From East Bay DSA <[email protected]>
Subject Newsletter: It was never going to be easy
Date March 15, 2020 10:22 PM
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How can we call this a civilized society when the children or parents of the rich get the medical attention they need in order to stay alive, while members of working-class families, who lack health insurance, have to die or needlessly suffer or go hopelessly into debt to get the care they need? This is an outrageous injustice and it cannot be rationally defended.

--Bernie Sanders

Announcement from the Steering Committee
Statement about COVID-19

East Bay DSA takes the public health and safety of our community seriously. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) to be a global pandemic, and medical professionals are suggesting that it is crucial to flatten the curve ([link removed]) to prevent our already-vulnerable medical infrastructure from being overwhelmed. Although we are not doctors, we do have some info from health authorities that suggests we should be taking precautions.

In light of all of this:


* We are closing the East Bay DSA office this week and next, and will consider re-opening on a week-by-week basis. We must be diligent about cleaning and sanitizing the space in the wake of COVID-19.
* All office phonebanking and activity will now happen remotely.
* Committee chairs and event organizers will either postpone, cancel or host meetings and events via video call. If you are planning on attending an event and have not heard any updates, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

We recommending the following:


* If you’ve been in contact with the virus and attended an East Bay DSA event within the last 2 weeks, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Coronavirus) to inform our leadership, please include the date and name of the meeting you attended.
* Please take all precautions as you move throughout your daily life - practice social distancing and stay 6’ away from each other, wash and/or sanitize your hands frequently, do not touch your face, stay inside if you have had a fever in the last 10 days.
* If you are in a population determined to be at higher risk (over the age of 60 or immuno-compromised), please take extra precautions.

We also recognize that this pandemic and following global economic upheaval will have a devastating impact on the international working class and particularly the most marginalized amongst us. This is a health crisis accelerated by decades of neo-liberalism, and xenophobic policies. With many occupations and sectors of the economy shutting down and no safety net, universal child care or health care; no restrictions on evictions or rent increases, and public transit at risk, we must organize to protect the working class in what will probably be a historical economic and social disaster. We will send an update about actions you can take ASAP.

The ([link removed]) National Political Committee ([link removed]) has released a statement ([link removed]) , which is in support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, including federal funding for free coronavirus testing for all and paid emergency leave and Medicare for All. The statement also includes organizing recommendations for chapter members, and support for 3 additional demands:


1. An emergency moratorium on evictions and on utility shut-offs until the crisis abates.
2. Phasing out domestic oil production and introducing aggressive Green New Deal legislation to create millions of green union jobs instead of bailing out big oil.
3. A nationwide end to cash bail and a moratorium on deportations.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Coronavirus) .

Comrades,

Does the spread of coronavirus have you feeling on edge? Do you despair at the shambling husk of Joe Biden’s presidential campaign as it stumbles out to an early delegate lead? Have you come to the conclusion that there is simply too much news, and you would like there not to be any more at this time? Take heart! You are not alone, and it is not too late, and the power to win the world that we deserve is in your hands. The early victories in the primary were exquisite, but they obscured a crucial fact that is now all too clear: none of this was ever going to be easy. The ruling class and the Democratic party establishment was never going to give in without a fight. That fight is now upon us, and it’s up to all of us to make sure we win.

In the coming two weeks, we’re taking the fight to the ruling classes by holding phonebanks for Bernie at the East Bay DSA office every single day. We’re continuing to work through issues of racism, imperialism, and the violence of borders with our No One Is Illegal reading group. We’re organizing with our comrades in the Racial Solidarity, Labor, Social Housing, and Steering Committees. And we’re gathering to watch Bernie take on Joe Biden in a one-on-one debate for the first time ever.

Your humble Steering Committee will pay close attention to guidance from public health officials, and if any of these events need to be canceled or rescheduled, you’ll be the first to know. But until then: let’s get to work.


Featured Events
Most upcoming chapter events are not cancelled but moved online! You can stay involved in East Bay DSA and protect our community through social distancing. RSVP to events on the list below stay updated. You can also keep track on our Events page ([link removed]) .


** PHONEBANK FOR BERNIE!
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Every day! see calendar | weekdays 2–8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Remote, see below for details

Super Tuesday is over, but East Bay DSA is still making calls to get out the vote for Bernie! Pitch in to help create a movement for democratic socialism and help Bernie get the Democratic nomination!

