Mike Foster
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I’m pleased to announce one of the sessions at the ‘After the Revolution: Life in a Socialist World’ Summer School, being held on 6th – 8th August at Fircroft College in Birmingham.
Paddy Shannon will speak on ‘Socialist Decision Making And The Rule Of 3’:
For a hundred years and for a dozen practical reasons, the World Socialist Movement has favoured delegate democracy as the decision-making model most likely to be adopted in a future socialist society. But that was before modern online communications made direct democracy a real possibility. But though attractive in theory, it sounds like chaos in practice. Who would get to vote on what, and on whose say-so? Would people end up in so many meetings and votes every day that nothing ever got done in reality, the ‘death-by-democracy’ scenario predicted by some opponents of socialism? One can envisage a mountain of rules and exceptions the size of Everest in order to make such a system workable, especially if practised across the globe. But actually the entire thing might be managed by the application of just three rules a small child could understand, backed by the same ethical principle that applies across every other sphere of socialist life: from each according to ability, to each according to need.Further sessions will be announced soon! The event will also include an exhibition, exclusive publication and bookstall. Hopefully, the weekend will be able to run without any restrictions due to the pandemic, but this will depend on the situation at the time. Details of how to make a booking can be found here: http://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/summer-school-2021/ Please note that the closing date for bookings will be 20th July, or earlier if all places are filled. If you have any questions, please email spgbschool [at] yahoo.co.uk
Sounds interesting! I’ll tune in and probably write about the programme for the next Proper Gander piece.
All this is being discussed again on the Libcom forum: https://libcom.org/forums/organise/spgb-2019-conference-patriarchy-feminism-10022019
Just in case anyone doesn’t already know, Summer School is now being held on Discord – in just one week’s time! More details, including how to sign up, can be found here: https://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/summer-school-2020/
The sessions for this year’s ‘Technology’ Summer School on Discord have now been confirmed, and more details can be found here: https://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/summer-school-2020/
With those terms from the 1920s, ‘Commonwealth’ would be fine if it hadn’t been twisted round to mean a relic of the British Empire. And the word ‘republic’ doesn’t go far enough – you can have capitalist republics.
I’ve got a soft spot for the term ‘anarcho-socialism’ to differentiate our stance from others who use the word ‘socialism’, as it emphasises our rejection of the state. I think there was a Conference decision a while back agreeing that we don’t have a problem with the term. Some might find it confusing, though if we used it alongside ‘socialism’, as we would have to unless we became the ASPGB!
I’m sorry to say that Summer School won’t be able to go ahead now. Fircroft College have had to cancel the booking, which is unfortunate but understandable given the current situation. Thanks go to those who had helped out, and at some point I’ll start thinking about Summer School 2021!
The EC has agreed the following: “That Conference 2020 be postponed due to the Covid-19 epidemic and if possible merged with ADM 2020”. (Shannon / Browne)
5-0-0 (for: Browne, Cohen, Foster, Hart, Shannon, Shodeke)
The EC has voted to postpone Conference in order to minimise risks to members in light of the Covid-19 epidemic. Although the timing of Conference is set by rule 20, it is hoped that members will understand that the situation has necessitated this decision, and a quick response. The practicalities of merging Conference with ADM will be looked into in due course, and suggestions of how this could be organised are welcomed. In the meantime, branches and individuals are encouraged to maintain online activity wherever possible, and also to check on members who may be more vulnerable. If any branches, committees or individuals require any additional assistance or guidance, especially if the Covid-19 epidemic impacts on how the party functions, then email spgb@worldsocialism.org.
Access to Head Office in light of the situation is being discussed, and a decision about this will be made shortly. Summer School may not be able to take place, but no definite decision has yet been made.Mike Foster, on behalf of the ECBookings are now open for Summer School, and more details can be found here: https://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/summer-school-2020/ Details of the sessions will be announced over the next few months.
The Socialist Party’s Summer School on Technology is to be held over the long weekend 7th – 9th August at Fircroft College in Birmingham. The event will look at technological progress and its application in the past, present and future. Talks will be announced over the coming months.
<p class=”yiv5864204741ydp3fe33764yiv2300308599ydpce81083dMsoNormal”>From the development of the first tools and the wheel through to the invention of the printing press, the steam engine, the microprocessor and beyond, technology has always shaped how we live. Scientific developments take place in the context of the social and economic conditions of the time. In capitalism, technological progress and how technology is used are driven by what is profitable and cost effective more than by what is really needed and wanted. This means that technology is often used in ways which go against our best interests, whether through environmental damage, the development of ever-more destructive weapons or the misuse of data gathered online and through social media. In a future socialist society based on common ownership and democratic organisation of industries and services, technology could really be used to benefit us, in harmony with the environment.</p>
<p class=”yiv5864204741ydp3fe33764yiv2300308599ydpce81083dMsoNormal”>Full residential cost (including accommodation and meals Friday evening to Sunday afternoon) is £100, and the concessionary rate is £50. Day visitors are welcome, but please book in advance.</p>
<p class=”yiv5864204741ydp3fe33764yiv2300308599ydpce81083dMsoNormal”>E-mail enquiries should be sent to spgbschool@yahoo.co.uk. To book a place online, go to spgb.net/summer-school-2020 or send a cheque (payable to the Socialist Party of Great Britain) with your contact details to Summer School, The Socialist Party, 52 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UN.</p>
