Introduction

The speaker welcomes the audience to the first event of the History on the Edge festival and thanks everyone involved in organizing it.

• The festival will consist of around 12 events throughout June.

• The speaker thanks colleagues and supporters who helped organize the festival.

• Special thanks are given to Helen Yaffi, the first speaker at the event.

Speaker Introduction

The speaker introduces Helen Yaffi, a lecturer of economic and social history at the University of Glasgow.

• Yaffi has spent time researching in Cuba and has published several books on Cuban development and activism.

• Yaffi recently produced a documentary film about Cuba's response to climate change.

Lecture: Democracy and Participation in Revolutionary Cuba

Yaffi discusses democracy, participation, power, human rights, freedom, and how they relate to Cuba's political system. She also explains how Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power functions and talks about national debates and consultations as aspects of participation.

• Yaffi discusses concepts such as class, privilege, workers' state, racism, discrimination, gender equality, women's rights, and sexual diversity in relation to Cuba.

• Throughout her lecture she summarizes where things stand currently in each area she covers.

Investigating Democracy and Human Rights

In this section, the speaker discusses the different interpretations of democracy and its relationship with participation and freedom. The section also explores the philosophical questions surrounding human rights and freedom.

Different Forms of Democracy

• Democracy has at least 550 adjectives used to qualify it.

• Examples of these adjectives include delegative, participatory, representative, popular, workers', social, deficient, illiberal, organic, direct, two-party, multi-party proportional representation.

• Clarification is needed when discussing democracy as it is often used synonymously with participation and freedom.

• Two distinct forms of participation are indirect participation (voting for someone to represent you) and direct participation (self-representation of community or sexual groups).

Philosophical Questions Surrounding Human Rights

• Freedom can be interpreted in two ways: freedom from necessity (having your needs met including education healthcare housing and sustenance), which was the basis for proposing state welfare in Britain; and freedom of choice associated with liberal economics (the right to pursue self-interest).

• The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights recognizes economic social and cultural rights as well as civil rights and political liberties without prioritizing either set morally or legally.

• The choice of rights that a system prioritizes is determined by which are compatible with their economic system.

Relationship Between Politics and Democracy

• Cuba prioritizes economic social and cultural rights while liberal capitalist countries highlight civil rights and political liberties.

• Power is sustained by elites who have privilege.

Linking Democracy and Economic Relations

The speaker discusses the link between economic relations and democracy, highlighting how the definition of democracy is often limited to a multi-party electoral system that excludes socialist systems.

Defining Democracy

• Economic and social rights are often excluded from the definition of democracy, implicitly excluding socialist systems.

• The US legislation promoting regime change in Cuba requires the introduction of a market system and multi-party elections, conflating parliamentary liberalism with democracy.

• Those who view multi-party capitalism as synonymous with democracy may conclude that Cuba is not democratic because it lacks this system.

Participatory Democracy

• The speaker introduces participatory democracy as an alternative to the limited definition of democracy based on a multi-party electoral system.

Cubanology Paradigm

The speaker discusses the Cubanology paradigm, which was established in the 1970s to present negative information about Cuban developments and undermine official sources.

Objectives of Cubanology Paradigm

• The Cubanology paradigm had two main objectives:

• To provide information for planning future programs to combat the Cuban revolution.

• To present negative information about Cuban developments to undermine official sources.

Key Tenets of Cubanology Paradigm

• The key tenets within this paradigm include:

• Presenting the revolution of 1959 as a rupture in Cuban history.

• Fidel Castro and subsequent leaders being synonymous with the revolution and personally dominating domestic developments and foreign policy decisions.

• Arguing that anyone in a Cuban institution is a mouthpiece of the dictatorship and lacks critical capacities.

Overview of Cuba's Political System

In this section, the speaker provides an overview of Cuba's political system and its historical context.

Historical Context

• The Cuban Revolution had three important wars of independence.

• The Platt Amendment gave the United States the right to intervene militarily and politically in Cuba whenever they choose.

• Political institutions in Cuba are shaped by the Platt Amendment and U.S. direct and indirect intervention.

Political System

• Cuba has a tumultuous history with repeated interventions from the United States.