No experience necessary - making calls is easy, and we will train you before you start. This is a great event for anyone brand new to political events or campaigns, if you've never knocked doors before, or if you're a seasoned organizer!

See our guide for first time phonebankers ([link removed])

To participate, please visit bit.ly/EBDSAPB ([link removed]) to start the virtual phonebank. You will need a camera and microphone on your computer, as well as a phone or headset to make the calls. Instructions will be provided once you join the virtual phonebank!


** Bernie vs. Biden Debate Watch Party

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Tonight! March 15 | 5–7 p.m.
Streaming online!

National DSA is streaming THE debate of our lifetimes!

Our very own Meagan Day and Marianela D'Aprile will provide commentary and context as Bernie Sanders makes clear that we need transformative change to overcome our current public health crisis in this Sunday's Democratic Debate.

🚨RSVP HERE ** [link removed] ** to be provided with the link and more information for this public stream as it becomes available.


** RACIAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE MEETING

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Monday, March 16 | 7–9 p.m.
contact [email protected] for location information ♿️

Join the Racial Solidarity Committee for our monthly meeting!

The Racial Solidarity Committee (RSC) is dedicated to fighting for the rights of BIPOC communities here in the Bay Area as well as around the world. We are committed to building a multiracial democratic socialist organization that reflects the diversity of the Bay Area working class. Our work ranges from immigration justice and open borders to workers' rights and access to fully-funded public education. In our general meetings, we hold political discussions and report on upcoming RSC campaigns and events. Join us and become a part of the fight for Racial Solidarity!

Racial Solidarity Committee is open to all, and we especially welcome self-identified BIPOC folx. BIPOC facilitators take progressive stack, and we maintain community agreements.

Please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for information on how to (virtually) attend.

RSVP ([link removed])


** SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING

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Wednesday, March 18 | 7–9 p.m.
Check back at eastbaydsa.org/events/ ([link removed]) for information on how to attend


Our Social Housing Committee meets on the third Wednesday each month. The first half of the meeting is dedicated to learning together about social housing and about the broader housing justice movement. The second part of the meeting we discuss campaigns and working group updates. All are welcome!

RSVP ([link removed])


** Intro to Democratic socialism
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Saturday, March 21 | 1–3 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom! (stay tuned to eastbaydsa.org/events/ ([link removed]) for details on how to join)

Bernie Sanders is a Democratic Socialist candidate for president raising the expectations of millions of people across the United States, calling for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, universal rent control, and more. But what is democratic socialism?

Let's talk about it.

If you're a new DSA member or just curious about democratic socialism, come out to Democratic Socialism 101 and find out how to get involved in DSA's fight for democratic control of the things that matter on the job and in your community and the things we all need to lead a dignified life.

RSVP ([link removed])


** Socialist Quarantine School: Shock Doctrine & Covid-19

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Tuesday, March 24 | 7–9 p.m.
Online—TBD

The capitalist class never lets a good crisis go to waste, and the rapid spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by the new coronavirus) is no exception. How will corporations use this crisis to further privatize our society? How will the right wing take the rapid spread of disease as an impetus to further marginalize racial minorities? How can the left resist these efforts and offer an alternative for a rational society based in democracy?

To discuss these questions and more join East Bay DSA's Socialist Night School (by Zoom conference call) on Tuesday, March 24. Thanks to the wonders of our Silicon Valley overlords, Zoom will allow us to break out into small groups and give everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts and experience.

READINGS AND ZOOM LINK TBA

RSVP on Facebook ([link removed])
Upcoming Events


** LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING

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Sunday, March 29 | 6–8 p.m.

Online. Stay tuned to eastbaydsa.org/events/ ([link removed]) for more information on how to join.

Please join the East Bay DSA Labor Committee for our regular monthly meeting. It's open to all DSA members who are interested in getting involved in labor work with their comrades! Learn more about how to get involved in the committee, our ongoing projects, and upcoming solidarity actions!

If you'd like to submit an item for the agenda, please email [email protected].

RSVP ([link removed])


Not a Member Yet? Let's Fix That.
DSA now has 60,000 members nationally, and we're still growing. There's never been a better time to get involved than right now! Join our national organization by clicking below and become an official socialist organizer.

Join DSA ([link removed])

Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out the Caucus Corner of our website ([link removed]) to learn more about the activities of East Bay DSA caucuses and how to participate.

There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.

-- Vladimir Lenin



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