Comrades,

"Despair is not an option" - Bernie Sanders

We are in the midst of a pandemic in the most pivotal election season of our lifetimes. Not only should we feel hopeful and optimistic that we will perservere but that our message is needed now more than ever. It's imperative that we push for Medicare for All so that all people are guaranteed the right to health care and no one is afraid of the bill they might get by going to the doctor. It's imperative that we push for paid family leave so that people don't have to worry about missing their next rent payment because they can't go to work. It's imperative that we push for a national housing program so that all people have the safety and security of not losing their home. We have a lot of work to do and our voices are needed right now.

We also want to make sure we are taking the right precautions so that you feel safe and have the resources you need during this time. We have a few updates surrounding our next General Meeting and COVID-19:

• Our March 14th General Meeting will be conducted via video conference and will be shortened to 40 minutes
• You can use this link and when prompted use this passcode: 164 323 017
• Steering is putting together a chapter wide COVID-19 policy that will include best practices and tips for staying safe and healthy and will be releasing that document during our General Meeting on March 14th
• We will also discuss a Mutual Aid program during our General Meeting to come up with ideas on how we can work with the community and fellow DSA members that may need help
• We urge you to phone bank and text bank as much as you can! It's quick & easy to sign up for a shift and get started. Check out berniesanders.com/volunteer/ for more!

About COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• If you or a loved one feels like they might have symptoms Summa Health has free online screenings

Find more information on COVID-19 here.

We echo the demands laid out by Bernie Sanders earlier today, as he calls for state and national hotlines for residents to use for resources, information, and updates. We agree that this level of transparency must be relayed by scientists and health experts and not politicians. A vaccine, when developed, must be free, and that any medicine developed to help with the crisis must be sold at cost. The ICU and ventilator shortage must be addressed, and medical residents, retired medical staff, and other medical personnel should be mobilized, staffed with proper instruction and personal protective equipment, to ensure adequate staffing. We also agree with his call for emergency unemployment assistance at 100% of a worker’s income for ALL people, including those who work off tips, gig workers, domestic workers, and independent contractors. There must be emergency shelters erected, complete with healthcare and food, for the unhoused, domestic violence survivors, and college students.

In Solidarity,

Akron Democratic Socialists of America