• They have known periods of dictatorship, including Batista's regime, which was overthrown by Fidel Castro's revolution.

• Political parties abandoned all these periods, and there is no democracy or civil society in Cuba.

Cuban Electoral System

This section discusses the evolution of the Cuban electoral system and its key features.

Introduction to Revolutionary State

• The new revolutionary state re-institutes the constitution of 1940 but does not reintroduce multi-party elections until 1976.

• Forms of representation, mobilization, and democracy are set up through popular councils organizations of the masses.

Organs of People's Power

• The organs of people's power have three levels: municipal, provincial, and national.

• Non-party elections are held in a one-party state.

• Delegates are elected individuals who are not paid and do not hold professional positions.

• Delegates must render accounts at least every six months to their own constituents.

• Voting age is 16 plus at lower levels and 18 plus at national assembly.

Evolution of Cuban Political System

• The Cuban political system has evolved over six decades with a new constitution approved by national referendum in 2019 that eliminated one level and introduced the prime minister again for the first time.

Individuals Stand in Elections

• Individuals stand in elections and cannot nominate themselves. They have to be nominated by their peers.

• Individuals are elected first at street level then from the street level up into the municipal assembly delegates.

• Delegates continue in their existing jobs with their existing pay except for an administrative committee that organizes everything.

Electioneering

• Candidates use an A4 sheet with the same size photo which lists all of the organizations they're a member of and promote themselves on the basis of what they have done for their community or country.

Cuban Political System

This section provides an overview of the Cuban political system, including the different levels of government and how representatives are elected.

Levels of Government

• The Cuban political system has several levels of government, including municipal assemblies, provincial assemblies, and the national assembly.

• Elections are held every five years for each level of government.

• The national assembly is the highest decision-making body in Cuba and meets twice a year.

Representative Elections

• Representatives are elected from neighborhood elections to municipal assemblies, then to provincial assemblies, and finally to the national assembly.

• Half of the delegates in the national assembly come from nominating assemblies made up of workers, trade unions, youth representatives, women's organizations, students, and farmers.

• The other half come from neighborhood elections.

• Fidel Castro and Raul Castro were part of this process and were elected into the National Assembly.

Council of Ministers

• The National Assembly elects a council of state which elects a council of ministers.

• The council of ministers is like a government or cabinet that does not have to be from within the national assembly.

Decision Making Powers

This section discusses the political system of Cuba and how it differs from other countries. It also talks about the decision-making powers of the President of Cuba.

Political System in Cuba

• The President of Cuba is not as powerful as people think.

• There are polarized interpretations of whether Cuba is a dictatorship or grassroots democracy.

Organizations in Cuba

• There are organizations of the masses that were founded before 1959, such as the Federation of University Students in Cuba and the Cuban Trade Union Confederation.

• New organizations were set up after 1959, such as the Union of Young Communists and Committees for Defense of the Revolution.

• Millions of Cubans are part of these organizations.

People's Councils

• New People's Councils were introduced in 1991 during a difficult period in Cuban history.

• People's Councils are made up of municipal delegates, representatives from mass organizations, women students, small farmers, trade unions, and state enterprises.

• They coordinate with each other to advocate for local issues.

Relationship between Government and People

• The relationship between government and people through their organizations is extremely permeable.

• Cuban socialism has survived with the backing of the majority without relying on repression.

The Leadership Dominance and Authority of Fidel and Raul Castro

This section discusses the leadership style of Fidel and Raul Castro in Cuba, their discourse of moral authority, and the ability of Miguel Diaz Canal to hold the system together.

The Need for Moral Authority

• Fidel and Raul Castro's leadership style in Cuba is characterized by a discourse of moral authority.

• Miguel Diaz Canal, the new president who was born after the revolution, needs to have moral authority to hold the system together.

• Hal Klipak points out that neither the revolutionary armed forces nor important police resources were ever needed in an internal security role to quell civil unrest.

Mobilizing People to Action

• The projects initiated by the Castros were dependent on their ability to get the population behind them.

• Fidel Castro's speeches were famous for being long but gave people knowledge, perspective, context, and urged them into action.

