Yes. We want to help elect a socialist federal NDP government to deliver massive gains for working people.
We also know that elections alone are not enough to deliver the economic and political transformation we need. We need a common front of thriving social movements, militant trade unions, and a democratized NDP to win fundamental change.
What is Courage’s exact relationship to the NDP?
We are independent of the party but one of our goals is to organize for a socialist agenda within it. We aim to coordinate people who share our values into an organized current or tendency inside the NDP; help people get involved in the party and elect socialists into office; defend Avi Lewis when he’s attacked; and push him when necessary.
Can you be a member of Courage if you’re a staffer, candidate, or elected representative of the NDP?
Yes! Anyone committed to our Basis of Unity is welcome to join Courage.
Can my organization belong to Courage?
Not yet! We are exploring the possibility of organizational membership in Courage but for now, only individuals can become members. We encourage you, however, to invite all your organizational comrades to join.
Are you exclusively focused on federal politics?
No, but we think it is a priority because a socialist-led federal NDP has created opportunities to turn that level of the party into an effective advocate for socialist politics and an electoral arm for social movements.
However, Courage is a democratic, membership-led organization, and if Courage chapters see value in intervening at other levels of government, they are free to do so!
How is Courage structured?
Courage currently has a national steering committee elected by its members in a general assembly. That steering committee can hire national organizers who are responsible for supporting chapters around the country, which are in the process of being built and revived. The steering committee, elected in April 2026, has been mandated to develop a Constitution and By-laws for the organization for ratification at a forthcoming general assembly to reconstitute the organization. That will set out more developed rules for governance, decision-making, and internal dispute resolution for the organization.
How does decision-making work?
Courage is a democratic organization. Its organizing priorities and national campaigns are set by its membership at General Assemblies that are open to all dues-paying members. Local Courage chapters are also free to set their own priorities as they see fit, as long as they are in keeping with our Basis of Unity.