About Us

The Alexander Berkman Social Club is a group of anarchists who want to talk about what anarchism is, how anarchists see things and what anarchy could look like. Named after the editor of San Francisco’s mighty The Blast, we hope to have continual monthly meetings that are open to all. If you come you’ll get a membership card, the chance to win thousands of dollars (alright – the odd book or two) and hopefully something to think about and act on. You failed the audition for “So You Think You Can Dance,” and you just don’t seem with it. Don’t worry. The ABSC will have you. See you there!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Next Meeting: July 30, with Audrey Goodfriend

Happy Summer Friends!

Our next meeting will be July 30 and we will be returning to one of our favorite topics, anarchist newspapers.

Anarchism and Anarchist Newspapers with Audrey Goodfriend and Barry Pateman

Please join us as we continue our conversation about the past, present, and future of anarchist newspapers within the movement. This month we are lucky enough to be joined by Audrey Goodfriend, who will be talking about her involvement with The Why (1942-1947), and Barry Pateman, who will discuss his involvement in a number of short-lived anarchist papers.We look forward to seeing you at what is sure to be a stimulating and thought provoking evening!

As always, there will be snacks, raffles, and comradely good cheer!

Thursday July 30th, 7pm
ABSC Meeting Rooms
522 Valencia St., San Francisco
$5 (or $4 w/membership card)

Audrey Goodfriend was born in The Bronx, NY. Her parents were both anarchists and her father was the secretary of the local Ferrer-Rocker branch of the Workingmen’s Circle. Audrey was a member of a youth group for Jewish anarchist children. She first met Emma Goldman in 1934 and visited her in Toronto in 1939. In 1946 Audrey and her partner moved to California and in 1958, with four other families, they opened the Walden School in Berkeley. The school is still functioning today and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Audrey was interviewed by Paul Avrich for his book, Anarchist Voices.