• In response to appalling conditions after the collapse of Soviet bloc GDP fell 35 percent. A protest broke out in Havana which was dealt with by farmers on trucks who came in on their own accord.

• Raul Castro did not give long speeches like his brother but engaged with people through national debates and consultations under his period as president.

National Debates and Consultations

• There was a massive series of national debates and consultations under Raul's presidency where people evaluated critiqued amending policy changes and proposed reforms through representative channels public forums through national consultations and referenda.

• Engagement by the population in the post-Soviet era was especially important.

National Consultation in Cuba

In this section, the speaker talks about how the Cuban government launched a national consultation to hear what people think. The trade unions organized discussions and after six months, the message was "no taxation." The consultations continued over ten years, with different sectors discussing various topics.

Launch of National Consultation

• The Cuban government suspended the assembly and launched a national consultation to hear what people think.

• Trade unions organized discussions during this time.

• After six months, the message was "no taxation."

Continuation of Consultations

• There were six major national consultations in ten years, with other ones in different sectors.

• For example, in 2011, there was a three-month national debate on the Cuban Communist Party's document called "The Draft Guidelines of the Economic and Social Policy of the Party and Revolution."

• Three million opinions were anonymously registered during these debates.

• As a consequence of these debates, 68 of the draft guidelines were changed.

National Debates on New Family Code in Cuba

In this section, the speaker talks about how Cuba is having national debates on a new family code. This code is extremely progressive and aims to legalize same-sex marriage. However, there is opposition from some groups such as evangelical churches.

Introduction to New Family Code

• Cuba is having national debates on a new family code that aims to legalize same-sex marriage.

• The new family code is extremely progressive.

• There is opposition from some groups such as evangelical churches.

Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

• They tried to introduce legalizing same-sex marriage with their new constitution.

• Families are broad and diverse, and marriage is between two people instead of a man and a woman.

• They want to pass the family code to win the cultural and ideological battle to get the population to recognize these rights.

Statistics from Pre-Revolution Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses statistics from pre-revolution Cuba. The statistics are taken from various reports, including a report by the Catholic Association and two business reports.

Land Ownership in Rural Cuba

• Only 3% of rural Cubans owned land.

• Sugar owners largely owned the land, many of whom were from the United States.

Living Conditions in Pre-Revolution Cuba

• 75% of all dwellings were wooden huts.

• Only 2% had running water and 9% had electricity.

• Many people lacked access to basic necessities such as healthcare and education.

Challenges Faced by the Revolution

In this section, the speaker discusses some of the challenges faced by the revolution when it took over. These challenges included infrastructural issues and a lack of resources.

Infrastructural Challenges

• The revolution aimed to provide free education and healthcare but needed to build roads and get electricity to rural areas first.

• This was difficult due to poor infrastructure left behind by Batista's regime.

Lack of Resources

• Half a million people were employed during sugar harvest season, but there was little work available during other times of the year.

• Average annual income was only $91, with high levels of illiteracy and infant mortality rates.

Post-Revolution Government

In this section, the speaker discusses how power shifted after the revolution. The first government after the revolution was made up of liberal bourgeois politicians who soon left due to their lack of power compared to Fidel Castro's rebel army.

Shift in Power

• The first government after the revolution was made up of liberal bourgeois politicians who soon left due to their lack of power compared to Fidel Castro's rebel army.

• Many wealthy individuals left Cuba, taking their expertise with them.

Suppression of Capitalist Interests

• Capitalist class interests were suppressed and pro-capitalist parties were not permitted.

Revolutionary Integration

This section discusses the three revolutionary armed movements that are part of the Cuban revolution. It also talks about the dismantling of the Cuban Communist Party and how it became the party of the United Socialist Revolution.

Three Revolutionary Armed Movements

• There are three revolutionary armed movements that are part of the Cuban revolution.

• The three movements include Fidel Castro's, a student one, and the Cuban Communist Party.

• Supporters claim that these movements are in line with Jose Marti's tradition of national independence.

Dismantling of Cuban Communist Party

• The Cuban Communist Party was dismantled due to sectarianism and people associated with the old communist party trying to get their people in power.

