This is obviously a very difficult time for the world, and for political organizing. Just as all of us have been quickly adjusting to the new normal of daily life under social distancing given the current COVID-19 virus public health emergency, we will now be holding meetings online.
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THE DSA IS GROWING FAST DURING THE CORONA PANDEMIC
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“There’s the sense that [this situation] is unacceptable and immoral, and that feeling is really pushing people into the meticulous work of organizing,” says Julia Shannon, who sits on the steering committee for the Los Angeles DSA; her chapter gained 300 members in April, its largest month of growth ever. “We have to try to work toward harnessing that momentum and energy to create structures that work for the majority of people."
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VOTE NOW: ON WHETHER OR NOT TO ESTABLISH AN EASTSIDE + SAN GABRIEL VALLEY BRANCH
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As was discussed at the chapters branch meetings this past Saturday, the DSA-LA Steering Committee has received a petition from over 50 members in good standing to form an Eastside / SGV branch of DSA Los Angeles.
As discussed at the branch meetings, branches serve the purpose of hosting "branched" chapter meetings that are more accessible to different parts of the vast Los Angeles County. However, regional branches are intended to be more than just more-accessible spaces, but also to serve the purpose of distributing the practical, day-to-day organizing work from individual centralized meetings and towards distributed work rooted in our neighborhoods and communities. For more information about this resolution, and to read or submit statements for or against the proposal, click here.
All members (including members living outside of the proposed boundaries) should have received an email from SurveyMonkey with a link to the ballot to vote on this question, with the subject line “Vote Now”. If you have not received a ballot, please check your spam folder, and then email [email protected].
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The LGBTQ+ Caucus is open to all queer-identifying members of the Chapter and meets on the first Wednesday of every month. We are currently preparing a Pride action for Sunday, June 14 and are meeting weekly to plan for it. Our next planning zoom will be this Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm. Please reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to be added to our email list.
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STREETWATCH FUNDRAISER +
STIMULUS SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN
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- Streetwatch has on ongoing fundraiser to buy crucial supplies for our unhoused comrades such as handwashing stations, hygiene and harm reduction supplies, tents, and food. Consider donating if you can.
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- The undocumented community and many mixed-status households will not be receiving any financial support from our federal government. Our Stimulus Solidarity Campaign is an ongoing to help our immigrant neighbors who were excluded from receiving current stimulus checks.
If you know of anyone in need of financial assistance and did not qualify for a stimulus check, please share this request for funding form.
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Thursday, May 19, 2020 at 7pm to 9pm
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For this Mutual Aid Book Club series, we're discussing Rebecca Solnit's A Paradise Build In Hell. At this event, we're talking about Part I, on The San Francisco Earthquake. Discussion will be pretty informal, and folks of all levels of involvement are encouraged to join!
Zoom connection information will be emailed to folks who RSVP on the day of the event. Please try to RSVP early to make sure we don't miss you!
Unfortunately, physical copies of the book are sold out nearly everywhere. In the short term, we recommend supporting the author by purchasing an ebook. However, if you are not financially able to do this, please reach out to [email protected].
Note that going forward, The Mutual Aid Book Club will be meeting every first and third Tuesday of the month.
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Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 11am to 1pm
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Are you new or newly returning to DSA? To Los Angeles? To the Left? Then join us for DSA 101!
At this orientation, we'll talk about what capitalism is, how it functions, and why socialism is ideologically opposed to it. Participants will also learn about the history of our organization and our chapter in particular, the current projects we're working on, and how you can get involved. This is not a lecture, but a meeting for new and veteran organizers. We're excited to chat with you!
Pre-registration for this event is required. Click here to RSVP! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the information on how to join this meeting.
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Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 2pm to 4pm
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In late 1970s Britain, the fascist National Front was winning elections, marching through the streets, and attempting to invade the country's burgeoning punk scene. In response, socialists united with artists, musicians, and members of Britain's Black and Asian communities to form two important movements: the Anti-Nazi League and Rock Against Racism. Together, these groups fought to kick the racists out of the UK's politics and culture. Today, Rock Against Racism is seen as a watershed moment in British popular music.
This is the first of a two-part discussion, in which we will discuss and examine the political and cultural landscape of Britain in the 1970s, the British left, and the beginnings of RAR. We will be reading the introduction and first three chapters of the short book Beating Time: Rock & Roll & Race & Riot.
Part 2 of this meeting will take place on Saturday, June 6th at 2 PM. You can RSVP here.
The Zoom details will be sent out on the day of the meeting. Please remember to check your spam folder.
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