Dear John,

Silicon Valley DSA denounces the police murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, Sean Monterrosa, and all who have died at the hands of police. The police function as a white supremacist gang that targets all people of color, and Black people specifically. We stand in solidarity with all communities fighting back against police terror.

This past week, we have seen both historic protests against police violence and massive retaliation that indiscriminately targeted peaceful demonstrators, legal observers, media, and medics. San Jose police deployed hundreds of heavily armored officers over the weekend, who repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas at a nonviolent crowd. San Jose's demonstrations were organized largely by young people of color, who put themselves on the line to fight injustice. We are humbled by their commitment and bravery.

We are at a critical moment in history. We must do everything we can to dismantle and replace a fundamentally racist system. Today at 4-6pm, join us for an organizing call to DEFUND THE POLICE. (If you are reading this after the call: the same link will be updated to our latest Defund The Police info & actions.)

We have a number of other ways for you to get involved below, including information on upcoming protests and ways to help out with our mutual aid projects.

In Solidarity,
Your SV DSA Newsletter Team 🌹

Take action now!

Protest for justice

As a chapter, SV DSA voted to participate in mass demonstrations in support of justice for George Floyd and for other purposes of racial, social, and economic justice. You can see what protests are taking place in your area by checking our protest tracker. Unless noted specifically, these protests are not organized by DSA. Before you go, review our protest safety tips.

Bail fund

We're working with the San Francisco National Lawyers Guild to provide support for people in Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area who are arrested as part of crackdowns on demonstrations.

Since launching on Friday, May 30, our Bail Fund has paid out about $45,000 to ensure folks who were arrested can get released on bail. We thank everyone who contributed for their generosity. Check out our tracker for the latest numbers.

If you need legal support related to these issues, please call the San Francisco National Lawyers Guild at 1-415-909-4NLG (4654). If you are arrested and in custody, please call 415-285-1011. (Pro tip: Write it on your arm in a sharpie if you think you may be arrested.)

Help with mutual aid

Many people are still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 and shelter in place orders. Silicon Valley DSA is a member of South Bay Mutual Aid, a coalition of students, workers, and community members organizing mutual aid in the South Bay. We’ve been doing grocery runs for people in need throughout the lockdown, making masks, and providing important supplies to the Unhoused Response Group, including important hygienic products for unhoused women. We also need help flyering to spread the word about the services we offer. If you’d like to get involved, please check out SBMA.

Organize your workplace with our Labor WG

Have you ever wondered about what labor unions are or how they work? The SV-DSA Labor Working Group is hosting a series of worker trainings for anyone interested in learning about unions and building worker power. Our first training will be focused on an introduction to unions and how to have an organizing conversation with your comrades. All members and comrades are encouraged to join whether they are currently members of unions or just interested in learning more. Please fill out this google form if you would like to join the Union 101 Organizer Training.

Chat with an SV DSA organizer

Are you new to activism and not sure where to start or how to get more involved? We get that -- we were all newbies once, too. If you’d like to chat with someone one-on-one, we’ve got plenty of members willing to answer any questions you have and give you more information on our current projects and needs. Fill out this form to get connected.