THE Scottish Independence referendum campaign of 2014 ended a lot differently than it began. From initial discussions of cuts to corporation tax and political triangulation, we concluded by having a national conversation about acutely left-wing ideologies, from social justice to wealth inequality, closing food banks to overturning austerity. The next time around, if we want to win, that is exactly where we need to begin.

As someone who had no political background, limited knowledge or experience during that time, this enthusiastic energy lit a fire in me. I began locally organising Yes meetings in a very working class area.

Through this I quickly understood what messages went down well with the people who attended: those that they could relate to, envision and believe in — the ideas that could have a direct impact on their lives.

At some point, however, it appears that many within the Yes movement seemed to lose track of this. Rather than focusing on how to build a better Scotland and proposing progressive policy ideas, attention shifted to party politicking, national events and internet squabbling.

A once-creative movement has found itself desperately seeking some sort of nationwide occurrence or change to springboard from. Many within Yes believed that Brexit would offer a silver bullet for Scottish independence and much was hinged upon this ultimately false idea – so much so that another referendum campaign was announced, and then duly cancelled.

Indeed there is a conundrum whereby Brexit, on the one hand, has pulled some within the Yes movement closer together but has drawn others apart. A sizeable minority of previous Yes voters decided that the European Union was not for them.

Indeed, there has to be a conversation among independence supporters about what type of relationship — if any — an independent Scotland should have with Europe. This, in itself, further emphasises that we cannot pitch a second referendum on the grounds of being a route back into Europe, as this will falter.

Which brings me to the key point of this piece. Brexit shows us that we should not be hingeing a second Scottish independence campaign on another major political event happening – whether that is the conclusion of Brexit or another election.

There is a parliamentary mandate for another referendum and the Scottish Government could legitimately call one. However, this can only happen when the time is right and, more importantly, when the wider Yes movement has its house in order.

This period of constitutional limbo under which we have been operating for three years has left many within the Yes movement venting their frustration, often in the wrong direction. There is currently no sense of purpose, no tangible direction of travel and we need to rectify that.

We have to propose our own arguments now, we can’t wait on something else happening. If we lead with progressive policies which will win people over; begin to prove that we can do things differently — that Scotland can govern in a way which will transform people’s lives for the better – then, perhaps, more will begin to support independence.

The recent proposal for a not-for-profit nationalised energy company is a very good step in the right direction, and that is how you can convince more voters that the nation’s resources can work for the people – but we need more of this. There are people who were active throughout the 2014 campaign who are no longer engaged, and we need a politics which works for them. If we can prove to them, and the soft No voters, that beyond the pro-independence rhetoric we can actually do things differently and have a Parliament which works for the people – then that will build the necessary confidence and show that we can, indeed, run our own affairs.

Ultimately, politicians will not win a referendum: people will. Collectively, we have to start shaping another campaign and, in doing so, project our voices and visions to the forefront. There is little use in waiting to launch from an event that may never come, particularly when politics is currently so volatile.

Let’s take steps now, let’s begin proposing ideas that will resonate with those people that politics has so often failed: not corporations or the middle class – but with the missing voters whom, even in 2014, were not inspired enough to turn out. Instead of simply waiting on the sidelines, now is the time to start being innovative with our approach.

I have always said that a broad, cross-partisan and well organised coalition of party representatives, grassroots activists and policy makers was going to be necessary if another referendum is to be successful.

That is why I’m enthusiastic about the Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) and I am looking forward to sharing ideas as I speak at their upcoming conference on November 4.

SIC can fill a vacuum, but it has to be an active platform for new voices, new faces and new messages. Without that, we risk repetition. The Yes movement is broadly anti-establishment, in the wider sense, but we have to ensure that it does not propel an establishment of its own; within itself, featuring the same recurring faces and the same recurring messages.

I am hopeful that SIC can be used to inject fresh enthusiasm into the debate – because the campaign for Scottish independence, which has already begun decaying, certainly needs it.

Liam Stevenson is the co-founder for the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign and will be addressing the Scottish Independence Convention’s conference Build: Bridges to Indy on November 4th in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. You can get your tickets here: http://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/build-bridges-indy