Socialist Party National Organizing Conferences, which take place once every two years, provide a combination of workshops, panels, speakers, discussions, and theater to strengthen movements for socialist and radical politics in the United States and facilitate dialogue and education within them. This year’s Socialist Party National Organizing Conference provides an especially compelling list of workshops and events on a range of topics relating to both theory and activism.
July 11th -13th 2008
ICC Education Center
1522 Hill St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Although Not Visible from the Road, the ICC Education Center is Located Behind the Luther Cooperative House at: 1510 Hill St.
Directed by Michael Fox Kennedy with Jerry Levy as Karl Marx.
“Imagine all Karl Marx would have to say after one hundred years of just being able to watch…”
Saturday July 12th 2008
7:00PM-9:00PM
ICC Education Center
1522 Hill St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(Behind the Luther Cooperative House)
A People’s History of the United States,” Howard Zinn humanizes the man behind the ideas in “Marx In Soho;” casting a divergent light from the totalitarian movements his theories have often been associated with. Howard Zinn’s “Marx in Soho” portrays the return of Marx. Embedded in some secular afterlife where intellectuals, artists, and radicals are sent, Marx is given permission by the administrative committee to return to Soho London to have his say. But through a bureaucratic mix–up, he winds up in SOHO in New York. Responding to the fall of the Soviet Union and the conventional perception that Marx’s ideas are dead, Zinn resurrects this controversial historical figure, embraces democracy and passionately rejects the ideological rigidity of many of his followers with the phrase “I am not a Marxist.” Instead we come to know Marx as a complex character struggling to survive with his family as an impoverished immigrant in London. Marx returns to clear his name and tell us about his life with his wife, daughters, friends and enemies. In poignant , funny, and intimate narrative, Zinn convinces us not only that Marx is not dead but rather his critique of capitalism is more than relevant today.
Conference Suggested Minimum Donation: $25
No one will be turned away due to inability to pay
Click Here to Register for the Conference Online
Tentative Schedule:
Friday July 11th
Social Event/Radical Films
______________________
Saturday July 12th:
10-11:15 a.m.Workshops Session 1:
1. The Nuts and Bolts of SP and Coalition Organizing
2. Analyzing Capitalism Closely
3. Organizing for Healthcare
11:30AM – 1:30PM
Plenary -“Organizing for Socialism in an Election Year: Supporting Our Candidates, Building the Movement”
Plenary, moderated by Susan Dorazio (SP Women’s
Commission)
I. Opening remarks on electoral activity as an organizing tool– Susan Dorazio
II. Background on socialists and the ballot box — Eric Chester (historian, SP International Commission)
III. Major organizing issues of 2008, and how socialist candidates connect with them.
1. Brian Moore (SP candidate for U.S. President) on the anti-war movement as it can and should relate to socialist principles and platform (confirmed)
2. Courtney Campbell: Socialist Electoral Politics as an _expression_ of International Solidarity. Independent Socialist Electoral Action in the United States and Brazil.
III: Closing remarks on why independent socialist electoral action is important, what socialist campaigns can accomplish, and proposals for increasing the resources and visibility of socialist campaigns– Matt Erard (SPMI candidate for State Representative)
1:00PM – 2:30PM
Lunch
2:45-4:00 p.m.
Workshops Session 2:
1. Working with the Peace and Justice Movement
2. The Role of Ballot Access in Our Electoral Strategy
4:15-5:30 p.m.
Workshops Session 3:
1. Rescuing Lenin from the Leninists
2. Breaking Down Walls: A Look at Immigration Policy in the United States
7:00PM – 9:00PM
Marx in Soho. Howard Zinn’s award winning play, performed by Socialist Party Co-Chair Jerry Levy as Karl Marx. Fundraiser for the Socialist National Committee (Electoral Fund).
______________________
Sunday July 13th
10:00-11:15 a.m.
Workshop Section 4:
1. Marxism 101
2. Animal Rights
11:30 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.
Workshop Session 5:
1. LGBTQ liberation
2. The U.S. and World Economy
1:30-2:15 p.m.
Workshop Session 6:
1. How Open Source/Free Software Can Revolutionize our Socialist Organizing Efforts
2. Our Agenda, Not Their’s: Socialist Feminist Organizing in the Electoral ArenaSocialist Feminism
3. Electoral Alliances/Regroupment
Click: “Read More” for Workshop Descriptions, Transportation and Lodging informationWorkshop Descriptions:
“The Nuts and Bolts of SP and Coalition Organizing”
Facilitator: Greg Pason
This workshop will give concrete examples of ways to organize and maintain Socialist Party locals, state parties, and regional networks; and how to help members become more active and to stay connected to the national party’s organizational structure.
