Socialist Party USA

This workshop will explore the purposes of and possibilities for an on-line, activist, international socialist feminist work group. As we democratic socialists move the theory and practice of internationalism into the second decade of the 21st Century, we have the potential for bringing about broader and deeper forms of global consciousness and interdependence, ones that take the principle of solidarity to new levels. The creation of an on-line, activist, international socialist feminist work group can be envisioned in this context. Coming together at the international level, on both a personal and political basis, will enable us as to confront critical global issues—such as the climate crisis, the economic meltdown, imperialist wars and occupations, erosion of civil liberties, and the deterioration of the infrastructure of our cities, towns, and regions— in a particularly concerted and cooperative way. More structured than a network, this work group would help connect socialist feminist activists through the international coordination of movement-building projects, actions, and events. Work shop participants will share their experiences with organizing at the local, national, and international level, discuss how an international socialist feminist work group could further their personal and political work, and brainstorm the processes that would get such a work group started and keep it going.

Where capitalism fails to meet the needs of people, spaces are created for activists to organize alternatives that fulfill needs by empowering individuals and communities. In New York City, activists have worked to create community centers, create community supported agriculture and have struggled to create a city that meets the needs of the poor and working class. Simultaneously, activists have localized national organizing against war and militarism in order to create a more peaceful society. Such political activities work to address the immediate needs of people, but also contain alternate world-views within them, thereby challenging the larger anti-ideological trend of Saul Alinsky influenced community organizing. This panel will bring together multiple generations of activists who have engaged in radical grassroots organizing in order to discuss how they have attempted to employ larger theoretical frameworks. Panelists will address questions such as, how does theory influence the type of organizing they do and the tactics they use? What are the advantages and limitations of working within a theoretical framework when doing community organizing?

This workshop will explore the purposes of and possibilities for an on-line, activist, international socialist feminist work group. As we democratic socialists move the theory and practice of internationalism into the second decade of the 21st Century, we have the potential for bringing about broader and deeper forms of global consciousness and interdependence, ones that take the principle of solidarity to new levels. The creation of an on-line, activist, international socialist feminist work group can be envisioned in this context. Coming together at the international level, on both a personal and political basis, will enable us as to confront critical global issues—such as the climate crisis, the economic meltdown, imperialist wars and occupations, erosion of civil liberties, and the deterioration of the infrastructure of our cities, towns, and regions— in a particularly concerted and cooperative way. More structured than a network, this work group would help connect socialist feminist activists through the international coordination of movement-building projects, actions, and events. Work shop participants will share their experiences with organizing at the local, national, and international level, discuss how an international socialist feminist work group could further their personal and political work, and brainstorm the processes that would get such a work group started and keep it going.

Where capitalism fails to meet the needs of people, spaces are created for activists to organize alternatives that fulfill needs by empowering individuals and communities. In New York City, activists have worked to create community centers, create community supported agriculture and have struggled to create a city that meets the needs of the poor and working class. Simultaneously, activists have localized national organizing against war and militarism in order to create a more peaceful society. Such political activities work to address the immediate needs of people, but also contain alternate world-views within them, thereby challenging the larger anti-ideological trend of Saul Alinsky influenced community organizing. This panel will bring together multiple generations of activists who have engaged in radical grassroots organizing in order to discuss how they have attempted to employ larger theoretical frameworks. Panelists will address questions such as, how does theory influence the type of organizing they do and the tactics they use? What are the advantages and limitations of working within a theoretical framework when doing community organizing?