• In 1976, Cuba became a socialist state organized for all and for good as a united democratic republic.

Workers State?

This section discusses whether Cuba is a workers' state or not. It also talks about membership in the Cuban Communist Party and how it differs from other socialist countries.

Is Cuba a Workers' State?

• There is a separation between the government as an administrative apparatus and the Cuban Communist Party which is seen as an ideological motor.

• The economy is organized to meet the needs of everyone, removing financial barriers to access education, health, housing, art culture sport so these things are either free or highly subsidized.

Membership in CCP

• Membership in the Cuban Communist Party is strict and hard to become a member.

• The CCP is set up so that only the most hard-working and committed are members.

Obstacles

This section discusses economic liberalization in Cuba, which leads to differential access to wealth, consumption, and growth of inequality.

Economic Liberalization

• Economic liberalization that Cuba has had to undergo particularly from the 1990s to survive the special period leads to differential access to wealth which leads to differential access to consumption and a growth of inequality.

Cuban Society and Challenges

In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by Cuban society, including race and class inequalities, institutional racism in the United States towards black Cubans, and resource scarcity.

Race and Class Inequalities

• Black Cubans who migrate to the United States face institutional racism.

• Legalizing the dollar in Cuba led to emerging inequalities as those receiving remittances enjoyed privileges that others did not have.

• The educational level of parents continues to have a tremendous influence on their children's outcomes even after the revolution.

Resource Scarcity

• Keeping people engaged when resources are scarce is a big challenge for Cuba.

• People elected to represent their community may face challenges when demands cannot be met due to budget constraints.

Racism and Discrimination

• Cuba has multiple racial categories with legal and social consequences.

• Slavery was not abolished in Cuba until 1886, with one million Africans forcefully taken as slaves.

• Racism and discrimination were rife and institutionalized during the period of semi-colonization by the United States.

Resistance, Racism, and Discrimination in Cuba

This section discusses the forms of resistance celebrated by the Cuban Constitution of 1976. It also explores race and discrimination post-1959, including the absence of a separate organization for black people and the persistence of individual prejudice. The section concludes with a discussion on economic liberalization and remittances exacerbating historically rooted racial and class inequalities.

Forms of Resistance Celebrated by the Cuban Constitution

• Indigenous resistance to Spanish colonialism

• Slaves and black African resistance to slavery

• Celebration of Indians who preferred extermination to submission

• Celebration of slaves who rebelled against their masters

• Celebration of those who awoke national consciousness for an independent homeland and liberty

Race and Discrimination Post-1959

• No separate organization was set up for black people due to the concept of "qubanidad"

• Non-white population benefits relatively more from state investment and welfare democratization

• Institutional racism is eliminated but individual prejudice persists

• Economic liberalization and remittances exacerbate historically rooted racial and class inequalities

Gender Equality Pre-revolution

• Women had limited access to education, employment opportunities, healthcare, etc.

• Abortion was illegal

• There were an estimated hundred thousand prostitutes in Havana

Federation of Cuban Women

• Vilma Espin was one of the leading revolutionary women in the movement 26 July guerrilla fighter

• She set up the Federation of Cuban Women in 1960 which has three million members today

Family Code

• Criminalizes discrimination

• Makes it necessary to have shared responsibility for domestic work political work careers revolutionary work

Women in Cuba

This section discusses the role of women in Cuba, both historically and currently.

Historical Role of Women

• Women faced a double burden of work and domestic duty, leading to a rise in prostitution.

• Social workers played a key role in rejuvenating the revolution, with 72% being women.

• Education revolution allowed women to access education and training opportunities.

• Universities were opened in every municipality, allowing people to be carers and get degrees.

Current Role of Women

• Women represent 68% of university graduates, 81% of medical students, and 66% of the labor force.

• However, traditional domestic gender division remains and women face the double burden of work and domestic duty.

• Homosexuality was illegal pre-revolution. Post-revolution it was associated with prostitution and imperialism.

• Commission set up in 1975 to look at homosexuality question. Decriminalization occurred in 1979.

