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
(https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/what-flatten-curve-chart-shows-how-critical-it-everyone-fight-n1155636)
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
(https://www.dsausa.org/statements/now-is-the-time-for-solidarity-dsa-national-statement-on-covid-2019/)
National Political Committee
(https://www.dsausa.org/statements/now-is-the-time-for-solidarity-dsa-national-statement-on-covid-2019/)
has released a statement
(https://www.dsausa.org/statements/now-is-the-time-for-solidarity-dsa-national-statement-on-covid-2019/)
, 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
(http://eastbaydsa.org/events/) .
** PHONEBANK FOR
BERNIE!
------------------------------------------------------------
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
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/12c4YVw6PRy56QRisEltHQfyWodfEHDd3CTsu60lwak0/edit?ts=5e6aead3)
To participate, please visit bit.ly/EBDSAPB
(https://docs.google.com/document/d/12c4YVw6PRy56QRisEltHQfyWodfEHDd3CTsu60lwak0/edit?ts=5e6aead3)
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
------------------------------------------------------------
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 **
https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa-for-bernie-debate-live-stream **
to be provided with the link and more information for this public
stream as it becomes available.
** RACIAL SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
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
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/1097/2020-03-16-racial-solidarity-committee-monthly-meeting/)
** SOCIAL HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday,
March 18 | 7–9 p.m.
Check back at eastbaydsa.org/events/
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/) 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
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/926/2020-03-18-social-housing-committee-monthly-meeting/)
** Intro to Democratic
socialism
------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday,
March 21 | 1–3 p.m.
Virtually via Zoom! (stay tuned to
eastbaydsa.org/events/ (https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/) 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
(http://eastbaydsa.nationbuilder.com/intro_to_democratic_socialism)
** Socialist Quarantine School: Shock Doctrine &
Covid-19
------------------------------------------------------------
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
(https://www.facebook.com/events/206884617189925/)
Upcoming
Events
** LABOR COMMITTEE MEETING
------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
March 29 | 6–8 p.m.
Online. Stay tuned to eastbaydsa.org/events/
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/) 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
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/events/872/2020-03-29-labor-committee-meeting/)
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 (https://act.dsausa.org/donate/membership/)
Caucus Corner
Our caucuses organize events too! Check out the
Caucus Corner of our website
(https://www.eastbaydsa.org/about/caucuses/) 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