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I will be presenting four colored flyers as didactic (not ideological) tools to be used by people to communicate and understand common theories, concepts, and strategies. I will do a 40-minute presentation about the specific flyers and how they can be used, but I will also touch on the importance of learning tools in general and why they are integral in revolutionary practices.

Broadsides that may be included:

Introduction to: Especifismo - a current of social anarchism - developed in a Latin American context - advocating for libertarian socialism - aiming to bring about a social revolution - promoting popular movements in order to transform society - using a specific anarchist organization to foster revolutionary politics Notice: ESPECIFISMO OPPOSES ALL FORMS OF OPPRESSION AND EXPLOITATION! --- OPPOSING IDEOLOGIES: capitalism, statism, authoritarianism, dogmatism, sexism, racism, nationalism, colonialism, individualism, vanguardism, focalism, and electoralism --- What is a specific anarchist organization? 1. It is a political group that militantly supports popular movements. 2. It is made up of militants with a shared theory and ideology. 3. It is an active minority commited to a common strategy. 4. It is a tool to help create and maintain revolutionary movements. --- IMPORTANT: THE POLITICAL LEVEL IS NOT THE SOCIAL LEVEL Mass movements are the only force capable of bringing about revolutionary transformation in society. The social level is influenced by a variety of political forces. Especifismo is about unifying anarchist militants into a collective political organization. The specific anarchist organization is a method of collaborating with others to defend a political line, on the social level. REMEMBER: SOCIAL REVOLUTION WILL REQUIRE THE LIBERATING POLITICS OF UNIFIED MILITANTS. Introduction to: Libertarian Socialism WHAT IS IT? A. Socialism without the State - An egalitarian society of self-managers - Eliminating the privileges of the upper classes B. Collectivized Property - Workers and consumers making decisions themselves - Meeting everyone's needs - Ending capitalist exploitation --- WHY IS IT SO ABSTRACT AND THEORETICAL? We have to imagine the future we want because capitalistm can't be allowed to have a monopoly on the imaginary! Remember: Our longest-term objectives inform our most immediate actions. --- WHAT ABOUT MODERN TECHNOLOGY? - Must be used to improve society, the environment, and the quality of life - Should benefit workers, consumers, and those in need - Can reduce the number of hours people have to work without compromising society's production and distribution needs --- KEY POINTS 1. Libertarian Socialism is democratic and anti-authoritarian. 2. It is not utopian or idealistic. 3. It is the end of capitalism, but it is not the harmonious end of all conflict and domination. 4. It is a long-term objective for the construction of a future society.
Strategy for Political Militants Methods of Struggle 1. Inside (elections, lobbying, etc.) 2. With (negotiations, convincing, reform, etc.) 3. Against (confrontation, sabotage, etc.) 4. Outside (experimentation, creativity, prefiguration, etc.) Objectives of Struggle A. For (more) control of power B. For a (bigger) piece of power C. For a reduction in power D. For an alternative power. Duration of Struggle i. Short-term (immediate) ii. Medium-term (intermediate) iii. Long-term (future) Engaging in the Struggle - Allied Support - Struggling inside and with the system and those in power, for short-term or medium-term gains; not struggling for alternative power in the future, requires coalitions with bureaucrats and political parties - Solidarity - Struggling against power and the system, for short-term gains determined by necessity; struggling for either immediate control of power or an intermediate reduction in power; requires a lot of effort, commitment, and energy - Militancy - Struggling outside of the system, for an alternative power, particularly in the future; struggling for long-term change in society; not struggling for the most immediate needss; not struggling for medium-term benefits; no compromising --- Conclusions: - Democrats confused the methods of struggle and their limitations. - Individualists are either against power in general or have unethical objectives of struggle. - Political parties mistakenly assume that a short-tem victory will develop into a long-term transformation. - Revolutionaries must develop theory that allows them to dynamically manage all of these components, while not being distracted by less strategic tactics. Radical Political Critiques TACTICAL "I don't agree with this action and how it is being carried out." - not enough unity - not a clear objective - insufficient instructions - insufficient support - authoritative leadership - individualistic participants --- STRATEGIC "I don't agree with the direction this is going." - no common goal - isolated actions - insufficient time for reflection and discussion - too dependent on the vision of leaders - not considering consequences --- REVOLUTIONARY "I don't agree that this will help to bring about revolution." - no threat to power - no power building - no long-term vision - only superficial change - insufficiently committed participation - unengaged populace/community --- IDEOLOGICAL "I don't agree with the principles behind what is happening." - not egalitarian - oppressive, abusive, exploitative, or dominating - authoritarian (against freedom) - representative (faux democracy) - in favor of capital and/or the State --- THEORETICAL "I don't agree with the connections that are being made between the different parts." - ignoring a dominated class - overlooking a dominating class - forgetting the present situation - omitting certain goals, values, plans, etc. - drawing dubious conclusions - discounting the whole - oversimplifying