Cuban Response to HIV/AIDS

• In response to HIV/AIDS outbreak, Cuba quarantined those diagnosed into sanatoriums.

Cuba's Political System and Social Progress

This transcript discusses the evolution of Cuba's political system and social progress, including the country's response to discrimination against LGBT+ individuals.

Revolution Against Batista Dictatorship

• The 1950s saw a revolutionary movement against the Batista dictatorship, which was propped up by the United States.

• After 1959, political agitation and mobilization continued through constant massive rallies and organizations of the masses.

Institutionalization of People's Power

• In 1976, Cuba institutionalized its national system of people's power with three levels of representation.

• The Cuban political system is not a party or multi-party system but has one party. Non-party elections are held, delegates are not paid, and accountability is required.

Social Progress for LGBT+ Individuals

• The National Center for Sex Education in Cuba has become world-leading in combating discrimination against LGBT+ individuals.

• Fidel Castro publicly opposed any form of repression or discrimination against homosexuals in a 1992 interview.

• Semi-sex began focusing on transgender rights from 2008 onwards. Transgender individuals have access to free gender alignment surgery.

• A transgender woman was elected to a municipal assembly in 2012, and same-sex marriage was legalized by the National Assembly (although it has yet to be formalized).

Expansion Process

• The Cuban political system is undergoing an expansion process that includes revitalizing participation among youth and increasing decentralization of budgets and decision-making to municipalities.

• This expansion process is linked to the Tarea Vida task, which is Cuba's state plan to combat climate change.

Thank You and Questions

The speaker thanks the audience for attending the lecture and invites questions from the audience, particularly about Cuba.

Questions About Cuba

• The speaker is asked about their thoughts on the recent protests in Cuba and how social media has impacted developments there.

• The questioner asks for a brief overview of the Cuban economic model.

Context and Impact of US Sanctions on Cuba

The speaker discusses the impact of US sanctions on Cuba, particularly during the Trump administration.

• The Trump administration increased sanctions against Cuba to unprecedented levels, causing devastating impacts on daily life.

• In May 2019, the Trump administration announced fines for any shipping company taking oil or other goods to Cuba, exacerbating an already bad situation.

• COVID-19 further impacted tourism in Cuba, which is a major source of income for the country. GDP plummeted by 13% within just over a year.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes their discussion of US sanctions on Cuba and their impact.

• Despite facing significant challenges due to US sanctions and COVID-19, Cubans have an incredible history of responding to disasters and disease outbreaks.

Electricity Blackouts and Social Media

In this section, the speaker discusses how electricity blackouts in Cuba have led to social discontent and protests. The US blockade has made it difficult for Cuba to access spare parts for their generators or specific fuel. Additionally, the speaker talks about how social media played a role in the protests.

Electricity Blackouts

• Electricity blackouts in Cuba have put a massive strain on their electricity supply.

• The 11th of July protests happened first in San Antonio de los Banos due to an electricity blackout caused by a lack of spare parts or specific fuel for generators.

• The economic situation is terrible with fines against European banks before Obama approached them.

• A month before the protest, there was an economic and political update on the situation in Cuba that predicted explosions of social protest.

Social Media

• Due to COVID, workplaces, universities, and schools were closed which led people to turn to social media for information.

• The US Congress approves a budget of 20 million dollars every year for democracy promotion programs that go towards expanding internet access in Cuba.

• Twitter handle "SOS Cuba" was launched two days before the protests from Miami and retweeted five times per second using robots and troll farms.

The Impact of Social Media on Cuban Protests

In this section, the speaker discusses the impact of social media on the recent protests in Cuba.

Social Media and Media Manipulation

• The internet was cut off during the protests, but when it came back on, millions of Cubans were downloading VPNs to access social media.

• The portrayal of the protest by the media was manipulated. For example, an image from Egypt was shown with tens of thousands of people on a sea wall saying it was happening in Cuba.

• Pictures of children being shot were also circulated, but they were from other countries in Latin America.

Social Media's Role in Future Battles

• Social media will play a decisive role in future battles for democracy and freedom.

• A Cuban journalist believes that while some members of the old guard resist opening up to social media, it is necessary to raise consciousness and be part of that battle.

