The question of organization is always virulent, especially within the left. Grassroots organization vs. party is a key dichotomy here. This question was approached theoretically and practically in the Sozialistisches Büro (SB). The SB's approach to the field of work is illustrative of this. On the occasion of the publication of Carsten Prien’s book Rätepartei, the author presents Prien’s criticism of the SB and discusses the idea of self-determination and organization in light of the history of the SB.