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Tempest Collective (TC)

Website:

tempestmag.org/
Type:

Activist Group
Formation:

2020

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Tempest Collective (TC) is a radical-leaning activist group based in the United States. 1 It claims to be dedicated to “revolutionary socialism from below” as well as “overthrowing capitalism…confronting and dismantling the capitalist state, its prisons, policing, borders, and military.” 2 On an online post, they claim, “It’s time we talk about smashing the state.”  2 3

TC claims to advocate these goals through public advocacy and organizing meetings of like-minded individuals and organizations. It also publishes essays, opinion pieces, 4 podcasts, 1 and social media posts. 5 6 7

TC hosts annual Conventions it claims bring together like-minded activists and organizations, while participating in the annual Socialism Conference in Chicago. 8 9

History

Tempest Collective was formed in 2020 by former members of the International Socialist Organization (ISO). 10 ISO previously disbanded in 2019 following sexual assault accusations between members. The ISO’s online publication, Socialist Worker, shut down following ISO’s disbanding. 11 12

Structure

Tempest Collective (TC) describes itself as a “revolutionary socialist collective.” 3 It is run by a “membership collective” that meets monthly. Members of TC are also part of similar socialist organizations including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). TC’s internal structure consists of a rotating editorial board, a finances committee, an organizing committee that plans monthly discussions, and an event planning committee. TC further claims its revenue comes solely from donations and membership dues. 13 14

According to the group’s website, there is no mention of leadership positions nor the overall size of the group. In addition, the website claims the group hosts an annual convention, with the February 2024 meeting comprising of activists from similar organizations including Solidarity and the Fourth International. 15 16 8 3

Ideology

Tempest Collective (TC) claims that it is dedicated to “revolutionary socialism from below” as well as “overthrowing capitalism…confronting and dismantling the capitalist state, its prisons, policing, borders, and military.” 2 On an online post, they claim, “It’s time we talk about smashing the state.”  2 3

On its website, TC claims to be made from, “antiracists and abolitionist” and that part of their, “project of revolutionary socialism aims to build a world based on sexual and gender freedom and self-determination.” 17

The group also claims they are “internationalists” and that they are on “the side of ordinary people in their quest for democracy and self-determination and liberation against authoritarian rule.” 17

TC also advocates for the creation of a new “independent working class membership party” claiming that the Democrat Party, “cannot be reformed or realigned.” 17 It claims that such a party can be built within the United States through, “heightened working class self-activity and struggle that raises expectations…[and] go hand in hand with the growth of all wings of the movement, including a revolutionary one.” 17

Policy Positions

According to its website, Tempest Collective (TC) advocate in favor of open borders, “full abolition of the cops, the courts, the prisons, and the capitalist state,” full equality for LGBTQ+ causes, “full equality and liberation for disabled people,” “anti-racist rebellion,” and strengthening “working class solidarity internationally.” 17

References

  1. Apple Podcasts. “Tempest Magazine.” Accessed October 3, 2024. https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/tempest-magazine/id1624300866
  2. Tempest. “Yes, We Do Mean Smash the State.” Tempest (blog), April 15, 2023. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://tempestmag.org/2023/04/yes-we-do-mean-smash-the-state/
  3. Tempest. “Home,” September 21, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://tempestmag.org/
  4. Tempest. “Articles,” October 2, 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024.  https://tempestmag.org/recent/
  5. “Instagram.” Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/tempest_mag/
  6. “Facebook.” Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftempestmag
  7. “YouTube.” Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnAdW0B1904
  8. Tylim, Kirstin Roberts and Natalia. “Weathering the Storm.” Tempest (blog), March 19, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://tempestmag.org/2024/03/weathering-the-storm/
  9. Socialism 2024. “Virtual Program • Socialism 2024.” Accessed October 4, 2024. https://socialismconference.org/
  10. Elbaum, Max. “Profiles in Political Cowardice: Tempest and the National Leadership of DSA.” ZNet (blog), September 10, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://znetwork.org/znetarticle/profiles-in-political-cowardice-tempest-and-the-national-leadership-of-dsa/
  11. SocialistWorker.org. “The ISO’s Vote to Dissolve and What Comes next.” Accessed October 4, 2024. http://socialistworker.org/2019/04/02/the-isos-vote-to-dissolve-and-what-comes-next
  12. “ISO – International Socialist Organization,” October 9, 2019. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20191009074537/https://www.internationalsocialist.org/
  13. Tempest. “About.” Accessed October 4, 2024. https://tempestmag.org/about/
  14. “Donate to Tempest Magazine.” Accessed October 4, 2024. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SMYP637JV88GQ
  15. Fourth International. “Home.” Accessed October 4, 2024.  https://fourth.international/en/166
  16. “Barbara Smith | Mount Holyoke College.” Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.mtholyoke.edu/directory/alum/barbara-smith
  17. Tempest. “Our Politics.” Accessed October 4, 2024. https://tempestmag.org/about/our-politics/
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