“Analyzing Capitalism Closely”
Facilitator: Kevin Kane
This workshop will focus on the economic issues and arguments against capitalism, and less on the human rights, democracy, justice, etc “sociopolitical” issues that are all too often thrown into the traditional socialist arguments. This is an attempt to explain the inner workings of our charge against capitalism, that are equitable to the Libertarians’ charges against the state, which are more theoretical, rational (though not to say ours are irrational), and harder to argue with. My goal is to explain socialism in a way that does that and better.
“Organizing for Health Care”
Facilitator: Kristin Schall
This workshop will be a presentation of the strategies and experiences of the New York City local to help build the Coalition Against Privatization. This coalition brings together a variety of trade union rank-and-file opposition and left-wing groups to take action against the proposed conversion of non-profit health care insurers GHI & HIP to for-profit status.
“Working with the Peace and Justice Movement”
Facilitator: Greg Pason
A panel of reps from SP locals who have joined/worked with existing local/state P & J organizations will talk about their experiences, followed by a group discussion on strategies for working within existing coalitions. The focus will be on how we can put forward socialist ideas and socialist electoral strategies in mainly “liberal” dominated coalitions.
“The Role of Ballot Access in our Electoral Strategy”
Facilitator: Brian Moore
Description coming soon
“How Open Source/Free Software Can Revolutionize Our Socialist Organizing Efforts”
Facilitator: Chris Fernandez
This workshop will explain how to use these programs and operating systems. Many red and green groups all over the world are promoting this, and countries that have moved to the Left like Venezuela, and others more in the social democracy range like Spain, have moved to its use in government, public administration, and public education.
“Rescuing Lenin From the Leninists”
Co-Facilitators: Marc Luzetti and Ted McTaggart
This topic concerns how the left, both Leninist and anti-Leninist, has completely misunderstood Lenin’s conception of party building, why, and what we can salvage from it.
“Breaking Down Walls: A Look at Immigration Policy in the United States”
Facilitator: Nicol Partida
This workshop will discuss the current US reactionary immigration policies riddled with bigotry and leading to disastrous results.
“Marxism 101”
Facilitator: Matt Erard
“This workshop will present an overview of the basic theoretical and economic concepts of the paradigm that has most influenced the history of socialist thought. The presentation will cover such core issues in Marxian philosophy and political economy as dialectics, materialism, class and the state, scientific socialism, alienation, ideological formation, the labor theory of value, capitalist economic crises, imperialism, socialist remuneration and stages, and the relevance of Marx’s predictions today.”
“Capitalism and the Exploitation of Animals”
Facilitator: Nicol Partida
In this workshop we will explore the ways in which capitalism violently objectifies and commodifies animals within US systems and the potential for socialism to rectify these issues.
“Our Agenda, Not Their’s: Socialist Feminist Organizing in the Electoral Arena”
Facilitator: Susan Dorazio
As socialist feminists, we have a unique analysis and program to bring to women’s rights/liberation issues. This is particularly important when it comes to our electoral activity, where it is so easy to get caught up in the politics of reformism. In this workshop we will define the scope of “electoral activity”; talk about our socialist feminist principles; review our Women’s Commission platform; and share ideas for ways to act on these principles and platform within the electoral sphere of our political work.
“LGBTQ Liberation”
Facilitator: Sara McClean
Description coming soon
“The US and the World Economy”
Facilitator: Peter Solenberger
This workshop will discuss the US economy as part of the world economy, and the economy today as a moment in the development of the world capitalist economy. It will discuss the implications for our political work of the current economic situation and probably and possible future economic developments. The workshop will include a presentation on the subject, and as much discussion as time allows.
“Electoral Alliances/Regroupment”
Facilitator: Eric Chester
The question of working more closely with other socialist organizations, perhaps even merging with them, has frequently been raised. This workshop will place this issue in an international perspective and then move to a free-flowing discussion
How do I get there?
By airplane
Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Driving directions from the airport to the NOC: Take I-94 W toward Chicago. Take Exit 177 (State St.). Turn a right onto State St. Turn right onto Hill St. The ICC Education Center will be on your right behind the Luther Cooperative House.
Total Distance: 24.3 miles.
Shuttle/Taxi services (some options)
AAA Airport Shuttle Express [link] 734–394–1665
AAA Ann Arbor/Detroit Metro Airport Shuttlewww.a2airportshuttle.com * 734-507–9220
Checker Sedan [link]
Metro Airport Taxi [link]
Michigan Flier [link]
More options will be posted soon
Free rides
Socialist Party members in the Ann Arbor area will provide transportation to and from the airport for as many conference participants as possible on Friday July 11th. If you’d like to request a ride from the airport, please email LAN_EMAIL_SUBS or call Matt Erard at (248) 765-1605.
