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Hey Comrades!
We’re midway through the month and have made meaningful progress on our initiatives. Many of us have been out canvassing for our voter registration committee and for our endorsed candidates, Mandie Landry and Lauren Jewitt. Others joined us at the Brake Light Clinic this past Saturday, and the Political Education fall meetings are in full swing! As if that doesn’t make us seem busy enough, we’re also making great strides on the Make Entergy Pay campaign, among others. Learn about all of these initiatives and more by attending our general meeting this Saturday, 9/23!
Also, make sure you're registered to vote! The October 14th election is right around the corner, so check your registration and get registered before the September 23rd online deadline. Registering online is the only way to register on time for October (in-person/by mail registration deadline has already passed).
Check your voter registration status here: bit.ly/504VOTECHECK
Register or change your voter registration information here: bit.ly/VOTE504
On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, with NOPD officers present, killed 18 year-old Calvin "Trey" Cains III. Over 3 months later, JPSO still has not released the body-worn camera footage. The details of this incident paint a horrific picture of police violence against a young Black man in front of his own mother.
We encourage everyone to read the reporting by The Lens, share the article, and like and share The Lens' Instagram and Twitter posts on this story. Two eyewitnesses refute JPSO's purported justification for killing Cains. The Lens has posted video clips of interviews with eyewitnesses and loved ones on their Instagram. Watch the clips here.
In sharing the story and posts, we urge you to (1) call for the immediate public release of any and all officer body-worn camera footage, (2) request that NOPD explain their involvement in this killing, and (3) demand a full and comprehensive federal investigation into JPSO - JPSO has a lengthy and well-documented history of racism, brutality and cover-ups.
Thursday, Sept 21st @ 7pm | Poli Ed Working Group Meeting
The Poli Ed Working Group is starting a new series of readings for this Fall/Winter and will be meeting on the 3rd Thursday of each month. We kick off on Sept. 21 with a socialist classic that you may have read, but one that's definitely worth re-reading: Marx and Engles' The Communist Manifesto (1848). That session will also talk about the short article "Ur-Fascism" by Umberto Eco. This is a hybrid meeting, in person at Parish Hall (2533 Columbus St) and over Zoom.
Saturday, Sept 23rd @ 12pm | Monthly General Meeting
Join our monthly chapter-wide meeting, where we’ll hear updates on organizing efforts, and take up formal business and make collective decisions about the political work we are doing. These meetings are open to all. Join us at Nora Navra Library (1902 St. Bernard Ave) or online here! Aren’t a member? You can sign up to join us here!
Sunday, Sept 24th @ 6pm | Emma Goldman Gathering @ Holy Ground
Come talk politics with us at the Holy Ground Irish Pub and test out how well you believe the things that you think you believe. Reading books is all well and good, but you have to practice pulling it out of your head and putting it into your own words. Beer can sometimes help that process.
Monday, Sept 25th, 2023 at 7pm | Membership Admin Group Meeting @ Zoom
Come work on developing the membership and administration infrastructure of the New Orleans DSA chapter. Join online via Zoom here!
Wednesday, Sept 27th at 5-6pm | Health Justice and Direct Service Meeting
Join the Health Justice and Direct Service Committees as we plan upcoming Brake Light Clinic + Health Fairs. This is a hybrid meeting, in person at Parish Hall (2533 Columbus St) and over Zoom. Register for the meeting here!
ALSO Wednesday, Sept 27th at 7-8pm | Municipal Action Committee Meeting
It's voter guide time! Join us to prepare the next edition of our voter guide, discuss local and state political affairs, and build power in our city! Join via our Zoom link here!
Sunday, October 1st @ 6pm | Emma Goldman Gathering @ Holy Ground
Come talk politics with us at the Holy Ground Irish Pub and test out how well you believe the things that you think you believe. Reading books is all well and good, but you have to practice pulling it out of your head and putting it into your own words. Beer can sometimes help that process.
Monday, October 2nd @ 6pm | Local Council Meeting
Monthly meeting of the Local Council, our chapter's elected leadership body. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. If you have questions, or want to submit agenda items for consideration by the Local Council, please email [email protected]. Join via Zoom here.
Volunteering for the Mandie Landry and Lauren Jewett Campaigns!
We’ve endorsed two great candidates, so now it's time to show up for them. There are multiple ways to support Mandie and Lauren, either by canvassing, setting up a yard sign, or just sending an encouraging text. Learn more at Mandie’s website and Lauren’s website!
AID FOR MAUI -- Wildfire Relief Funds
The island of Maui has been decimated by the deadliest wildfire in the US in more than a century, with the historic and sacred town of Lahaina reduced to ruins, plunging many thousands of people into homelessness and leaching toxins into the Hawaiian environment. At least 115 people passed from the fires and countless homes and businesses were destroyed. Many thousands of residents have registered for federal assistance, but most recovery work is being done by community organizations.
The Hawai'i Community Foundation is organizing a Maui Strong Fund which is providing resources to a variety of organizations focused on rapid response and recovery. You can read more and donate here. You can also donate directly to Hawaiian union members here. New Orleans DSA stands in solidarity with the people of Hawai'i in this devastating and traumatizing time and in their fight against climate gentrification.
SOLIDARITY WITH #StopCopCity ORGANIZERS IN ATLANTA
The people of Atlanta are uniting for a ballot referendum campaign to stop Cop City and to demand investment in healthcare, education, housing, green space, and public transit for all Atlantans. Whether you live in Atlanta, or anywhere in the country, you can join the movement and get involved to Stop Cop City. Sign up here.
The Atlanta Community Press Collective tirelessly live-tweeted 15 hours of public comment -- check out their thread here.
SOUTHERN SOLIDARITY IN NEW ORLEANS - Call for Volunteers and Donations
Our comrades with Southern Solidarity would greatly appreciate donations and more volunteers to support their work this Summer! Southern Solidarity is a grassroots, community-based group of volunteers in solidarity with the unhoused in their quest toward liberation. They organize the delivery of food, medical resources and basic needs directly to the unhoused in the downtown area of New Orleans because our government has not filled this need. Donate to help them get more supplies to distribute. Reach out to volunteer for food prep and delivery.
We hope to see you soon!
Love and Solidarity,
DSA New Orleans Local Council
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