Impact on Cuban Government and Democratic System

In this section, the speaker discusses how recent events have impacted the Cuban government and democratic system.

Miguel Diaz Canal and Gerardo Hernandez

• Miguel Diaz Canal and Gerardo Hernandez were part of a group called "The Cuban Five" who infiltrated right-wing terrorist groups in Miami to prevent attacks against Cuba.

• They were arrested by US authorities but later released with rapprochement when Obama announced it. Now Hernandez is president of the Cuban street committees and mobilizing people every day.

Backlog of Socio-Economic Problems

• Recent events have highlighted the Cuban government's backlog of socio-economic problems to deal with, particularly in marginalized communities.

• The protests horrified ordinary Cubans, and some protesters attacked a children's hospital, which disgusted many people.

The Challenges of Cuba's Growing Consumerist Culture

In this section, the speaker discusses the challenges posed by Cuba's growing consumerist culture, particularly among young people. Social media has played a significant role in fueling this trend. Additionally, there has been a change in cultural communication and politics.

Impact of Social Media on Cuban Society

• Social media has contributed to the growth of consumerism in Cuba.

• There has been a change in cultural communication and politics due to social media.

• The way President's wife was treated on social media was highly insulting and hurtful to many people.

Challenges Faced by Cuba

• The battle lines have been drawn as Cubans confront these challenges.

• A new protest was called for November 25th but it didn't happen. Pro-government Cubans took the opportunity to have street parties instead.

• Cubans are prepared to fight back against any threat to socialism or the government.

Consciousness and Resilience: Key Factors for Cuban Socialism

In this section, the speaker talks about how consciousness is an essential factor for building socialism. They also discuss how resilience is a defining characteristic of Cuban society.

Importance of Consciousness in Building Socialism

• Orlando Borrego emphasized that consciousness is crucial for building socialism.

• Borrego cited examples of socialist countries that collapsed due to lack of consciousness.

Resilience as a Defining Characteristic of Cuban Society

• Despite facing numerous challenges, including COVID and an explosion at a new hotel, Cubans have shown remarkable resilience.

• May Day celebrations were a testament to the resilience of Cuban society.

Conclusion: Cuba's Rule Book on Resilience

In this section, the speaker concludes by emphasizing that Cubans have written the rule book on resilience.

Cuba's Rule Book on Resilience

• Despite facing numerous challenges, Cubans have shown remarkable resilience.

• The speaker concludes by stating that Cubans have written the rule book on resilience.

The Role of Marxism in Cuban Political Discourse

In this section, a question is asked about the role of Marxism in Cuban political discourse and whether one can be an independent Marxist or socialist in Cuba.

Integration of Basic Marxist Principles

• Basic Marxist principles are integrated into the Cuban education system.

• Primary school books for young children have values such as caring for others and the world, which are associated with being like Che Guevara.

• There are courses on Marxism and socialism available.

Independent Marxists in Cuba

• People in Cuba have varying levels of interest in Marxism, socialism, and revolution.

• Membership to the Communist Party is restricted and limited.

• It is possible to be an independent Marxist or socialist in Cuba.

Lectures on Cuba in the United States

This section discusses whether the speaker has given similar lectures on Cuba in the United States.

Virtual Tour of North America

• The speaker has done a virtual tour of North America but not specifically lectured on Cuban political history.

• Regardless of topic, questions about democracy and politics always arise during lectures.

Understanding Socialism in Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses the differences between socialism in Cuba and other socialist countries like Poland. She also talks about the restrictions on travel to Cuba and how it differs from other socialist countries.

Differences Between Cuban Socialism and Other Socialist Countries

• The experience of socialism in Eastern Europe or the Soviet Union is different from that of Cuba.

• Under socialism in Poland, people had to ask for permission for their passport to travel abroad.

• Traveling to Cuba was restricted, but it was not as controlled as other socialist countries.

Role of Communist Party in Political System

• The speaker is not an expert on the Cuban Communist Party but can answer some questions.

• Elections are competitive without material incentives.

• The number of members of government who are communist party members is low, but they try to maintain a meritocracy system.

