Report: Ecosocialist Summer Camp 2022
Earlier this month RISE held our inaugural Ecosocialist Summer Camp in the Glendalough International Hostel, bringing those on the Irish and international left together for a weekend of ecosocialist debate, open discussion, and exploring nature. There was a wide range of socialist and environmental activists in attendance - with members of RISE, PBP, the Reform and Revolution caucus of the DSA, the German group Lernen im Kampf, and those new to the left involved. This article intends to summarise the events of the weekend - outlining how we ran things, what we discussed, and what lessons we learned.
The camp got underway with ‘A World in Crisis’ - a stark plenary discussion from Paul Murphy, Jess Spear, and Philip Locker from Reform and Revolution. This session sought to explain and link the crises we have been facing so far this year - finding the lines of continuity between the current wave of inflation, the continuing war in Ukraine, and the climate crisis. The contributions and debate inspired by this session set the tone for the weekend, with the questions of where we were, where things are headed, and what must be done being a constant presence over the three days.
Saturday morning brought about our first set of workshops - casual sessions in which speakers and audience members focused in on certain questions and topics facing the left. Jess Spear hosted ‘Women and Nature’ - a session discussing the importance of ecofeminism, the role of patriarchy under capitalism, and what kind of feminism is necessary to oppose the capitalist destruction of life. Rupture Radio host Diarmuid Flood lead 'Stopping the Far-right in Ireland in 2022', outlining the causes behind the far-right's growth in Ireland and showing how Irish socialists can stop it. Finally, Philip Locker hosted 'Strike Back!', using his experience in the Democratic Socialists of America to report on the wave of industrial action being taken across the United States and to discuss what we can do to build working class power in Ireland.
As the temperature soared, we continued on to our second round of sessions. Co-editor of Transgender Marxism Elle O'Rourke joined us for 'The fight for Trans Liberation today' - with the author outlining the causes behind the recent rise in transphobic attacks and what is necessary for trans liberation. Brian O'Cathail hosted 'How does the economy work?', a workshop providing an introductory glance at Marx's critiques of capitalism. And finally, Devin Quinn hosted ‘Ecosocialism 101’, covering the basics of ecosocialism.
Saturday came to a close with another plenary session, in which Paul Murphy and John Molyneux engaged in comradely debate over the question of degrowth. This is a debate that started and will end in Rupture - with Paul and Jess Spear collaborating on 'The necessity of ecosocialist degrowth’ in Issue 7 of the magazine, and John Molyneux set to contribute a response in Issue 8.
Our final day started with another two workshops - one practical and one theoretical. Cian Prendiville hosted 'Skills for building PBP', a workshop outlining what is necessary in order to build strong branches of People Before Profit nationwide. Ciarán Mac Aodha Bhuí hosted 'Colonisation & the Irish language', a workshop based around his upcoming article for Rupture about the links between imperialism and language, the history of the Irish language, and why socialists should support radical attempts at revival.
The final set of workshops covered an equally broad set of topics. Marxist philosopher and Professor Emeritus of DCU Helena Sheehan hosted 'Marxism & the Philosophy of Science' - a workshop discussing the dialectics of nature. Cian Prendiville joined us for 'This is a marathon, not a sprint' - a session covering how socialists can avoid burnout and remain active in the fight against capitalism. And finally, RISE member Rasha lead 'Fighting sexism & racism in our organisations', an important workshop in which attendees openly discussed what can be done to combat racist and sexist tendencies as we build the broader socialist movement.
We put a close to the camp with a final plenary session, with Diana O'Dwyer of RISE and Lorna Bogue of An Rabharta Glas outlining different visions on how ecosocialism could be built. Throughout this session both speakers engaged in friendly and comradely debate over the need for a mass left party, the role played by mass protest, and the relevance of building united fronts.
While the weekend may be over, the conversations it inspired will continue on in Rupture Magazine, Rupture Radio, and within People Before Profit. If you're interested in attending our next Summer Camp, or in fighting for an ecosocialist alternative, get in touch with us! Only through building a mass ecosocialist fightback can we counter the interlocking crises of capitalism.