By train
Amtrak
Driving directions from the AMTRAK station to the NOC: Start out going Southeast on Depot St. toward Carey St. Depot St. will become Fuller St. Turn right onto Glen Ave. Turn left onto E. Huron St. Turn right onto Hill St. The ICC Education Center will be on your left behind the Luther Cooperative House. Total Distance: 1.63 miles. Click Here for a map of the route from the Amtrak Station
By Bus
Greyhound
Driving directions from the Greyhound station to the NOC: Head East on Huron St. toward Main St. 2. Huron St. will become Washtenaw Ave. 3. Turn right on Hill St. The ICC Education Center will be on your left behind the Luther Cooperative House. Total Distance: 1.52 miles. Click here map of the route from the Greyhound Station
Lodging
Free housing
Currently there is floor and couch space at the Eugene V. Debs Cooperative House approximately three blocks from the conference location. Must bring blanket/sleeping bag & pillow) and limited space at local members’ homes. Contact Matt Erard for more info. E-Mail: LAN_EMAIL_SUBS Phone: (248) 765-1605
Some Nearby Hotels. Motels, and Bed and Breakfests
Vitosha Guest Haus. (0.4 miles from the Conference location) Room accommodating 4 people at $149/night.
Address: 1917 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Phone: (734) 741-4969.
Library Bed and Breakfast.(0.7 miles from the Conference location) Rooms accommodating 2-3 people
starting at $75/night. Address: 808 Mary St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 668-6815
Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast (1 mile from the Conference location) Address: 921 E Huron St Ann
Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 994-9100.
Bell Tower Hotel (1 mile from the Conference location) Rooms starting at $154/night. Address: 300 S. Thayer Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 769-2200.
Claire’s Guest House (1.3 miles from the Conference location). $89/night for rooms accommodating one person. $99/night for rooms accommodating two people. Address: 2100 Hall Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 996-0515
Lamp Post Inn (1.4 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at $49.95/night. Address: 2424 E. Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 971-8000.
Burnt Toast Inn (Bed and Breakfast) (1.4 miles from the Conference location) $100/night for rooms accommodating one or two people. Address: 415 W. William Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Phone: (734) 662-6685
Murray Hotel (1.4 miles from the Conference location). Call for rates. Address: 338 E. Ann St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (734) 222-0984
Eighth Street Trekkers Lounge (2.1 miles from the Conference location) Call for rates. Address: 120 8th St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 369-3107.
Victory Inn (2.5 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at $49.95/night. Address: 3750 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 971-2000
Davie’s House in Georgetown (2.5 miles from the Conference location). Call for rates. Address: 1355 King George Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone: (734) 973-1722.
Days Inn (3 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at: $59.99/night. Address: 2380 Carpenter Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (734) 971-0700
Baymont Inn (3 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at: $79/night. Address: 2376 Carpenter Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (877) 229-6668
Holiday Inn Express (3 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at $98/night. Address: 600 Briarwood Circle Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (877) 863-4780
Courtyard Marriott (3 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at: $129/night. Address: 3205 Boardwalk St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: (734) 995-5900
Fairfield Inn (3.1 miles from the Conference location) Rooms starting at: $99/night. Address: 3285
Boardwalk St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone: (734) 995- 5200.
Motel 6 (3.3 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at $44.95/night. Address: 3764 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (734) 665-2202
Red Roof Inn – University South (3.6 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at $56.99/night. Address: 3505 S. State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (734) 996-5707
Best Western Executive Plaza (3.6 miles from the Conference location). Rooms starting at: $79/night. Address: 2900 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Phone: (734) 665-4444
Transportation Between the Conference and Where You’re Staying
For those staying at locations not within walking distance of the conference location, nearly all lodging locations are accessible to and from the Conference location through run by the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority. The fare is $1.00. The city of Ann Arbor is known for having the most regular and reliable bus service in Michigan.
The bus stop closest to the conference location is Stop C – Washtenaw and S. University on Route #4 – Washtenaw. From that stop, go South down Washtenaw for one block and turn East on Hill St. The ICC Education Center is located behind the Luther Cooperative on Hill St. between Washtenaw Ave. and Lincoln Ave. A map for this brief walk from the bus stop can be found here
Stops on numerous other bus routes on The Ride will also put you within a very short walking-distance of the Conference location. You can check bus routes and schedules at: http://theride.org. You can also call the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority at: (734) 996-0400.
You can also take the University of Michigan bus system fare-free to the Conference location if the place you’re staying is accessible on its routes. You can check University of Michigan bus routes and schedules at: http://pts.umich.edu
Ann Arbor also has eight local taxi services:
A Cab 734-668-2222
Amazing Blue Taxi 734-846–0007
Ann Arbor Taxi, Inc. Ltd. 734-741–9000
Ann Arbor Taxi Service 734-214–9999
Ann Arbor’s Red Baron Taxi 734-277–3702
Blue Cab 734-547–2222,
Tree Town Transportation 734-213–1100
Veterans Cab 734-662–4477
Yellow Cab 734-663–3355.
The meter rate is $2.50 to start, $2.10/mile, and $35/hour for waiting time. After 11PM on weekdays and 7PM onweekends, Night Ride Taxi services is also available at a $5 flat rate for any distance in the city by calling: (734) 528.5432.