• Members of the communist party are likely to be put into leadership positions if they are committed and hardworking. There have been campaigns against corruption within the communist party.

Conclusion

This section concludes the talk by summarizing what has been discussed so far.

Summary

• The experience of socialism in Eastern Europe or the Soviet Union is different from that of Cuba.

• Traveling to Cuba was restricted, but it was not as controlled as other socialist countries.

• Elections are competitive without material incentives.

• Members of the communist party are likely to be put into leadership positions if they are committed and hardworking.

The Role of Organizations in Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses the various organizations that exist in Cuba and their functions.

Membership in Organizations

• Members can belong to multiple organizations such as women's federations, trade unions, street committees, and the Communist Party.

• There is no evidence that the Communist Party controls these organizations.

• The government aims to keep administration and politics separate to prevent bias.

Research on Cuban Organizations

In this section, the speaker recommends further research on Cuban organizations.

Further Reading

• The speaker recommends reading work by Jesus Garcia Brigos and other English language texts for more information.

• However, researching membership statistics can be time-consuming.

Sustaining Mobilization in Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses how mobilization has been sustained in Cuba over time.

Snapshot of Current Situation

• Due to COVID restrictions lifting since early 2022 and a high vaccination rate with a domestic vaccine, mobilization has increased again.

• Recent May Day celebrations were massive all over the country.

History of Mobilization

• Street committees were initially set up for surveillance purposes but have evolved into organizing events such as street parties and debates.

• Women's federations are very active with 85% of adult women being members.

Changing Values in Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses how values have changed in Cuba over time.

Current Situation

• The current situation is uncharacteristic due to COVID restrictions.

• However, the Cuban vaccine has been effective in preventing fatalities from Omicron.

History of Values

• Street committees were initially set up for surveillance purposes due to terrorism being carried out.

• Women's federations have remained active and dynamic over time.

Not specified

This section is not relevant to the topic of the video.

The Revolution's Capacity to Reinvent Itself

The speaker discusses the capacity of the revolution to reinvent and rejuvenate itself. They mention a picture that shows how the vanguard changes over time.

The Role of Social Workers

• After an economic crisis in the 1990s, there was a layer of young people who were outside work and employment.

• These young people started investigating prisons and found that a tiny percent had parents who went to universities, while more were black.

• They then investigated the neighborhoods these prisoners came from with university students and identified families with broken fridges leading to malnutrition.

• This coincided with Elian Gonzalez's case where he was taken by his mother on a faulty boat, which collapsed, killing his mother. He was claimed by Cuban-Americans but ultimately returned to his father in Cuba.

The Battle of Ideas

• A socio-economic investigation was launched into conditions in every home.

• Families with broken fridges were identified as having malnutrition.

• The battle of ideas resulted in 700 social programs being created for thousands of enrolled young people. Women outside work and employment were given protagonistic roles in this new epoch called "the battle of ideas."

The Role of Young People in Cuba

In this section, the speaker discusses the role of young people in Cuba and how they are working within their own communities to address social issues.

Young People's Role in Cuba

• Young people in Cuba are not playing a role of social workers as we think of them in Britain. Instead, they work within their own communities and neighborhoods to identify needs and resources to meet them.

• It is unclear who is currently playing the antagonistic role that social workers play in Britain. Some young people are disaffected due to limited opportunities for work or career advancement within Cuba.

• Despite these challenges, there are signs of solidarity and mobilization among young people. For example, after a hotel explosion, young people rushed to help dig through rubble with their bare hands. Similarly, after a tornado hit Havana in 2019, thousands of people queued up to donate blood.

• After Fidel Castro died in 2016, many young Cubans were moved by his passing and felt a responsibility to sustain the revolution.

Challenges Facing Young People

• The challenges facing young people in Cuba are not unique; they exist everywhere around the world. For example, there was a youth movement about the environment before COVID-19 hit.

• Finding ways to tackle these problems will require collective participatory responses from all members of Cuban society.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes the discussion and thanks everyone for participating.

Conclusion

• The speaker thanks everyone for participating and invites them to continue discussing over lunch on the ground floor of the institute.

• The second session will begin at 2 pm.