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Week of May 26, 2020 |
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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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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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EASTSIDE/SAN GABRIEL VALLEY RISING! |
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The steering committee of DSA-LA is proud to announce the formation of a new Eastside/San Gabriel Valley branch. The Eastside/SGV branch will join our existing Central, San Fernando Valley, and Westside branches. More about the Eastside/SGV branch and the politics and structure of our branches can be found on our blog. 455 members voted in favor of the new branch (out of 484 votes cast). We congratulate and thank the branch organizing committee that coordinated these efforts and welcome the many new members who have joined in support.
Now that our new branch is founded, we need to elect coordinators to oversee the branch management and growth. If you are interested in serving as coordinator, please complete this Google form by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020. The election will be held online the following week.
To qualify to serve as a branch coordinator, you must reside within the designated branch boundaries, and be a DSA member in good standing as of May 24, 2020. Branch coordinators are responsible for the health and growth of DSA membership within their geographic branches, holding and facilitating regular branch meetings in collaboration with the Steering Committee, and for ensuring that branch members are engaged in the regular work of the chapter. More details included in form. If you have further questions about the position or would like to learn more, e-mail [email protected]
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DSA AT THE DNC |
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Request a ballot by May 28th @ 5pm so you can choose which delegates represent you at the Democratic National convention. We want socialists to represent us and we need socialists to vote! |
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SAVE THE DATE: ANNUAL CONVENTION TO BE HELD ONLINE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 |
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Please save the date! This year’s annual chapter convention is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020. Pending an unforeseen circumstance, it will be held online.
Given the already corrosive effects of social distancing, this decision is regrettable, but it may be our only option and it is certainly the best choice for the safety and wellbeing of our members and comrades at this time. Between now and the convention, steering will work hard to make the online convention experience as accessible and productive as possible.
Despite our challenges, this year’s Annual Convention will be an opportunity for the Chapter to come together to reflect on the past year’s work, collectively refine our governing documents, and set priorities for the coming year. The DSA-LA Bylaws establish an Annual Convention as the highest legislative body of the Local. |
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STIMULUS SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN |
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You've helped us raise over $20k to help those excluded from the current stimulus funding from the federal government. Please consider contributing if you are in the financial position to do so to help our immigrant neighbors!
Don't have your check yet but want to support? Fill-out this commitment card. If you are not in a position to donate your entire stimulus check, smaller donations are more than welcome! Every donation helps.
Please spread the word and check out the campaign media toolkit to help share on social media and beyond. |
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CALL FOR TRANSLATORS IN DSA-LA! |
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CALENDAR |
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Check out our online calendar for full list of committee meetings and chapter events. |
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THE WORLD RUNS ON ESSENTIAL WORKERS FT. LIZA FEATHERSTONE |
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Friday, May 29, 2020 at 6pm to 8pm
Join the Political Education Committee for a panel discussion with workers on the front line in Los Angeles, moderated by Liza Featherstone.
As workers, we survive by selling our time and labor to the capitalist class. As socialists we know the relationship between labor and capital is an antagonistic, exploitative one—a feature laid ever barer during the COVID-19 pandemic while ‘essential workers’ are offered expensive military pageantry in place of hazard pay or adequate personal protective equipment.
In this educational event, we connect the experiences of waged workers organizing for dignity and safe conditions in hospitals, public schools, and grocery stores with all of the essential work required to continually reproduce the working class under capitalist social relations.
This educational event is open to all, and features a moderated discussion by Liza Featherstone and time for attendees to connect and discuss together how battles at the waged workplace can (and must) be connected to fights for decommodified public goods in a wider anti-systemic struggle that disrupts both production of commodities and the social processes that produce labor itself as a commodity. Brief educational resources listed here can be reviewed in 15 minutes, and are recommended but not required can can be viewed on the event page.
Pre-registration for this event is required. |
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ECOSOCIALISM OR GREED & BARABARISM |
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Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11am to 1:30pm
Join the Climate Justice and Political Education committees of DSA-LA for part 2 of a 2-part special event on the dire choice our planet must make: Ecosocialism, or Greed & Barbarism.
Part 2 offers a solution to this impending apocalypse in the form of Ecosocialism, connecting the future we need to build to the current COVID-19 crisis. Each class will include short presentations on the main topics, followed by longer, facilitated group discussions. Suggested readings for Part 2
Preregistration for this event is required. |
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THE POWER OF NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZING |
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Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 6pm to 7:30pm
Los Angeles has a rich history of people coming together on a super-local basis to fight for progress and to defend human rights. That inspiring energy has continued through to this present day, but is it enough to build lasting change? Join organizers from DSA-LA and member and City Council candidate Nithya Raman for an educational and motivating look at the power (and limits) of neighborhood organizing!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP ON FACEBOOKIf you don't have a Facebook account, a public link to view will be shared on all DSA social channels when the event starts. |
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Stay safe & see you next week! |
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